Sthambhan Parshwanath Mahatmya

This Jain text, titled "Shri Sthambhan Parshwanath Mahatmya," published by Vishvamangal Prakashan Mandir, is a devotional work dedicated to Lord Parshvanath, specifically the form known as Sthambhan Parshwanath. The book is presented as a collection of devotional hymns, historical accounts, and rituals.

Here's a breakdown of its content based on the provided pages:

• Title and Publisher: The book is "Shri Sthambhan Parshwanath Mahatmya" and "Shri Jayanti-hanu Stotra" along with other collections like "Shri Navsmaran," "Snan Puja," etc. It's published by Vishvamangal Prakashan Mandir.
• Dedication: The publication is made possible by the financial assistance of the sons of the late Bhikhubhai Averchand, in memory of their father for his spiritual merit.
• Introduction of Sthambhan Parshwanath: The text highlights Lord Parshvanath as a highly revered and exceptionally influential Tirthankar among the 24 Tirthankars. It specifically emphasizes the greatness and miraculous powers of Sthambhan Parshwanath. The "Jayanti-hanu Stotra" is mentioned as a well-known hymn in the Jain tradition that expands on the glory of Lord Sthambhan Parshwanath.
• Origin of the Idol: The text narrates that the idol of Sthambhan Parshwanath emerged from the bank of the Shedi river through the efforts and devotion of the composer of the stotra, Acharya Abhaydevsuri, and that the water from its bath (snan) cured ailments.
• Location and Significance: The Sthambhan Parshwanath Bhagwant is currently enshrined in a magnificent spire-topped temple in the heart of the Jain community in the Kharwada area of Khambhat (anciently known as Sthambhanpur). Khambhat itself is described as a significant pilgrimage site, adorned with numerous Jain temples, large pauṣadhshālas (places for religious observance), and rich libraries. The temple of Sthambhan Parshwanath is considered the pride and central point of this pilgrimage city.
• Contents of the Book: The book contains:
  • The original "Jayanti-hanu Stotra" in Gujarati.
  • Its Gujarati translation with explanations of the meaning.
  • The ancient and modern history and introduction to Lord Sthambhan Parshwanath, along with his glory.
  • "Shri Navsmaran" (nine sacred recollections).
  • "Snan Puja" (ritualistic bath ceremony) with its method.
  • Useful chaityavandans (venerations of temples/deities), stavans (devotional hymns), and stutis (praises).
  • Pachchakhana (vows of abstinence) for morning and evening.
• Inspiration and Support: The publication was motivated by the sentiment and devotion of Shah Bhikhubhai Zaverchand of Khambhat towards Lord Sthambhan Parshwanath. His desire to republish such devotional literature, which was previously available but no longer easily accessible, was a driving force. The book acknowledges the financial support of his sons for this endeavor.
• Historical Context and Renovation: The book mentions that the literature included in this publication has been researched and expanded from previously published works. Gratitude is extended to the publishers and editors of those prior works. Pandit Shri Kapurchandbhai Vaya is thanked for researching the mūla (original text) of the stotra.
• Tribute to Bhikhubhai Zaverchand: A significant portion of the book is dedicated to the life and spiritual contributions of the late Bhikhubhai Zaverchand.
  • Biography: It details his birth in 1943 VS, his father's passing when he was young, his upbringing in Borsad where he developed a daily devotional practice, and his move to Khambhat at age 15.
  • Family and Life Events: The text mentions his marriages, children (including a daughter Matiben and sons Keshrichand, Pundrik, and Parshotamdas), and his care for his sister's orphaned children.
  • Business and Philanthropy: It describes his early employment and subsequent business ventures, highlighting his charitable contributions to the Jain school in Khambhat and other religious causes.
  • Devotion and Religious Practices: Bhikhubhai is portrayed as deeply devoted to Lord Sthambhan Parshwanath, performing daily pujas and snans. His family members, including his wives and daughters-in-law, are also described as religiously inclined, actively participating in fasts and other austerities.
  • Later Life and Service: In his old age, Bhikhubhai was actively involved in supervising the careful placement of the divine eyes (chakshu-ṭikā) on idols and even bore the cost of this service for those less fortunate.
  • Tapasya and Pilgrimages: The text lists various austerities and pilgrimages undertaken by Bhikhubhai and his wife Maniben, demonstrating their deep commitment to Jain practices.
  • Passing and Post-Death Observances: Bhikhubhai passed away peacefully at the age of 85. His sons and nephew organized significant religious ceremonies and charitable acts in his memory.
• The "Jayanti-hanu Stotra" (Original and Translation): The book includes the full text of the "Jayanti-hanu Stotra" in its original Prakrit (or a similar ancient Jain language) and a detailed Gujarati translation with explanations. This stotra is a praise-offering to Lord Sthambhan Parshwanath, extolling his virtues, powers, and miraculous deeds through various poetic verses. The translation often provides layered meanings and interpretations of the verses.
• Historical Narratives of Sthambhanpur and Lord Parshvanath: The book recounts historical narratives connected to Lord Sthambhan Parshwanath and the place of Sthambhanpur (Khambhat). These include:
  • Lord Rama's Devotion: A detailed account of how Lord Rama and Lakshmana, facing the challenge of crossing the ocean to Lanka, sought refuge in Lord Sthambhan Parshwanath's idol. Their intense devotion and penance are described, leading to divine intervention from the Naga King Dharanendra, who revealed the idol's significance and the power of its water to stop the ocean, enabling Rama to build a bridge and defeat Ravana. Lord Rama's act of establishing the name "Sthambhan Parshwanath" is mentioned.
  • Lord Krishna's Devotion: The story of Lord Krishna acquiring the idol from the underworld, its veneration in Dwarka, and the tragic end of the Yadava clan are narrated, illustrating the idol's power and the consequences of straying from righteousness.
  • Dhanpati Sarthavah's Devotion: The story of a merchant named Dhanpati (or Sagar Sheth in some accounts) who, facing a shipwreck, was guided by divine voices to Lord Sthambhan Parshwanath's idol hidden in the sea. He recovered the idol and established it in a temple, contributing to its widespread veneration.
  • Acharya Abhaydevsuri's Role: The narrative explains how Acharya Abhaydevsuri, inspired by divine revelations from the Yaksha (or Naga King Dharanendra) and his own devotion, revealed the idol's presence near the Shedi river after it had been hidden by Nagajuna. The snan water from this idol cured the Acharya's skin ailment, leading to the composition of the "Jayanti-hanu Stotra" and the re-establishment of the temple.
  • Temple History: The text traces the history of the Sthambhan Parshwanath temple in Khambhat, including its reconstruction, the theft and recovery of the idol, and significant consecration ceremonies.
• Devotional Chants and Rituals: The latter part of the book contains:
  • Navsmaran (Nine Sacred Recollections): Hymns and praises for various revered figures in Jainism, including Lord Rishabhdev, Lord Parshvanath, Lord Shantinath, Lord Neminath, and Lord Mahavir. These are presented as devotional chants to be recited for spiritual benefit.
  • Snan Puja Vidhi: A detailed step-by-step guide for performing the snan (bathing ritual) for the Tirthankaras, including the arrangement of sacred items, the recitation of hymns, and the symbolic offering of offerings.
  • Pachchakhana: Morning and evening vows of abstinence, outlining the specific rules and renunciations for devotees.
  • Stutis and Stotras: Various devotional hymns and praises dedicated to different Tirthankaras and holy places, emphasizing their virtues and powers.

In essence, "Shri Sthambhan Parshwanath Mahatmya" is a comprehensive devotional guide for Jains, offering prayers, historical accounts of a significant idol, and the rituals associated with its worship, all contributing to the glorification of Lord Parshvanath and the spiritual well-being of the devotee.