Stuti Tarangini Part 03 - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Stuti Tarangini Part 03" based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Stuti Tarangini (Collection of Praises/Hymns) Part: 03 Author: Bhadrankarsuri (as editor/compiler) Publisher: Labdhi Bhuvan Jain Sahitya Sadan Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/003304/1

Overall Purpose and Content:

"Stuti Tarangini Part 03" is a collection of Jain devotional hymns (Stutis) compiled and edited by Acharya Shrimad Vijay Bhadrankarsuri. This volume is a significant contribution to Jain literature, presenting a diverse range of hymns in Sanskrit and Gujarati, often showcasing intricate linguistic and literary artistry. The text aims to foster devotion, spiritual understanding, and a deeper connection with the Tirthankaras and other revered figures in Jainism.

Key Themes and Literary Features Highlighted:

The preface and subsequent pages detail the richness and variety of the hymns contained within:

Richness of Language and Style: The collection is described as a confluence of various poetic meters (Chhanda), rhymes (Yamak), alliteration (Anupras), and figures of speech (Alankar) in Sanskrit. The Gujarati hymns also exhibit innovation and depth.
Diversity of Authorship: The hymns are attributed to various devotional poets (Bhaktakavi), many of whom are significant figures in Jain literary history.
Intricate Poetic Techniques:
- Padpurti (Foot-filling): Many stutis are characterized by creative "foot-filling," where verses are completed based on existing poetic lines or themes, such as those related to the "Samsar-Davanala" (fire of worldly existence). Some stutis even feature dual padpurti within a single hymn.
- Yamak (Rhyme and Alliteration): The text showcases various forms of Yamak, including instances where entire stanzas (Charan) are constructed with the same rhyming pattern.
- Shlesh (Pun and Double Meaning): The hymns demonstrate the skillful use of Shlesh Alankar, where a single word is used repeatedly with different meanings, particularly noted in the "Siddhpur Shringar" stuti and a Chaturvishati Jina Stuti by Acharya Somvilasuri, which extensively uses the word "Kamal" (lotus) with distinct interpretations.
- Wordplay and Repetition: Instances are highlighted where specific words are repeated for emphasis or effect, such as "Mahavir" in a particular stuti, or the use of words starting with "Ra" (Ra-karat).
- Musicality: One hymn dedicated to Lord Mahavir begins with the musical notes "SaReGaMa," demonstrating the integration of musicality into the devotional verses.
Thematic Depth:
- Devotion to Tirthankaras: The core of the collection is devotion to the twenty-four Tirthankaras, with specific hymns dedicated to each, praising their virtues and divine qualities.
- Philosophical and Ethical Teachings: Some hymns subtly convey the importance of duty and righteous action.
- Mystical and Allegorical Content: The "Param Brahma Stuti" is described as riddle-like, posing questions about its name.
Unique Compositions: The collection includes unusual and creative hymns, such as one that enumerates various sweets in praise of the Lord, and another that includes a fourth stanza to a commonly recited three-stanza prayer (referencing the "Vishal Lochan" stuti).
Compilation Effort: The initial compilation was undertaken by Muni Nemvijayji, a disciple of Acharya Shrimad Vijay Labdhisurishwarji. He collected numerous Gujarati and Sanskrit stutis from various manuscripts. Due to his old age, he entrusted the task of editing, researching, and publishing to Acharya Shrimad Vijay Bhadrankarsuri.
Editorial and Scholarly Work: Acharya Shrimad Vijay Bhadrankarsuri's expertise in grammar, prosody, and literature is evident throughout the volume. He meticulously edited the stutis, providing meanings and ensuring their accuracy, often correcting errors found in the original manuscripts. This meticulous work in researching and editing handwritten materials is highly praised as a challenging yet crucial contribution.
Special Occasion: The publication of this volume coincides with the golden jubilee (50 years) of the monastic vows (Sanyam Paryay) of the editor, Acharya Devshri.
Gratitude and Acknowledgements: The publishers express gratitude to the various Jain Sanghs (communities) that provided financial support for the publication. They also acknowledge the printing work done by Shri Kantibhai.
Erratum: A note for an errata sheet (Shuddhipatraka) is included, indicating a commitment to accuracy.
Biographical Note: A significant portion of the text is dedicated to the biography of Muni Nemvijayji Maharaj, the original compiler. It details his upbringing, his deep devotion to Jainism, his initiation, his scholarly pursuits, his significant contributions to Jain literature (including the compilation of "Stuti Tarangini Parts 1 & 2" and editing of other texts), his social service activities, and his ascetic practices. His passing is described as a great loss to the Jain community.

Key Figures Mentioned:

Acharya Shrimad Vijay Bhadrankarsuri: The editor and compiler of Part 03.
Acharya Shrimad Vijay Labdhisurishwarji Maharaj: The Guru of Muni Nemvijayji and a significant influence.
Muni Nemvijayji Maharaj: The original compiler of the stutis.
Acharya Shrimad Vijaybhuvanatilaksurishwarji Maharaj: Mentioned in relation to the Shrimad Vijay Bhuvan Tilak Suri Jain Granthamala series.
Acharya Shrimad Vijaykamalsurishwarji Maharaj: Revered as a protector of Dharma.
Pandit Shri Punyavijayji Ganivar: A disciple involved in the work.
Panyas Shri Vimalvijayji Ganivar: A disciple involved in the work.
Muni Shri Vikramsenvijayji Maharaj: Credited with preparing the press copy.
Shri Kantibhai: For his printing work.
Various Jain Sanghs: For their financial contributions.

Publisher and Series Information:

Publisher: Shri Labdhi Bhuvan Jain Sahitya Prachar Kendra.
Series: Shri Vijaybhuvan Tilaksurishwar Jain Granthamala, No. 44.

In essence, "Stuti Tarangini Part 03" is a scholarly and devotional work preserving and presenting a rich collection of Jain hymns, highlighting their linguistic beauty, spiritual depth, and the dedicated efforts of the Jain scholars and monks involved in their compilation and publication.