Tran Chauvisi Viharman Jin Stavan - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Tran Chauvisi Viharman Jin Stavan" by Muni Kalyankirtivijay, based on the provided pages:

Title: Tran Chauvisi Viharman Jin Stavan (Praise of the Twenty-Four Tirthankaras in the Present Era)

Author: Muni Kalyankirtivijay (disciple of Acharya Shri Lakshmisagar Suri)

Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan

Overview:

This Gujarati text is a devotional composition (Stavan) dedicated to praising the Twenty-Four Tirthankaras who are considered to be in the "present era" (Viharman). The author, Muni Kalyankirtivijay, states that this work is based on a two-page manuscript from his Guru's collection. Although the author's name and the exact year of composition are not mentioned, the writing style suggests it was likely written in the 16th century, possibly by the author themselves.

The text is structured as a series of praises for the Tirthankaras, divided into four "languages" or sections, each naming a different set of Tirthankaras. The author clarifies that this compilation of praises for 92 Tirthankaras (24 + 24 + 24 + 20) is being presented as it was previously unpublished. He humbly requests forgiveness for any childlike errors in his first attempt to compile this work, done by his Guru's command.

Key Content and Structure:

The Stavan begins with invocations to Goddess Saraswati and Lord Gautama, the chief disciple (Ganadhar) of Lord Mahavira. The author expresses his intent to praise the Tirthankaras with devotion, seeking their blessings for the removal of obstacles and for spiritual progress.

The core of the text is the praise of the Tirthankaras, presented in four distinct sections, likely representing different lineages or perspectives on the Tirthankaras within the Jain tradition.

First Section (Page 2): This section praises 24 Tirthankaras, starting with Rishabhdev (although only "Kevalnani" is mentioned initially, the subsequent names clarify) and proceeding through the list. The names mentioned include Sagar, Mahayash, Vimal, Sarvanubhuti, Shridhar, Datt, Damodar, Sutej, Munisuvrat, Sumati, Shivgati, Astaghat, Nimeshwar, Anilnath, Yashodhar, Krutarth, Nishchal, Shuddhamati, Sar, Shivkar, Spandanath, and Samprati.
Second Section (Page 3): This section lists the Tirthankaras from the "past" (Atit) and the "future" (Anagat) who are also considered present. It starts by praising the first Tirthankara, Adinath (Rishabhdev), followed by Ajit, Sambhav, Abhinandan, Sumati, Pushpadanta, Shreyans, Chandraprabha, Suvidhi, Sheetala, Shreyans, Vasupujya, Vimal, Anant, Dharmanath, Shanti, Kunthunath, Aranath, Mallinath, and Munisuvrat. It concludes by mentioning Neminath, Parshvanath, and Mahavir (Vardhaman Swami).
Third Section (Page 4): This section seems to focus on a different grouping or listing of Tirthankaras, perhaps those who are exceptionally significant or have specific attributes. It mentions Padmanabh, Suryadev, Suparshvanath, Sayamprabh, Sarvanubhuti, Shrutdev, Udaynath, Pedhal, Potil, Sitkiriti, Suvrat, Amam, Nikashay, Nipalag, Niramam, Chitragupta, Samadhi, Sanvar, Jishodhar, Vijay, Mall, Dev, and Anantvir.
Fourth Section (Page 5): This section lists another group of Tirthankaras, starting with Simandhar, followed by Yugandhar, Bahu, Subahu, Sujat, Swayamprabh, Rishabheshwar, Suryaprabh, Vajradhar, Chandranayan, Chandrabahu, Bhujang, Nemaprabh, Virsen, Mahabhadra, Devas, and Ajitvir.

Significance and Benefits of Recitation:

The text emphasizes the importance of remembering and praising these Tirthankaras. It states that:

By remembering their names, all diseases are dispelled.
Those who praise them with devotion achieve fulfillment in life.
Those who remember and praise the Tirthankaras regularly will attain eternal happiness.
The recitation of these names removes obstacles and grants spiritual merit.

Concluding Remarks:

The Stavan concludes with a dedication to the author's Guru, Acharya Shri Lakshmisagar Suri, acknowledging him as the leader of the Tapagachha. The author reiterates that this praise is offered with devotion and single-mindedness. The text ends with a blessing that those men and women who wake up and offer their respects to the Tirthankaras will find all auspiciousness in their homes.

Overall, "Tran Chauvisi Viharman Jin Stavan" is a devotional work aimed at fostering devotion and spiritual well-being through the remembrance and praise of the Tirthankaras of the present era. Its value lies in its compilation of various lists of Tirthankaras and its emphasis on the benefits of such devotional practices.