Tran Jin Stotro

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Tran Jin Stotro" by Shilchandrasuri, based on the provided pages:

The book "Tran Jin Stotro" (त्रण जिनस्तोत्रो), compiled by Vijayashilchandrasuri, presents three hymns found in scattered manuscripts. The introduction by the compiler highlights the following:

The Three Hymns:

1. First Hymn (Page 1-2):

   • This is a lyrical poem composed in the Geet Paddhati meter.
   • The author is identified as Muni Rupachandra through the inscribed name.
   • The exact time of its composition is unknown.
   • The hymn is characterized by its simple yet divine and eloquent Sanskrit vocabulary, demonstrating the poet's skill. It praises the virtues of the Jina, using epithets like "Victorious over delusion," "Victorious over faults," "Victorious over greed," "Victorious over anger," "Victorious over attachment," "Victorious over ego," "Victorious over illusion," "Victorious over obstacles," "Unchanging," "Free from activity," "A cleaver to the root of karma," "Pure vision," "Victorious over desire," "Victorious over sorrow," "Lord of the universe," "Pure soul," "Attained to Siddhahood," and "Beautiful like the moon."

2. Second Hymn (Page 2-3):

   • This hymn is set to the tune of "Jai Shiva Omkara" (जय शिवॐकारा), making it valuable for those familiar with this devotional tune.
   • The author is also believed to be Muni Rupachandra, as suggested by the compiler.
   • It is a shorter hymn (laghu stavan) dedicated to Lord Parshvanatha.
   • The hymn praises the Jina as the "Savior of humanity," "Supporter of the world," "Destroyer of the pride of Kamatha's penance," and "Uplifter of the serpent." It further extols the Jina as being "Worshipped by all gods and demons," "Lord of the universe," "Shelter of the lotuses of the feet of the pious," "Dispeller of the severe suffering of birth, old age, and death," "A strong support in destroying the heat of misery," "Having the eye of omniscience that sees the lok-alok," "The illuminating light for the lotuses of the group of the fortunate," "Whose movements sanctify the universe," and "Whose fame is proclaimed by the sweet sound of celestial drums." It also mentions the Jina being adorned with gold, silver, and jewels, and having a radiant green complexion like emeralds. The hymn concludes by calling the Jina the "Adornment of the earth," "Son of Vasudha," "Destroyer of wrong doctrines," and "Delight of the eyes."

3. Third Hymn (Page 3-4):

   • This hymn is composed in metrical verses.
   • The author is identified as Devaratna, a Jain monk.
   • Based on the initial salutation, it is presumed that Devaratna was a disciple of Shri Vivekaratnasuri.
   • This hymn specifically praises Lord Sambhavanatha who resides in Champanerpuramandal and Pavagadh (Pavakadri).
   • The introduction notes a significant historical and religious fact: the Jain temples on Pavagadh, currently under the possession of the Digambar community, were formerly in the possession of the Shvetambar Sangha. These temples and their idols are indeed of Shvetambar tradition. This hymn might be praising a statue of Sambhavanatha that was the principal deity in one of these temples.
   • The manuscript containing this hymn is estimated to be from the 16th century, suggesting the hymn's composition date is either the 16th century or possibly earlier.
   • The hymn describes Lord Sambhavanatha as being adorned with the glory of the Mahapratiharyas, shining with the light of gold, silver, and other jewels, and being like the "Vasant" (spring) of the vine of perfect knowledge. It praises him as being skilled in destroying the play of Kalas, a wish-fulfilling tree for all beings, and one who removes the burden of sin from the three worlds. It highlights his great fortune and auspiciousness, his being like Garuda to the great serpent of delusion, his radiant golden complexion, his eloquent speech like nectar, and his banishing those who stray from devotion. He is described as knowing all states of the three worlds and as the ornament of the world, a garland for the mountain ranges. The hymn also refers to Lord Sambhavanatha as the third Jina, Kundadanta, and Bhadanta, who is present on Pavakadri. The poet expresses finding the Lord as a firm support while drowning in the ocean of the terrible samsara. He is invoked for granting all desires and removing the intellect corrupted by gross false beliefs. The hymn concludes with the poet stating that he has received Devaratna (referring to himself as Devaratna) and the wish-fulfilling tree through his good fortune, and therefore praises Lord Sambhavanatha on Pavakadri. The final verse mentions that whoever praises the universal Lord Sambhavanatha on the beautiful Pavakadri, adorned by Champanerpura, with devotion to their guru, will be blessed with auspiciousness, prosperity, and enjoyable wealth.

In essence, "Tran Jin Stotro" offers a collection of devotional hymns to Jain Tirthankaras, with a particular emphasis on the historical context of Jain temples on Pavagadh and the significance of the hymns within the Shvetambar tradition.