Uvasagga Hara Thutta Ni Samasya Purti - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Uvasagga hara thutta ni Samasya purti" by Shilchandrasuri, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Uvasagga hara thutta ni Samasya purti (Completion of Verses based on Uvasagga Hara) Author(s): Shilchandrasuri (though the primary composer of the original "Uvasagga Hara Stotra" is identified as Shrutakevali Shribhadravahuswami Maharaj) Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/229530/1

Overall Purpose and Nature of the Work:

This work is a "Samasya Purti" (completion of verses) based on the famous "Uvasagga Hara Stotra" (a hymn of praise to Lord Parshvanatha). The original "Uvasagga Hara Stotra" consists of five gathas (verses). This Samasya Purti has taken each charan (line or foot) of those five original verses and expanded upon them to create a total of 22 gathas. The primary purpose is to elaborate on the praises and benefits of worshipping Lord Parshvanatha, as initiated by the original stotra.

Key Information about the Composition:

Original Composer: Shrutakevali Shribhadravahuswami Maharaj is credited with composing the original "Uvasagga Hara Stotra," which is highly renowned and widely recited in the Jain community.
Composer of this Samasya Purti: The composer of this Samasya Purti is a disciple of Upadhyaya Shri Harshkallolgacini. The composer has not explicitly stated their own name in the text, but this lineage is revealed in the 22nd gatha.
Style and Language: The composition is described as "Pragalbh" (profound, mature) and "Prasad-sambhram" (full of grace and ease). The rhymes (pras) are seamlessly integrated, and the language is noted for its skillful use of some colloquial or vernacular terms ("talpada shabda-prayogo"), which are considered aesthetically pleasing. Examples given are "malukka" (meaning pure, perfect) in gatha 3 and "yalia" (meaning dispelled, removed) in gatha 5.
Preservation and Reconstruction: The work was preserved in a loose letter obtained from a learned friend, Munishridhurandhar Vijayji. Due to some missing parts in the original document, the incomplete portions have been reconstructed and indicated within square brackets [ ].

Content and Themes (based on the verses provided):

The Samasya Purti elaborates on the virtues and powers of Lord Parshvanatha, drawing from the original five gathas. The verses highlight:

Praise to Lord Parshvanatha: The initial verses (1-2) express deep reverence and devotion to Lord Parshvanatha, referring to him as "Purishapundarik" (a lotus among men) and the one who has conquered the cycle of birth and death.
Dispelling Obstacles and Sins: Lord Parshvanatha is praised as the one who dispels all obstacles (uvasagga), the darkness of karma, and the poison of worldly existence. He is the destroyer of diseases, fears, and the enemies of worldly attachment.
Spiritual Benefits of Devotion:
- Reciting or meditating on his name and qualities brings purity of body and soul (vimalatanu) (Verse 7).
- Remembering him protects from various calamities, diseases, and worldly suffering (Verse 8).
- Those who constantly praise his virtues attain worldly desires and peace (Verse 9).
- Meditating on his name leads to wealth and prosperity (Verse 10).
- Even prostration or remembrance of his name removes the fear of poisonous serpents and ensures protection from harm (Verse 11).
- Those who do not bow their heads to him are caught in the cycle of suffering in various realms (Verse 12).
Path to Liberation:
- Following his teachings (aana) with true devotion leads to spiritual power and leadership (Verse 13).
- Attaining Right Faith (samyaktva) in him leads to steadfastness and connection with his infinite knowledge (Verse 14).
- The devotee desires to reside at the lotus feet of Lord Parshvanatha, who is worshipped by gods and humans, like the celestial wish-fulfilling tree (Verse 15).
- Devotion leads to the effortless crossing of the ocean of existence and achieving the eternal abode of happiness (Verses 16-17).
Prayer for Spiritual Awakening: The concluding verses (18-21) are direct prayers:
- Seeking fame, strength, courage, and the destruction of sins (Verse 18).
- Expressing devotion and seeking the Lord's blessings for spiritual awakening (bodhi) and removal of delusion from the cycle of rebirth (Verse 20).
- A desire to be immersed in the lotus-like feet of Lord Parshvanatha in every birth (Verse 21).
Concluding Statement: The final gatha (Verse 22) reiterates that this Samasya Purti of the original stotra by Bhaadravahu was composed by the disciple of Upadhyaya Harshkallolgacini, and it is praised by the learned.

In Essence:

"Uvasagga hara thutta ni Samasya purti" is a devotional work that expands upon the foundational praises of Lord Parshvanatha found in the "Uvasagga Hara Stotra." It emphasizes the power of devotion, remembrance, and following the teachings of Lord Parshvanatha to overcome suffering, attain worldly prosperity, and ultimately achieve spiritual liberation and eternal bliss. The composition is noted for its eloquent language and the skillful integration of themes derived from the original verses.