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Vidhipaksha Gacchiya Navsmarano Ek Samiksha

Added to library: September 2, 2025

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Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Vidhipaksha Gacchiya Navsmarano Ek Samiksha" by Prof. Hiralal R. Kapadia, focusing on the "Navsmaranas" (Nine Recitations) of the Vidhipaksha Gachha:

The article, "Vidhipaksha Gacchiya Navsmarano Ek Samiksha" (A Review of the Nine Recitations of the Vidhipaksha Gachha), by Prof. Hiralal R. Kapadia, is a scholarly examination of the devotional literature and specific texts known as "Navsmaranas" within different Jain monastic lineages (Gachhas). The author notes that while he had previously written about the Navsmaranas of the Kharatara and Tapa Gachhas, he lacked sufficient material on the Vidhipaksha and Parshwachandra Gachhas due to a scarcity of relevant books.

The Four Surviving Gachhas: Kapadia identifies the four surviving Gachhas of the Murtipujaka Shvetambaras as:

  1. Kharatara
  2. Vidhipaksha (also known as Achal)
  3. Tapa
  4. Parshwachandra (also known as Paichandra)

The "Navsmaranas" of Different Gachhas:

The article then proceeds to list the "Navsmaranas" for two of these Gachhas to provide context and comparison:

  • Tapa Gachhiya Navsmaranas:

    1. Navkar
    2. Uvasaggaharam
    3. Shantikar (by Muni Sundarsuri)
    4. Tijay Prahutta (likely by Mandevsuri)
    5. Namiunnahu (by Mantungasuri)
    6. Ajiyasanti (by Nandishen)
    7. Bhaktamar (by Mantungasuri)
    8. Kalyan Mandir (by Siddhasen Divakar)
    9. Brihat Shanti (likely by Vadivetal Shantisuri) Note: Items 1, 3, 6, and 7 are used in Pratitkramanas.

  • Kharatara Gachhiya Navsmaranas: These are seven in number:

    1. Ajiyasati Thaya (by Nandishen)
    2. Ullasikkam or Laghu Ajiyasati (by Jinvallabhasuri)
    3. Nimunnau (by Mantungasuri)
    4. Tanjaya Uva or Sarvabhadhika Sharan (by Jindattasuri)
    5. Mayarahia or Guruparatantya (by Jindattasuri)
    6. Sindhamantra Harau or Vishwavinas Shrot (by Jindattasuri)
    7. Uvasaggaharam Shrot

  • Vidhipaksha Gachhiya Navsmaranas: This is the primary focus of the article and consists of nine items:

    1. Brihannamaskara: This work has eight verses, encompassing the entire Navkar Mantra in Sanskrit. The author of the work has not specified its title, leaving the origin of the name unknown. The first verse suggests it could be called "Atmarakshakar Vajra" (Protective Vajra for Self-Protection). While Jinvallabhasuri also composed a Brihannavkar, the author of this specific one needs further investigation. It is mentioned that this "Brihannamaskara" is part of the Pratitkramana Sutras for Achalgachchiya Shravakas and was published with commentary in 1905.
    2. Ajiyasanti Thaya (Ajita Shanti Stava): The number of verses in this recitation varies across manuscripts, with some having 46 verses. However, verses 43-46 are in Sanskrit and not part of the original. Three verses (38, 39, and 42) are considered interpolated. Verses 40 and 41 are not found in the Tapa Gachhiya version. The work is composed in various, rare meters. The original composition is in Paiya (Prakrit) with some deshi (vernacular) words. It is adorned with various figures of speech (alankaras) and different poetic structures (bandhas). This work is particularly noted for its detailed analysis of its meters, literary devices, and composition.
    3. Vira Stava (Vira Stotra): This recitation has six Prakrit verses, starting with "Jayjinvav." The author of the work identifies himself as "Palilitta" (Padalipta) in the last verse. Padalipta Suri is described as a disciple of Mandangani, who was a disciple of Sanghamala, and the guru of Skandilasuri. He is known for his intellectual prowess. The work deals with the glories of Mahavir Swami and also touches upon golden achievements and aerial locomotion.
    4. Uvasaggaharam Thott (Uphasargahara Stotra): This is a five-verse Prakrit recitation. The author has written extensively on this work, noting its connection to Parshvanatha, Yaksha Pārśvanātha, Dharanendra, and Padmavati Devi. It is believed to have been composed by Niryuktikar Bhadrabahu Swami. Numerous commentaries (vivaranas) exist for this Stotra, dating from before the 12th century.
    5. Namiunnahu (Bhayahara Thera): There is a disagreement regarding the number of verses in this Prakrit recitation, with Achalgachchis claiming 25 verses. Mantungasuri is credited as the composer. The work is presented with an unknown author's Avachuri. Several commentaries exist for this Stotra.
    6. Jirikapalli Parshva Stavam (Jirikapalli Parshvanatha Stava): This Sanskrit composition has 14 verses, with the last three verses (possibly added later) being occasionally composed by Merutunga Suri, a member of the Achal Gachha. The work extols Parshvanatha, describing him as golden. It mentions specific mantras for warding off evil spirits and refers to a victory mantra. Merutunga Suri's biography, including his birth, initiation, and death, is detailed, highlighting his scholarship, influence on rulers, and reputation as a mantra-specialist.
    7. Namuttahunam (Shakra Stava): This recitation is also accepted by the Tapa Gachha and is found in various Agamas. Haribhadra Suri's commentary on the Chaityavandana Sutra, known as "Lalit Vistar," analyzes the 25 epithets of Arihant in the Shakra Stava as a refutation of different philosophical viewpoints.
    8. Laghu Ajiyasanti Stava (Laghu Ajita Shanti Stava): This work by Kavi Viragani consists of eight Apabhramsa verses with end rhymes. It is believed to bestow all kinds of happiness upon those who recite or hear it during Samvatsarika, Pakshika, and Chaturmasika Pratitkramanas. The article questions whether the composer is the same Viragani mentioned in the "Prabhavaka Charitra."
    9. Brihad Ajita Shanti Stava (Brihad Ajita Shanti Stava): This work appears to be composed in relation to the eighth recitation (Laghu Ajiyasanthi Stava). The composer, Jayashekhara Suri, also known as "Suri Chakravarti" and a disciple of Mahendra Prabhasuri, titled this stava as "Ajita Shanti Stava" in the 16th verse. It comprises 17 Sanskrit verses also praising the two Tirthankaras. Jayashekhara Suri was prolific, composing around fifty works, including Gujarati compositions and "Phagu" poetry.

Cross-Gachha Similarities: Kapadia points out that "Ajiyasanthi (Thaya)" and "Uvasaggaharam (Shrot)" are found in the recitations of all three Gachhas (Tapa, Kharatara, and Vidhipaksha). "Namiunnahu (Shrot)" is present in both the Tapa and Vidhipaksha Gachhas.

Concluding Remarks: The author expresses a desire for further information regarding the Vidhipaksha and Parshwachandra Gachhas' Navsmaranas and invites scholars to shed light on any existing works. The article provides a detailed and comparative analysis of these important devotional texts within the Jain tradition, highlighting their compositions, authors, and textual variations.