Vijay Hirsuri Swadhyaya

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Vijay Hirsuri Swadhyaya" by Vinaysagar, based on the provided information:

Book Title: Vijay Hirsuri Swadhyaya (A Devotional Study of Hirvijaya Suri) Author: Vinaysagar Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan Language: Prakrit and Apabhraṃśa (evident from the script and devotional style) Date of Writing: 18th Century (based on the script's age) Physical Description: The manuscript's page size is 25.8 x 11. Each page has 14 lines, with approximately 53 characters per line. Some portions of the text (third line of stanza 2 and first line of stanza 5) are unclear due to damage.

Content Overview:

This text is a devotional hymn (Swadhyaya) dedicated to Acharya Shri Hirvijaya Suri, a prominent figure in the Tapa Gaccha (a major sect within Jainism). The work aims to praise and describe his virtues, establishing him as a leader of the Tapa Gaccha.

Key Themes and Descriptions:

• Praise of Hirvijaya Suri: The central theme is the glorification of Hirvijaya Suri's immense qualities. He is depicted as:

  • A bearer of penance and asceticism (tapas-sanyamadhari).
  • A guiding light and leader of the Tapa Gaccha (tapa gachh tanu rai).
  • The highest among all ascetics (sakal sadhu shir shekhar).
  • A reservoir of equanimity (samtā ras bhandar).
  • One who helps devotees cross the ocean of existence (bhav paar).
  • One who possesses immense wisdom and eloquence, captivating scholars (amiā samāṇi vishal vāṇi kavijan man mohiṁ).
  • Dweller of pure intellect (nirmal buddhi tanu nivās).
  • Resembling a spiritual guide (sur guru jim sohadi).
  • Bright like the full moon due to his virtues (somgun kari dipatu e jāne pūṇim chand).
  • Radiant with the power of penance, like the sun (taptej i dipai sadā bhāsur jem diṇind).
  • Possessor of fourteen great sciences/jewels (chaudah vidyā rayanrāsi pari ihhi sambhāli).
  • One who brings beings from various lands to understand the path of Dharma (vividh desh ūpnā bhavya samjhāvi lāvi).
  • An embodiment of the Dharma Chakraverti (Dharma Chakraverti eh) in this era of decline (dūṣamkāli avatariu).
  • A great Ganadhara (leader of the monastic community), comparable to ancient Rishis like Gautama, Sudharma, and Jambu (goṁam sohaṁ jambu pramuh pūrav ṛṣi toli).
  • His fame is so bright that it dispels negativity and doubt (tumh kīratī ūjali dekhi kumatii savi ḍoli).
  • Kings and even celestial beings praise him (sakal rāy tumha namī surpati guṇ boli).
  • His mind is as deep as the ocean and does not harbor ill-will (sāyarsam gambhīr chitt paradoṣ na kholi).
  • His appearance brings immense joy (rūp anopam tum tanu joṁtā harakh apār).
  • He is the sustainer of the world and a source of glory (yugapradhān sohākru jay jay jagdādhār).
  • Following his commands leads one away from worldly sorrow (jo tuṁ āṇā dharai sovi sansār na jhūrai).
  • He destroys internal enemies like anger (krodhādik je antaraṅg vairī savi mūrai).
  • He eradicates suffering, diseases, and afflictions for beings (rog śok saṁtāp tāp bhaviyanā chūrāi).
  • He fulfills the desires of those who serve him (jo tumha sevā karai tās manavanchhit pūrai).
  • His sight grants immense happiness and removes obstacles (śiv sukh saṁpad dāyakū darśan toru sāmi, ali a vighan dūrai ṭali munivar tāharai nāmi).

• Origin and Lineage: Hirvijaya Suri is identified as belonging to the Osa Vansh (Oswal community), born as the son of Kunvara, whose mother was Nathi (osavansha shringarhar kuṁra sut suṇi). He is considered as revered as a celestial tree or swan (haṁs surtarū sam gaṇī).

• Spiritual Significance: He is equated with Jangam Tirth (moving pilgrimage site), contrasting with Sthavar Tirth (immovable pilgrimage sites like temples and sacred places). This emphasizes his living embodiment of spiritual excellence and the ultimate destination for spiritual seekers.

• The Author's Connection: The text states that Kushlavardhan is the composer of this Swadhyaya. The phrase "paṇhaṇi tehanū sīsa" suggests that Kushlavardhan is a disciple of Hirvijaya Suri, or that the text is presented by his disciple. The author Vinaysagar is presenting this work, possibly as an editor or compiler.

Unclear Portions:

As noted, parts of the manuscript are damaged and unreadable, specifically:

• The third line of the second stanza.
• The first line of the fifth stanza.

Overall Purpose:

The "Vijay Hirsuri Swadhyaya" is a devotional tribute to Acharya Hirvijaya Suri, highlighting his spiritual prowess, his role as a leader and guide, his virtuous character, and his ability to liberate souls from suffering. It serves as a means for devotees to remember, praise, and seek blessings from this revered Jain Acharya. The inclusion of lineage and comparison with past great ascetics underscores his significant position within the Jain tradition.