Vijaydevsuri Bhasdwaya

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Vijaydevsuri Bhasdwaya" by Vinaysagar, based on the provided pages:

This document is an article from the publication "Anusandhan" (Research), dated March 2008. It discusses the work "Shri Vijaydevsuri Bhasdwaya," attributed to Shri Siddhivijay Mahopadhyay.

Author and Context:

• Shri Siddhivijay Mahopadhyay: He was the "praguru" (great-grandfather guru, or guru of the guru's guru) of Shri Meghvijay and a grand-disciple of Jagadguru Shri Hirvijaysuri. His time is estimated to be the late 17th or early 18th century.
• Other Works: Besides the "Bhasdwaya" (meaning two bhas or devotional songs/poems), Siddhivijay is known to have authored other works, though only four short compositions are currently known to the author of this article: two Nemimath Bhas and two Shri Vijaydevsuri Bhas. The article also lists other works attributed to Siddhivijay from the Shri Kailashsagar Suri Gyan Bhandar, including a Simandhar Jinastavan, Vijayprabh Suri Swadhyay, and two Jambuswami Sajhay.
• The Manuscript: A single folio manuscript containing all four of Siddhivijay's short compositions is mentioned, measuring 24.3 x 10.4 cm. It has 15 lines in total, with 42 characters per line, and is likely from the late 17th century.

Shri Vijaydevsuri:

• Prominent Acharya: Shri Vijaydevsuri was a famous and influential Acharya. He was a grand-disciple of Jagadguru Shri Hirvijaysuri and the successor (pattadhar) of Shri Vijaysensuri.
• Life Timeline:
  • Born in 1634 Vikram Samvat (VS) in Iladurg.
  • Initiated (diksha) in 1643 VS in Rajnagar by Shri Hirvijaysuri, along with his mother.
  • Appointed as Pan'nyas (a senior monastic position) in 1655 VS in Sikanderpur.
  • Appointed as Upadhyay (a title for learned monks) in 1656 VS in Stambhatirth.
  • Obtained the Suripad (title of Suri, a high monastic authority) in the same year.
  • Became Bhattarak (a supreme monastic head) in 1671 VS after the demise of Shri Vijaysensuri.
• Influence and Recognition:
  • He was considered one of the leading Acharyas after Jagadguru Shri Hirvijaysuri.
  • While no direct literature by Vijaydevsuri is known to the author, his brief life history is available through works like Vijaydev Mahatmya by Shri Vallabhopadhyaya (circa 1687 VS) and Shri Tapgachhapattavali Sutravruty-anusandhanam by Shri Meghvijayji.
  • He did not have direct contact with Emperor Akbar, but his influence significantly grew during Emperor Jahangir's reign. Jahangir held him in high regard and considered him a guru.
  • In 1687 VS, Emperor Jahangir bestowed upon him the title of "Mahatapa" in Mandavgad.
• Branch Separation: During his tenure, a split occurred, leading to the Vijaydevsuri and Vijay Anand Suri branches.
• Legacy and Activities:
  • He performed consecrations (pratishtha) at numerous places, including Stambhatirth, Iladurg, Ghoghabandar, Dwip, Sirohi, Mandavgad, and Medta.
  • He inspired the construction and consecration of a large chaitya (temple) at Jabali Pur (Jalor Fort).
  • Over a hundred idols consecrated by him, bearing inscriptions, are still found today.
• Successor: His successor was Vijayasinghsuri, who was born in 1644 VS, initiated in 1654 VS, became Vachak in 1672 VS, and Suri in 1681 VS. He passed away in 1709 VS. The Chintamani Parshwanath temple built by Diwan Rai Singhji of Kishangarh is a testament to Vijayasinghsuri. After Vijayasinghsuri's death, Vijaydevsuri appointed Vijayprabh Suri to the succession.

Summary of the "Shri Vijaydevsuri Bhasdwaya":

The article then provides a summary of the two bhas composed by Siddhivijay about Vijaydevsuri:

• First Bhas:

  • Describes the arrival of the king of kings, Shri Vijaydevsuri, who is greeted by gods and humans.
  • Women, adorned with sixteen types of adornments and carrying plates of pearls, come to welcome him, applying tilak to their foreheads.
  • They prepare elaborate rangoli (colored patterns) before the guru using kumkum, saffron, and ketaka.
  • Beautiful married women, dressed in colorful garments, stand aside and sing the glories of the guru.
  • Siddhivijay concludes by stating that continuously singing the name of Shri Vijaydevsuri leads to the attainment of Shivpad (liberation).

• Second Bhas:

  • The poet (Siddhivijay) dedicates himself to singing the praises of Guru Vijaydevsuri, akin to a chakor (a mythical bird) delighting in the moon. He offers salutations at the guru's feet.
  • Vijaydevsuri is likened to the moon among monks, eradicating evil philosophies. He is described as the savior for those drowning in the ocean of existence, having embraced asceticism in his youth and followed pure conduct under his guru.
  • He is praised for reveling with virtues like sumati (good thought) and gupti (restraint), conquering his senses, and being the crown of monks. His teeth are described as being studded with golden settings, which brings joy to the heart.
  • Siddhivijay states that such a guru has been found who saves from the cycles of the ocean of existence. He prays that the guru's fame continues to grow as long as the earth exists.

In essence, the document introduces the author Siddhivijay, places him in historical context, provides an overview of the significant Jain Acharya Shri Vijaydevsuri's life and achievements, and then summarizes the devotional poems (Bhasdwaya) composed by Siddhivijay in praise of Vijaydevsuri.