Vitrag Stotra - Book Summary | JainGPT

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Vitrag Stotra" based on the provided pages:

The book "Vitrag Stotra" is a compilation and commentary on the Vitrag Stotra originally composed by Acharya Hemchandrasuri, a renowned scholar and saint of the Kalikal Sarvagya era. The publication is attributed to Arihant Aradhak Trust and the catalog link is provided for reference.

Key Aspects of the Book:

Author and Publisher: The original work is by Acharya Hemchandrasuri. The commentary, Gujarati translation, and editing are done by Pujya Acharya Shri Rajshekharsurishwarji Maharaj and Muni Dharamshekhar Vijayji, respectively. The publisher is Arihant Aradhak Trust.
Purpose of the Stotra: The "Vitrag Stotra" is a hymn dedicated to praising the virtues of the Vitrag Dev (the omniscient, liberated beings in Jainism, primarily the Arihants and Siddhas). It is recited as a form of Chaityavandan (venerating the divine) and praise by the Chaturvidh Sangh (the fourfold Jain community: monks, nuns, male and female lay followers).
Structure and Content:
- The stotra itself consists of 20 Prakash (sections or chapters).
- This particular edition includes the original Sanskrit stotra, a word-by-word meaning (Sanvay Shabdart), a detailed commentary (Durgapadprakash by Shri Prabhanandsuri and Avachurni by Shri Somaday Gani), and a Gujarati translation and commentary by Acharya Shri Rajshekharsurishwarji Maharaj.
- The book is structured to facilitate a systematic study of the Vitrag Stotra, particularly for students in Pathshalas (Jain educational institutions).
- Page 5 (Table of Contents): This page outlines the 20 Prakash (sections) of the stotra, covering topics such as:
  - Introduction (Prastavana)
  - Four Innate Virtues (Sahaj Char Atishay)
  - Eleven Virtues Born from Karma Destruction (Karmakshayajanya 11 Atishay)
  - Nineteen Virtues Created by the Gods (Devakrit 19 Atishay)
  - Eight Auspicious Symbols (Aath Pratihaarya)
  - Dispelling Opposition (Vipaksha Nirasa)
  - Dispelling Worldly Attachment (Jagatkrutva Nirasa)
  - Dispelling One-Sidedness (Ekanta Nirasa)
  - Praise of the Kalikal Era (Kalyakal Prashansa)
  - Wonderful Praise (Adbhut Stava)
  - Great Praise (Mahasya Stava)
  - Dispassion Praise (Vairagya Stava)
  - Dispelling Causes of Suffering (Hetuniras Stava)
  - Purity of Yoga Praise (Yogshuddhi Stava)
  - Devotional Praise (Bhakti Stava)
  - Self-Realization Praise (Atmagrah Stava)
  - Refuge Praise (Sharan Stava)
  - Harsh Words Praise (Kathorokti Stava)
  - Command Praise (Aadnya Stava)
  - Blessing Praise (Aashih Stava)
Commentary and Translation: The Gujarati translation and commentary by Acharya Shri Rajshekharsurishwarji Maharaj are intended to make the meaning accessible to those unfamiliar with Sanskrit. The commentary also includes annotations (Tippani) for deeper understanding. The eighth Prakash's commentary is abridged to its essence.
Inspiration and Motivation: The editorial section expresses a desire for students to study the Vitrag Stotra properly, leading to self-welfare (Atmakalyan) through contemplation and reflection.
Publication Details: The book is printed from Gyanadravya (funds designated for knowledge dissemination). A special instruction is given that the book should not be owned without paying the stipulated price, emphasizing its value as a spiritual resource. Copies are also offered as gifts to Sadhu-Sadhviji Bhagwanto (monks and nuns) and Gyan Bhandars (libraries).
Significance: The stotra is considered a significant devotional text that enumerates the transcendental qualities of the Vitrag Dev, highlighting their perfection and the path to liberation. The detailed commentary aims to unravel the profound philosophical and spiritual meanings embedded within the verses.

In essence, "Vitrag Stotra" presented by Arihant Aradhak Trust is a scholarly and devotional work aimed at enlightening the Jain community about the sublime virtues of the Vitrag Dev, facilitated by accessible commentary and translation.