Vitrag Stotra

This document is a Jain text titled Vitrag Stotra (વીતરાગ-સ્તોત્ર), compiled and translated into Gujarati with commentary by Muni Shri Rajshekharvijayji Maharaj (મુનિ શ્રી રાજશેખરવિજયજી). The original stotra is attributed to the renowned Jain scholar Kālikālasarvajña Āchārya Shri Hemachandra Suri (કલિકાલ સર્વરા આ.શ્રી હેમચન્હ સુરિ). It was published by Laheruchand Bhogilal Smarak Granthmala (લહેરુચંદ ભોગીલાલ સ્મારક ગ્રંથમાળા) in Patan.

The book contains the original Sanskrit verses of the Vitrag Stotra, followed by a detailed Gujarati explanation, including:

• Anvaya-Shabdartha (સાન્વય-શબ્દાર્થા): Word-by-word meaning and grammatical analysis.
• Tippani/Nondh (ટિપ્પણ—Àોંધ): Explanatory notes and clarifications for difficult concepts.

The Vitrag Stotra is a devotional hymn praising the Vitaraag (one who is free from attachment and aversion), a supreme soul in Jainism, typically referring to Arihants or Siddhas. The stotra extols the virtues and accomplishments of these liberated souls, highlighting their omnipotence, omniscience, and their role as guides to liberation.

Key Themes and Content:

The book is structured into eighteen Prakashas (પ્રકાશ), each focusing on different aspects of the praise and teachings of the Vitaraag:

1. First Prakash (प्रथम प्रकाश): Introduces the supreme being, describing their divine nature, freedom from afflictions, and the reverence they command from all beings.
2. Second Prakash (द्वितीय प्रकाश): Details the four natural perfections (sahaj char atishay) of the Vitaraag, such as their divine form, fragrance, and the absence of impurities.
3. Third Prakash (तृतीय प्रकाश): Focuses on the eleven perfections (karma-kshay janmya 11 atishay) that arise from the destruction of karma, including their all-encompassing presence, the miraculous nature of their teachings, and the cessation of suffering in their presence.
4. Fourth Prakash (चतुर्थ प्रकाश): Describes fourteen divine perfections (devakrut atishay) manifested by celestial beings in honor of the Vitaraag, such as the celestial umbrella, the divine fan, and the radiant halo.
5. Fifth Prakash (पञ्चम प्रकाश): Explains the eight primary divine attributes (aath prātihārya) that accompany a Tirthankar, including the Ashoka tree, celestial flowers, divine sound, chowries, a lion throne, a luminous halo, a divine drum, and a triple umbrella.
6. Sixth Prakash (षष्ठ प्रकाश): Addresses and refutes the incorrect beliefs and doctrines of opposing philosophies (vipaksha nirās), asserting the supremacy of the Vitaraag's teachings.
7. Seventh Prakash (सप्तम प्रकाश): Critiques the creationist theories of other religions (jagatkartvanirās), arguing against the notion of an external creator and attributing the order of the universe to the inherent nature of karma and soul.
8. Eighth Prakash (अष्टम प्रकाश): Explains the Jain doctrine of anekanta (multi-sidedness) and criticizes extreme views (ekanta nirās) on permanence and impermanence, highlighting how the Vitaraag's teachings encompass both aspects.
9. Ninth Prakash (नवम प्रकाश): Praises the Kālikāl (the current degenerate era) for making the Vitaraag's teachings even more precious and accessible to those with true devotion, akin to finding a lamp in darkness or an oasis in a desert.
10. Tenth Prakash (दशम प्रकाश): Extols the wondrous nature of the Vitaraag's attributes (adbhut stav), acknowledging that even the most exalted beings cannot fully comprehend or describe them.
11. Eleventh Prakash (एकादश प्रकाश): Celebrates the Vitaraag's greatness (mahatmya stav), emphasizing their unique ability to conquer desires, overcome afflictions, and achieve liberation without succumbing to worldly passions.
12. Twelfth Prakash (द्वादश प्रकाश): Focuses on the Vitaraag's profound detachment (vairagya stav), highlighting their unwavering renunciation even in the face of great worldly pleasures and their ability to maintain equanimity amidst suffering.
13. Thirteenth Prakash (त्रयोदश प्रकाश): Praises the Vitaraag's humility and selflessness (hetunirās stav), noting their unconditional compassion, their role as a refuge for all beings, and their detached yet benevolent nature.
14. Fourteenth Prakash (चतुर्दश प्रकाश): Discusses the Vitaraag's mastery of yoga and self-control (yogashuddhi stav), emphasizing their effortless conquest of the mind, senses, and the cycle of birth and death.
15. Fifteenth Prakash (पञ्चदश प्रकाश): Expresses deep devotion (bhakti stav) and admiration for the Vitaraag, lamenting the ignorance of those who oppose them and celebrating the virtues of the Vitaraag's teachings.
16. Sixteenth Prakash (षोडश प्रकाश): A profound self-reflection and repentance (ātmagarh stav) by the devotee, acknowledging their own shortcomings, past mistakes, and seeking refuge in the Vitaraag's teachings for purification and liberation.
17. Seventeenth Prakash (सप्तदश प्रकाश): A heartfelt plea for refuge (sharana stav) in the Vitaraag, their teachings, and the liberated souls, expressing a desire for spiritual guidance and protection.
18. Eighteenth Prakash (अष्टम प्रकाश): A critique of other deities and their characteristics (kathorokti stav), contrasting them with the Vitaraag's unique, pure, and detached nature, arguing that only the Vitaraag can be truly called divine.
19. Nineteenth Prakash (नवदश प्रकाश): Emphasizes the supreme authority and efficacy of the Vitaraag's commands (aajñā stav), asserting that following their divine order is the ultimate path to liberation.
20. Twentieth Prakash (विंशति प्रकाश): Offers blessings and prayers (āshīh stav) for the devotee's spiritual progress, seeking purification, divine grace, and the attainment of ultimate well-being through devotion to the Vitaraag.

The book is considered a valuable resource for Jain scholars and devotees seeking a deeper understanding of the Vitaraag's teachings and the path to spiritual liberation as expounded by Acharya Hemachandra.