मुनिश्री कीर्तिकिरिचरितानी चतुर्विंशतिजिनस्तवन
By Kokila Hemchand Shah
Summary
Focusing on the little‑known stotra called the Chaturviṃśatijinastavan attributed to the monk Kīrtikīrti, this Hindi article presents an edited text with commentary. After a brief introduction to Kīrtikīrti’s life, the editor explains that the stavan is a poetic hymn of praise to the twenty‑four Jinas, structured in quatrains that extol each enlightened being’s virtues. The article examines the stotra’s metre, language and imagery, noting its use of traditional Sanskrit compounds and its blending of devotion with didacticism. The author situates the hymn within the broader genre of Jain stavana literature and points out parallels with other Jain and Hindu hymns. Manuscript variants are discussed, and wherever necessary the text is corrected on the basis of comparison. A running Hindi commentary elucidates difficult words and theological concepts for modern readers. Overall, the article both preserves a rare devotional work and makes it accessible to scholars and practitioners.
Conclusion
The Chaturviṃśatijinastavan is an elegant hymn celebrating the virtues of the twenty‑four Jinas. By providing a critical edition and commentary, the article ensures the preservation of this devotional poem and illustrates how poetic praise reinforces doctrinal teachings in Jainism.