Hymn to Mahavira

Summary

The text is primarily a hymn dedicated to Mahavira, composed by Sri Jina Ballabha Suri. The hymn extols Mahavira's divine qualities and virtues, praising his supreme knowledge and compassion. Summary of Key Points: 1. Sri Jina Ballabha Suri: A prominent Jain scholar, poet, and reformer born around V.S. 1125 (approx. 1068 A.D.) and passed away in 1167. He is known for his Mahavira Stotram, a unique blend of Prakrit and Sanskrit poetry, which has been praised for its beauty and depth, sometimes compared to the works of Kalidasa and Bhavabhuti. 2. Hymn’s Theme: The hymn, "Hymn to Mahavira," is a series of prayers and praises for Mahavira, recognizing him as a source of ultimate wisdom and divine strength. It highlights his role in dispelling ignorance, overcoming passions, and guiding followers towards liberation (moksha). 3. Divine Attributes: Mahavira is celebrated for his qualities, such as: • Overcoming inner enemies like anger and lust, described as an elephant subduing a lion. • His serene composure, depicted as superior to even the most powerful deities like Indra and Buddha. • The hymn also includes metaphors, such as Mahavira being a "plough piercing the crust of the earth," symbolizing his ability to destroy ignorance, and a "stormy gust" clearing doubts. 4. Worship and Devotion: The hymn emphasizes the devotion to Mahavira, calling upon his guidance in removing vice and ignorance. The verses suggest that through devotion to Mahavira's teachings, one can attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death. 5. The Role of Monks and Disciples: The hymn also praises the monks of Mahavira’s order, particularly the fifth Ganadhara, Sudharma, who recorded Mahavira’s teachings. Their devotion and wisdom are recognized as instrumental in spreading Mahavira's teachings. 6. Nature and Worldview: The hymn speaks of the worldly struggles, including human attachments and vices, and positions Mahavira as a guiding force who leads one to liberation. The text reflects on the impermanence of worldly pleasures and the importance of renunciation to achieve spiritual freedom.