Disclaimer: This translation does not guarantee complete accuracy, please confirm with the original page text.
Future Tirthankarahood. This same verse has also been quoted by the foremost Svetambara leader, Shri Malayagiri Suri, in his commentary on 'Aavashyak Sutra', with the introductory phrase 'Aandhastutikaaro'pyaah', and in this way, Samantabhadra is indicated as the 'Aadhstutikaara' - the first or the best praiser. From these mentions, it is also found that Samantabhadra was very famous as a 'Stutikaara' and therefore, perhaps, there was no need to mention his name along with 'Stutikaara'.
Why was Samantabhadra so fond of this composition of praise and why did he prefer this path? Although the simple reason may be his devotional fervor or special devotion, here, we consider it appropriate to clarify this matter further in his own words and also to reveal what Samantabhadra's feelings were about these hymns of praise and how he viewed them. You write in your 'Svayambhustotra':
Stuti: Stotu: Sadho: Kushala Parinaamaaya Sa Tada,
Bhavenma Va Stutyah Phalampita Tatastasya Cha Satah.
Kimevam Swaadheenyaaj Jagati Sulabhe Shrayasapathe.
Stuyaanattva Vidvaan Satatam Abhipujyam Namijinam. ||116||
1. On this, Muni Jinavijayaji writes in the first issue of his 'Saahityasamshodhaak' - "It is clear from this mention that these (Samantabhadra) were considered famous praisers, not only that, but they were also considered to be the first praisers."