Atma Shatakam Or Nirvan Shatakam

Author(s): Shankaracharya
Publisher: B L Institute

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VERTRAGA STOTRA
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INTRODUCTION This is a devotional poetic outburst (Irfan ) of a very great and learned Jain Saint made at the request of the king of Guirat - Raja Kumarapala. In such an outburst,
only accuracy is not the essence, but whatever Jain Shastras have to say about the Oranicient is said correctly but
interwoven with the imagination of the poet.
Further, iths expected that as for Mira, Krishna was The Lord, so for the author, the Veetraga and his Religion is the greatest! Hence one finds arguments against all other Gods and religions. But the reader should understand this as his great love for Veetxaga and not a hatred towards other; even though at times the words are very
ea strong and are obviously designed to make the king study in the Jain Heligion. None the legs, the reader will miss a great deal of understanding of the "ature of the Greatest (42675 ) both from point of view of external and internal qualities, if he gets bogged down in counteractine these arguments.
Translator's Note: The translator is deeply aware of his
limitations on a number of grounds. Firstly, he has 11ttle knowledge of Sanskrit without which, it is well neigh impossible to understand and appreciate the boauty, aurudition and profurdity of these verses. Secondly, his knowledge of some of the subjects covered is poor. However, on the positive side is his deep and abicing reverence towards the subjects, and of course there was the benefit