Bhayahara Stotra (Fear-Dispelling Hymn to Lord Parshwanatha)
Prakrit Jain hymn to Parshvanatha, the 23rd Tirthankara, recalling how his power ended a demon's torment of a sage; recited for freedom from fear.
Verses
Having saluted all the Siddhas, the pure Dharma, and the Kevala Gnana, I bow to Lord Parshvanath, the remover of the fear of worldly existence.
Verse 1
By whose power, the fierce-minded, cruel demon born of Dhananjaya afflicted the great sage.
Verse 2
By that same power of Lord Parshvanath, the terrible affliction and suffering that arose was destroyed; I bow to that power with my head.
Verse 3
By whom all beings attain happiness and are freed from suffering, I bow to that Lord Parshvanath, the remover of the fear of worldly existence.
Verse 4
Thus composed by the sage Manatungasuri, this hymn to Lord Parshvanath, the remover of fear, by which fear does not befall, and one does not attain the suffering of a bad rebirth.
Verse 5
Worship Guidelines & Chanting Benefits (Phalashruti)
Daily or auspicious lunar days (Ekadashi, Purnima, Pradosham)
Brahma Muhurta (4:00 AM – 6:00 AM) or Evening Dusk (Sandhya)
Ghee lamp (Deepa), Incense (Dhoopa), Fresh flowers & Water offering
- Peace of mind, spiritual upliftment, and harmonious energy in the home
Background
This hymn is part of the Jain tradition and is traditionally attributed to Acharya Manatunga, who is also credited with the Bhaktamara Stotra. The closing verse of the text as presented here names its author as 'Manaivasuri'; identifying that name with Manatunga rests on tradition and is not established here. It is recited by devotees to invoke the protection of Lord Parshwanatha, especially in times of fear or difficulty. The text recounts how the demon Dhananjaya afflicted a great sage, and Lord Parshwanatha's power vanquished that affliction. The hymn is considered a 'bhayahara' (fear-destroying) stotra and is often chanted for spiritual safety and liberation from negative consequences.
About this Text
Composed by: Acharya Manatunga · Jain Acharya · Traditionally 6th–7th century CE
A Jain monk credited with composing the Bhaktamara Stotra, a 48-verse hymn to the first Tirthankara Rishabhanatha. According to tradition, he composed it while imprisoned, with each completed verse miraculously breaking one of his chains — a devotional legend rather than a historically verified event, but central to how the hymn is revered today.
More by Acharya Manatunga
Did You Know?
Author and Work
This hymn, the “Bhayahara Stotra” (Fear‑Remover Hymn), is traditionally attributed to Acharya Manatunga, who lived around the 7th century CE and is also famous for the “Bhaktamara Stotra” dedicated to the first Tirthankara, Rishabhanatha. The entire hymn is written in Prakrit, the everyday language of ancient India, making it accessible to common people.
Story of the Demon Dhananjaya
Verses 1–2 refer to a well‑known legend: a demon named Dhananjaya, driven by malice, created a terrible calamity (upasarga) to torment a meditating sage. The sage’s life was in grave danger, but the power of Lord Parshva intervened, saving the sage and demonstrating the Tirthankara’s boundless compassion and protection.
Significance of Parshva (Pasa)
Parshva is the 23rd Jain Tirthankara, traditionally placed in the 9th‑8th century BCE. He is known for establishing the four great vows (non‑violence, truth, non‑stealing, non‑possession) and his emblem is the serpent. The hymn repeatedly calls him “the remover of the fear of worldly existence” ( bhava‑bhaya‑harana ), highlighting his role as a refuge from all suffering.
Language and Structure
The hymn is in Prakrit, a language closer to the common people than Sanskrit, and uses a simple, rhythmic meter. The first verse pays homage to all Siddhas (liberated souls), the pure Dharma, and Kevala Jnana (omniscience) before saluting Parshva. The final verse explicitly promises that reciting this hymn keeps a devotee free from fear, suffering, and evil rebirths.
Purpose and Benefit
The fifth verse states that by reciting this hymn, one will not experience fear, misery in bad destinies, or negative karmic consequences. In Jain tradition, such stotras are chanted daily for courage, protection, and spiritual peace, affirming the Tirthankara’s role as a savior.
Parshvanatha
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