Adbhut Navsmaranam - Book Summary

This Jain text, "Adbhut Navsmaranam" (अद्भुतनवस्मरणम्), authored by Pujya Acharya Shri Ghasilalji Maharaj and translated into Gujarati by Sheth Shri Jayantilal Bhogilal Bhavsar, is a collection of nine powerful devotional hymns or "smaranam" (recitations/recollections) intended to bring about well-being, prosperity, and liberation for the devotee. Published by Shri Lakshmi Pustak Bhandar, Ahmedabad, in 1977 (Veer Samvat 2503), the book aims to provide solace and strength to individuals suffering from the miseries of worldly existence, particularly in the face of materialism and spiritual distress.

The text explains that in this age of materialism, the human mind is troubled, and mental support is crucial. This support is best found in the Tirthankaras, particularly Lord Vardhaman. By worshipping them through these "Navsmaranam," individuals can gain mental fortitude and achieve both worldly and spiritual success.

The "Adbhut Navsmaranam" comprises nine distinct sections, each focused on a specific aspect of spiritual or material well-being:

Mangal Smaranam (मङ्गलस्मरण): This section focuses on auspiciousness and begins with salutations to Lord Vardhaman and Ganadhar Shri Gautam Swami. It highlights the power of the "Panch Namaskar" (Namokar Mantra) as the foremost of all auspicious recitations, capable of destroying all sins. The text emphasizes its superiority over other mantras, similar to how the Tirthankar lineage is superior to other lineages and sandalwood is superior to other fragrances. The recitation of the Namokar Mantra is said to grant fame, strength, wealth, joy, and ultimate spiritual attainment (moksha).
Anand Smaranam (आनन्दस्मरण) - Shri Vardhaman Bhaktamar Stotram: This is a detailed devotional hymn dedicated to Lord Mahavir (Vardhaman). It describes the Lord's divine qualities, His feet as lotus gardens that attract the minds of devotees, and His teachings as the source of joy, liberation, and virtues. The stotra acknowledges the limitations of human language to fully describe the Lord's infinite virtues but expresses the devotee's sincere effort to praise Him. It highlights the transformative power of remembering the Lord, the peace He bestows, and His ability to guide souls towards liberation. The stotra illustrates the Lord's compassion and grace through various analogies, emphasizing that even a casual remembrance of His name can bring immense benefits. It concludes by stating that those who recite this hymn dedicated to Lord Veer attain all worldly and spiritual perfections.
Sukh Smaranam (सुखस्मरण): This section is dedicated to the remembrance of Ganadhar Shri Gautam Swami, the chief disciple of Lord Mahavir and a holder of the twelve Angas (limbs of Jain scripture). Gautam Swami is described as the source of happiness, the leader of the Jain community, the vanquisher of karmic enemies, and the protector of all souls. He is depicted as possessing divine powers, miraculous abilities (labdhis), and immense knowledge. Reciting his name is said to bestow various perfections, happiness, wealth, fame, victory, and ultimately, eternal bliss and liberation.
Sampat Smaranam (संपत्स्मरण): This hymn focuses on invoking wealth, prosperity, and abundance. It is addressed to a divine feminine power (likely a form of Shri or Lakshmi) referred to as the "Chintamani Mahavidya" (wish-fulfilling cosmic jewel goddess). The text provides elaborate mantras and invocations, asking this divine entity to bestow wealth, prosperity, happiness, auspiciousness, victory, and protection from all adversities, misfortunes, and negative influences. It calls upon various divine beings and cosmic energies to support the devotee's material and spiritual endeavors.
Riddhi Smaranam (ऋद्धिस्मरण): This section extols the divine "Riddhis" (supernatural powers or perfections) of the Tirthankaras, particularly Lord Shantinath. It describes the immense glory of the Tirthankaras' divine form, their miraculous powers, and the auspicious environment of their Samavasarana (divine assembly). The text highlights how remembering these divine powers can lead to worldly prosperity and spiritual attainments. It details the twelve divine qualities of the Tirthankaras, including infinite knowledge, infinite perception, infinite bliss, and the five types of labdhis. The presence of the Tirthankara is said to bring about universal peace, prosperity, and the cessation of all calamities.
Siddhi Smaranam (सिद्धिस्मरण): This section focuses on the remembrance of the Tirthankaras to attain "Siddhis" (spiritual powers and perfections). It provides a series of invocations to various Tirthankaras, asking them to protect different parts of the body and grant various benefits. The recitation is intended to overcome obstacles, grant strength, ward off enemies, and ultimately lead to spiritual liberation. The text emphasizes that remembering these Tirthankaras brings about desired outcomes and well-being.
Jaya Smaranam (जयस्मरण): This hymn is dedicated to the deity Ghantakarna Mahavir, who is invoked for victory, protection from diseases, and removal of all obstacles. The text states that remembering Ghantakarna Mahavir brings success in all endeavors, protects from all ailments and misfortunes, and makes various celestial powers and riches subservient to the devotee. It emphasizes that reciting this hymn prevents untimely death, protects from snake bites, theft, and other dangers.
Vijaya Smaranam (विजयस्मरण): This section is devoted to Lord Parshvanatha and invokes His power for victory in all aspects of life. It describes the transformative power of Lord Parshvanatha's remembrance, which removes all obstacles, diseases, and misfortunes. The text highlights the benefits of remembering His name, which brings happiness in this world and the next, and leads to liberation. It specifically mentions the protection offered by the divine couple Dharanendra and Padmavati, who are devoted to Lord Parshvanatha.
Shanti Smaranam (शान्तिस्मरण): This hymn focuses on invoking peace and tranquility. It recounts the story of Lord Shantinath's birth and how His presence brought about peace and prosperity to the land. The text emphasizes that remembering Lord Shantinath and reciting this hymn brings about the cessation of all calamities, diseases, and conflicts, leading to universal peace, wealth, and happiness. The story highlights how the devotion of Lord Shantinath's mother, Achira Devi, and the prayer of Lord Indra, brought an end to a devastating crisis.

In essence, "Adbhut Navsmaranam" is a comprehensive devotional guide that offers a pathway to spiritual upliftment and worldly well-being through the recitation of specific hymns dedicated to the Tirthankaras and other revered figures in Jainism. The book aims to empower individuals with mental strength, protection from adversity, and the attainment of spiritual and material prosperity.