Adbhut Nityasmaran

The provided text is a Jain religious book titled "Adbhut Nityasmaran" (Wonderful Daily Remembrance) authored by Acharya Shri Ghasilalji Maharaj. Published by A B Shwetambar Sthanakwasi Jain Shastroddhar Samiti, the catalog link is available at jainqq.org.

Here's a comprehensive summary based on the provided pages:

Core Theme and Purpose:

The book is a collection of prayers, hymns, and verses designed for daily remembrance and spiritual upliftment. It emphasizes the universal nature of these prayers, stating that they are free from sectarian or factional differences, aiming to foster unity and spiritual growth for all. The author, Acharya Ghasilalji Maharaj, is presented as a prominent Jain scholar and spiritual leader dedicated to reviving and disseminating Jain scriptures.

Key Highlights and Content:

• Extensive Collection: The book has grown significantly over its editions. The 15th edition boasts around 450 pages, up from the initial 44 pages of the first edition, indicating a vast and evolving collection of spiritual material.
• Universal Appeal: A significant emphasis is placed on the book's non-sectarian nature. It aims to provide prayers that are universally accessible and beneficial, transcending specific Jain sects or traditions. The text explicitly states, "In this, there is only God's prayer. There is no difference of sect or gachha (monastic order) in this."
• Spiritual Efficacy: The book's prayers are described as possessing immense spiritual power. They are credited with bringing peace, joy, well-being, and spiritual strength. The text mentions that reading and contemplating these prayers with faith can lead to worldly happiness and ultimately to liberation (moksha).
• Examples of Efficacy: An anecdote highlights the book's power, featuring a Muslim gentleman who found its prayers effective for various spiritual and even physical ailments, including removing snake venom and warding off negative spirits. This illustrates the perceived potency and broad applicability of the prayers.
• Contributors and Support: The publication of the 15th edition was made possible through the financial support of Seth Shri Ramanlal Jeevrajbhai Shah and Seth Shri Chunilal Bhagwanji Solanki, highlighting community involvement in promoting spiritual literature.
• Structure and Content of Prayers: The book is structured into various sections, including:
  • Adbhut Navasmaraṇ (Wonderful New Remembrance): This section contains prayers and hymns in Sanskrit and Prakrit, believed to be miraculous and filled with scriptural secrets.
  • Dharmāṣṭakaadi: These are prayers dedicated to concepts like God, Dharma, Guru, Truth, Compassion, etc., emphasizing self-reliance and faith.
  • Prātaḥsmaraṇīya Stavnāvalī: This section includes devotional songs and hymns composed by Acharya Ghasilalji Maharaj in popular languages, often set to music. Examples like "Uṭhe, Man Jago Jage Avsar Aachho Aa" and "Mahavirne Sharano Amare Bhavsagar Tarne Re" are mentioned, showcasing their spiritual and devotional essence.
  • Mangalaṣṭaka, Jināṣṭaka, Dhanya Aṇagārnu Aṣṭak, Jawahar Gun Kirnāvalī: These are specific collections of hymns and verses, often in the form of eight verses (aṣṭaka) or collections of jewels of virtue.
  • Other Devotional Content: The book also includes prayers for household peace (Gṛhaśānti Stotra), planetary appeasement (Navagraha Stotra), congregational prayers (Sāmāyika), and various other devotional and religious topics.
• Author's Mission: Acharya Ghasilalji Maharaj is portrayed as a diligent scholar and ascetic who, despite his ongoing work on Sanskrit commentaries of Jain Agamas, dedicates time to create such spiritually beneficial works for the welfare of all beings.
• Compilation by a Disciple: The compilation and inclusion of new prayers were done by his devoted disciple, Muni Shri Kanhaiyalalji Maharaj, who is described as knowledgeable in Sanskrit and Prakrit, an expert in hymns, and a practitioner of Brahmacharya.
• Goal of Spiritual Progress: The ultimate aim of the book is to guide readers towards spiritual progress and the attainment of moksha (liberation). It is considered useful for people of all ages and stages of life.

Overall Message:

"Adbhut Nityasmaran" is presented as a vital tool for spiritual enrichment within the Jain tradition. It offers a comprehensive and evolving collection of prayers and devotional songs that aim to foster peace, devotion, and ultimately, liberation. The book's emphasis on universality, efficacy, and the author's dedication makes it a significant work for Jain followers seeking spiritual guidance and connection.