Adbhut Nityasmaran

This Jain text, titled "Adbhut Nityasmaran" (Wonderful Remembrance), authored by Ghasilal Maharaj and published by Keshrimal Swarupchand Bhandari, is a devotional work that focuses on invoking divine blessings and well-being through the remembrance of Jain Tirthankaras and other sacred figures. The text appears to be a collection of prayers, hymns, and mantras designed for spiritual and material benefit.

Here's a breakdown of its content based on the provided pages:

• Invocation and Dedication (Pages 1-3): The text begins with the fundamental Jain Navkar Mantra ("Namo Arihantanam, Namo Siddhanam..." etc.), a universal prayer of salutation to the perfected beings. It also mentions the "Jain Aagam Prakashan Yojana" and credits Acharya Shri Ghasilalji Maharaj as the author, with a commentary by him. The publisher and organizers are also noted. Page 3 features the title "Adbhut Navsmaran" in Gujarati.

• Introduction and Context (Pages 4-6): These pages provide more context about the work. It describes the "Adbhut Navsmaran" as "shining, auspicious, and wonderful remembrance." It highlights that the book contains the "Shri Vardhaman Bhaktamar Navsmaran" and "Kalyanmangal Stotra." The work is attributed to Jainacharya Ghasilalji Maharaj. It also mentions the translation from Hindi to Gujarati by Shri Sohanlal Jain, with the permission of Tapasvi Shri Chandramuni Maharaj Sahib, due to the difficulty of the Hindi language for Gujarati speakers. The original Hindi author is identified as 1008 Shri Ghasilalji Maharaj and 1008 Shri Madanlalji Maharaj. The publishers are Keshrimalji Swarupchandji Bhandari and Shri Swarupchandji Juvarmalji Badhya from Barmawal, Malwa, Madhya Pradesh, with the publication date noted as 1966 (Samvat 2023).

• Core Content - Stotras and Mantras (Pages 7-46): The bulk of the book consists of 44 stotras (verses) dedicated to Lord Mahavir (Shri Vardhaman) and other Tirthankaras. Each stotra is followed by a specific mantra and a description of its benefits. These benefits are wide-ranging and include:

  • Gaining divine favor and blessings.
  • Attaining wealth, prosperity, and success.
  • Overcoming obstacles and negativity.
  • Gaining knowledge, wisdom, and spiritual power.
  • Achieving victory in disputes and worldly affairs.
  • Protection from harm and evil spirits.
  • Improving physical and mental well-being.
  • Attracting positive relationships and influence.
  • Fulfilling desires and wishes.

  Each stotra typically includes a mantra believed to be potent when chanted 108 times, often accompanied by the use of a yantra (sacred diagram) that is to be worn or kept. The language is primarily Sanskrit-derived, written in Gujarati script.

• Specific Devotions and Hymns (Pages 60-168):

  • Navsmaran (Wonderful Remembrance) - General Benefits (Pages 60-68): This section elaborates on the general efficacy of the "Navsmaran" in bringing peace, dispelling suffering, overcoming diseases, protection from animals, overcoming mental afflictions, and leading to prosperity and liberation.
  • Navkar (Namaskar) Mantra Significance (Pages 68-73): This part emphasizes the supreme importance of the Navkar Mantra, detailing its power to destroy sins, grant virtues, and lead to higher spiritual states and auspicious outcomes. It describes the immense benefits of chanting it a certain number of times, leading to higher births and ultimately, liberation.
  • Sukh Smaran (Remembrance of Happiness) - Honoring Gautam Swami (Pages 73-77): This section is dedicated to honoring Ganadhara Shri Gautam Swami, a chief disciple of Lord Mahavir. It highlights his numerous divine powers, knowledge, and virtues, emphasizing that remembering him brings all kinds of happiness, prosperity, and spiritual attainment. It lists various "labdhis" (spiritual powers) associated with him.
  • Sampat Smaran (Remembrance of Wealth) - Invoking Lakshmi and other Deities (Pages 77-86): This extensive section focuses on invoking wealth and prosperity through the remembrance of the goddess Lakshmi and other related deities, using powerful mantras and yantras. It details various benefits like attracting wealth, fulfilling desires, achieving peace, and general well-being.
  • Riddhi Smaran (Remembrance of Powers) - Praising Tirthankara's Powers (Pages 86-92): This part glorifies the divine powers (Riddhis) of the Tirthankaras, especially Lord Rishabhdev and Lord Shantınath, describing their miraculous manifestations and the benefits of remembering them, which include prosperity and overcoming adversity.
  • Siddhi Smaran (Remembrance of Accomplishments) - Invoking Tirthankaras for Protection and Fulfillment (Pages 92-155): This is a very significant section dedicated to the remembrance of various Tirthankaras, particularly Lord Parshvanath, for achieving different kinds of "siddhis" (accomplishments or powers). It lists specific mantras and their associated benefits for protection from various dangers (poison, fire, enemies, spirits, diseases), for gaining wealth, prosperity, knowledge, victory, and overall well-being. This section also includes specific invocations to various guardian deities (Shasan Devs and Devís) associated with the Tirthankaras and their mantras.
  • Shanti Smaran (Remembrance of Peace) - Hymns to Lord Shantınath (Pages 95-108): This section focuses on Lord Shantınath, the 16th Tirthankara, and his immense power to bring peace. It narrates a story about Lord Shantınath's birth and the peace that pervaded the land during that time, highlighting the protective and peace-giving qualities of his remembrance.
  • Kalyan Mangal Stotra (Auspicious Auspiciousness Hymn) (Pages 105-118): This appears to be a set of hymns dedicated to Lord Parshvanath, focusing on bringing overall auspiciousness, happiness, and fulfillment. It includes mantras for invoking blessings, overcoming worries, and achieving desired outcomes.
  • Various Tirthankara Stutis (Pages 153-168): The latter part of the book contains devotional hymns in praise of other Tirthankaras, including Lord Rishabhdev, Lord Vasupujya, Lord Parshvanath, Lord Mahavir, Lord Sumatinath, and Lord Chandprabhu, and Lord Neminath. These hymns are sung in various meters and ragas, expressing devotion and seeking blessings.
  • Concluding Remarks and Errata (Pages 170-171): The book concludes with a "Shuddhipatra" (errata) listing corrections for certain inaccuracies in the text, followed by a colophon indicating the printer and publisher.

In essence, "Adbhut Nityasmaran" is a comprehensive devotional guide for Jains, offering powerful mantras, stotras, and prayers for spiritual growth, protection, prosperity, and overall well-being, with a significant emphasis on Lord Mahavir and Lord Parshvanath. The author, Acharya Ghasilalji Maharaj, is presented as a revered spiritual figure who has compiled this valuable resource.