Aksharmala

This document is a Gujarati book titled Aksharmala (અક્ષરમાળા), authored by Chotalal Kalidas Kavi (છોટાલાલ કાળીદાસ કવિ), also known as Chhotam Kavi. It was published by Sastu Sahitya Vardhak Mitra Mandal (સસ્તું સાહિત્ય વર્ધક મિત્રમંડળ) in Mumbai.

Key aspects of the Aksharmala as presented in the provided pages:

• Purpose: The book is described as an "alphabet gate" (અક્ષરદ્વાર) to the Jain or Ārya Dharma (આર્યધર્મ), aiming to impart some knowledge.
• Author: Chotalal Kalidas Kavi, also known as Chhotam Kavi, is a renowned poet, famous for his collection of devotional songs called "Chhotam Krit Kirtanmala."
• History of Publication: This particular edition is a re-publication. The original was published about forty years prior (in Samvat 1827) by the author's brother, Vajacharya, in the Nagari script. It was dedicated to Sir Mangaldas Nathubhai. The current edition is published by Sastu Sahitya Vardhak Mitra Mandal as the last installment of their "Vividh Granthamala" (વિવિધ ગ્રંથમાળા) first year.
• Content Overview (from the Index): The Aksharmala covers a wide range of topics related to Jainism and general spiritual philosophy, including:
  • Invocation (Mangalacharan)
  • Creation and the Vedas
  • The human body and its significance
  • Types of Karma (Trividh Karma)
  • Reincarnation (Purvajanma)
  • Dharma (Religion) in general and specific aspects like Varnashrama Dharma
  • The impermanence of worldly pleasures
  • Various forms of devotion (Dashdha Bhakti) and Yoga (Ashtanga Yoga)
  • The nature of Brahman (Brahma Nirupan) and the formless God (Ashariri Ishwar)
  • The importance of scriptures like the Vedas and the dangers of heresy (Pakhand)
  • The role of a Guru
  • The four Purusharthas (goals of life)
  • Discussions on heaven (Swarga) and hell (Narak)
  • The concept of different bodies (Bhuladi Char Deha)
  • The significance of good company (Satsang) and the pitfalls of bad company (Kusang)
  • Rules for devotees (Bhaktana Ekvis Niyam)
  • Different stages of dissolution (Char Pralay)
  • The relationship with Brahman (Brahmabandh)
  • The seeker of liberation (Mumukshu) and overcoming the cycle of birth and death (Bhavtaran)
  • Eternal bliss (Avinashi Sukha) and liberated souls (Muktābhā)
• Publisher's Notes (Pages 6-16): A significant portion of the provided text details the operational aspects and challenges faced by "Sastu Sahitya Vardhak Karyalaya" (સસ્તું સાહિત્ય વર્ધક કાર્યાલય). It discusses:
  • Subscription Numbers: The need to reach 5,000 subscribers to sustain the "Vividh Granthamala" project and the progress made towards this goal.
  • Financial Challenges: The difficulties in managing the printing costs, especially with increased print runs, and the reliance on borrowed funds or donations.
  • Organizational Structure: The establishment of the organization as a trust with three members (the author and two others) and the intention to expand and register it legally.
  • Publication History: A list of previously published books and their print runs, highlighting the commitment to making literature accessible at low cost.
  • Subscription Tiers: The existence of different subscription categories (e.g., annual Rs. 12, Rs. 6, Rs. 3, Rs. 1.8.0) with varying paper quality and binding, aimed at catering to different financial capacities. The adjustments made to subscription rates and paper quality for the second year are also discussed.
  • Call for Support: An appeal to patrons and well-wishers to support the endeavor, both financially and by spreading the word.
  • Gratitude: Expressing thanks to individuals and publications that supported the "Vividh Granthamala" project.
• Specific Content of Aksharmala (Pages 26 onwards): The provided pages from the book itself begin with the invocations and then delve into the detailed explanations of the various topics listed in the index. The language is poetic and devotional, in the traditional style of Gujarati devotional literature. The author, Chhotam Kavi, explains philosophical concepts using simple analogies and direct teachings.

In essence, the Aksharmala by Chhotam Kavi is a didactic and devotional work that serves as an introduction to Jain philosophical and ethical principles, presented in a poetic and accessible manner. The publisher's notes reveal a dedicated effort to disseminate spiritual literature widely despite financial and operational hurdles.