Apragat Sazzaya Sangraha

This document is a collection of ancient Jain devotional songs called "Sajhayas" (சயாய), compiled and edited by Sarabhai Manilal Nawab. The book is titled "Apragat Sazzaya Sangraha" (અપ્રગટ સજઝાય સંગ્રહ), meaning "Collection of Unrevealed Sajhayas."

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Book Title: Apragat Sazzaya Sangraha (અપ્રગટ સજઝાય સંગ્રહ) Author/Compiler/Researcher: Sarabhai Manilal Nawab Publisher: Sarabhai Manilal Nawab Key Features and Content:

• Compilation of Ancient Jain Sajhayas: The primary purpose of this book is to preserve and present a collection of rare and previously unpublished (apragaṭ) devotional songs from the Jain tradition. These Sajhayas are attributed to various ancient Jain monks and scholars.
• Dedication: The book is dedicated to Shri Maneklal Tribhuvandas Vora, indicating his support or contribution to the publication.
• Publisher's Statement (Page 6): Sarabhai Manilal Nawab expresses his joy in presenting this collection as the twenty-first volume in the "Shree Jain Prachin Sahityoddhar Granthavli" (Shree Jain Ancient Literature Restoration Series). He mentions that a previous "Shree Jain Sajhay Sangrah" published in Samvat 1990 (1934 CE) is now unavailable. This current volume, "Apragat Sajhay Sangraha," is a smaller collection. The inspiration for this book came from interactions with revered Jain monks, including Shri Charitsagarji and Shri Chandroday Sagarji, at the Pansar Tirth. Sadly, Shri Charitsagarji passed away just before the book's publication.
• Contents of the Sajhayas: The Sajhayas included in the collection are primarily attributed to Sakkalchandraji Upadhyay, Vachak Udayaratna, and Shri Sagarānandasūriji. Most of these Sajhayas are unpublished and were provided to the compiler by Shri Jinendrasagarji, a disciple of Shri Charitsagarji and Shri Chandroday Sagarji.
• Catalog of Works (Page 2): Page 2 lists various other Jain literature works published by Sarabhai Manilal Nawab, indicating his extensive involvement in Jain manuscript restoration and publication. These include works related to the Kalpa Sutra, Jain art, rituals, mantras, and scriptures.
• Extensive Index (Pages 8-11): The book features a detailed index (Anukramanika) listing numerous Sajhayas by their title and the author/composer. The authors include prominent Jain scholars and poets such as Sakkalchandraji, Anandghanji, Sadas Kirti Vimalji, Jñanavimal Suri, Rishabhdas, Deepavijayji, Viravijayji, Rishabhvijayji, Ratnavijayji, Lakshmivijayji, Manavijayji, Vinayvijayji, Bhavaprabha Suri, Jñānasagar, Jinvijayji, Sūdhana Harsha, Sukhavijayji, Rupavijayji, Ramavijayji, Tilakvijayji, Udayaratnajī, and Sagarānandasūriji.
• Themes of the Sajhayas: The Sajhayas cover a wide range of spiritual and ethical themes central to Jainism, including:
  • Anukampadan (Compassion and Charity): Emphasizing the importance of pity and giving.
  • Supatradan (Giving to the Worthy): Highlighting the virtue of donating to deserving individuals.
  • Lakshmi (Wealth): Describing the qualities and consequences of wealth.
  • Krishna's Teachings: Addressing the divine.
  • Consciousness (Chetna): Advising on awareness and right living.
  • Spiritual Teachings (Atmik): Guiding towards self-realization.
  • Brahmacharya (Celibacy/Chastity): Promoting the ideal of celibacy.
  • Moral Admonitions: Teaching about renunciation, virtue, and avoiding vices.
  • Stories of Jain Ascetics and Devotees: Narrating the lives and experiences of saints and followers.
  • Importance of Dharma and Ethics: Advocating for righteous conduct and principles.
  • Renunciation (Vairagya): Encouraging detachment from worldly possessions.
  • Meditation and Mindfulness: Promoting inner contemplation.
• Detailed Content Examples: The provided pages showcase the beginning of several Sajhayas, such as:
  • Sakkalchandraji Virachit Sajhayas: Including Sajhayas on various themes like "Saraswati Mata," "Meghkumar," "Sudha Nivaran," "Abhaydan," and "Atmik."
  • Specific Sajhayas: "Anukampadan," "Supatradan," "Lakshmi Na Gunavgun Varnan," "Shrikrishnane Vinti Rup," "Chetna Nari ne Shikhaman," "Shri Vijay Hirsūriśvarji," "Shri Meghkumārnā Pūrvabhavni," "Sudha Nivaran," "Abhaydan," "Atmika," "Tulani," "Dashvidh Sāmacārini," "Panchamahavrat," "Sadhu Muniraj ni Shkhamṇā," "Achal Chokhani," "Je Jas Belyā Balbhadra Muni," "Rām Bhaṇūī Hari Mamta Nivāraṇ ni," "Nemi Jin Brahmvati Balbhadra Muni ni," "Rāvaṇ ne Śikhaman ni," "Sīt Hari Ravaṇ Viṣay Nivāraṇani," "Maygal Mā Re Sansārnā Sagpan ni," "Chet To Cetāvu Muni Chandnāni," and "Shri Munirājne Kāyā ni."
• Publication Details: Published by Sarabhai Manilal Nawab, Chhipa Mavji ni Pal, Ahmedabad. Printed at Shri Navprabhat Printing Press, Ghikanta Road, Ahmedabad. Published in Samvat 2009 (1953 CE).

In essence, Apragat Sazzaya Sangraha is a significant contribution to Jain literature, offering a valuable collection of devotional and philosophical songs that were previously inaccessible, preserving them for future generations and enriching the understanding of Jain spiritual traditions.