Apragat Stavanadi Sangraha - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Apragat Stavanadi Sangraha," based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Apragat Stavanadi Sangraha (Collection of Unrevealed Chants/Hymns) Author(s): Devchandra Gani, Buddhisagar Gani Publisher: Unknown (Mentioned as Shree Sudharmaswami Gyanbhandar-Umara, Surat and Shree Yashovijayji Jain Granthamala, Bhavnagar)

Overall Purpose and Context:

This collection, "Apragat Stavanadi Sangraha," appears to be a compilation of devotional hymns (stavan) and verses authored by the esteemed Jain Muni Devchandra Gani, with an editorial note by Buddhisagar Gani. The introductory editorial note (Page 2) explains that these works were previously unpublished and were brought to light by scholar Shri Agarchandji Tanu. The compilation and preparation for printing were done by Shri Bhadramuni Ji, a disciple of Acharya Jin Suri Ji Maharaj. The publication was made possible through the financial support of a respected individual. The editorial note also acknowledges the possibility of errors due to the limitations of the scribe and requests readers to correct them.

The text is written in Gujarati and presents a rich collection of devotional poetry focused on various Tirthankaras, Jain principles, and pilgrimage sites. It aims to inspire spiritual devotion, reinforce Jain philosophy, and guide practitioners on the path to liberation.

Key Themes and Content:

The collection is structured into several devotional pieces, each focusing on a specific aspect of Jainism:

Praise of Tirthankaras and the Four-Fold Sangha (Page 3): The collection begins with praises of the Tirthankaras, listing their attributes and the number of their disciples and followers. It also reveres the four components of the Jain Sangha (monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen).
Vedic Chants/Hymns (Stavans): The majority of the text consists of various stavans (hymns) dedicated to specific Tirthankaras and important concepts. These include:
- Praise of Rishabhdev (Adinath) (Page 3, Page 10, Page 22): Several hymns are dedicated to the first Tirthankara, Rishabhdev, describing his virtues, his life, and his significance.
- Chaitayavandan (Temple Worship) (Page 4): A hymn for general temple worship, praising the Tirthankaras and the path to liberation.
- Pārśva Jina Chaitavandan (Page 4-5): A hymn dedicated to Lord Parshvanath, detailing his life events, his birth, renunciation, omniscience, and salvation.
- Praise of Shantinath (Page 11): A hymn focusing on Lord Shantinath, highlighting his role in bringing peace and prosperity.
- Praise of Nemnath (Page 12): Hymns dedicated to Lord Neminath, including a poignant one from the perspective of Rajulmati, his beloved.
- Praise of Sudhi Jineshwar (Page 12): A hymn seemingly referring to Lord Suparshvanath.
- Praise of Jagvallabh Parshvajin (Page 13-14): A hymn dedicated to Lord Parshvanath, referred to as "Jagvallabh" (beloved of the world).
- Praise of Godi Parshva Jina (Page 14-15): A hymn dedicated to a specific form of Lord Parshvanath.
- Diwali Stavan (Page 16): A hymn celebrating Diwali, linking it to the auspicious sight of the Tirthankaras' faces.
- Praise of Ashtapad (Page 16-17): A hymn focusing on the pilgrimage site of Ashtapad and its significance.
- Praise of Sammet Shikhar (Page 17-20): Multiple hymns and descriptive verses about the sacred mountain of Sammet Shikhar, detailing the Tirthankaras who attained liberation there, various temples, and the spiritual significance of visiting it.
- Praise of Rishabhdev (Siddhachal) (Page 20-21): Further praise of Lord Rishabhdev and the pilgrimage to Siddhachal (another name for Shatrunjaya).
- Praise of Rishabhdev (Shatrunjaya) (Page 21-22): Hymns dedicated to Lord Rishabhdev and the pilgrimage to Shatrunjaya, mentioning the Tirthankaras and ascetics who attained liberation there.
- Praise of Rishabhdev (Various forms) (Page 22-23): More hymns dedicated to Lord Rishabhdev, describing his qualities and the spiritual benefits of devotion.
- Shatrunjaya Chaitya Paripati (Page 23-32): A detailed description of the temples and sacred sites on Shatrunjaya hill, enumerating the Tirthankaras and ascetics who attained liberation there, and the architectural details of various shrines. This section is extensive and serves as a guide to the pilgrimage.
- Praise of Rishabhdev (Panch Pandav's Sajhay) (Page 33-34): A hymn recounting the story of the Panch Pandavas and their spiritual practice on Shatrunjaya.
- Praise of Ganadhar Pasrshva (Page 34-35): Hymns dedicated to Ganadhar Parshva and the lineage of Ganadhars.
- Dwadasangi Sajhay (Page 35-36): Hymns about the twelve Angas of Jain scripture, highlighting their importance and the wisdom of the Ganadhars.
- Bhagavati Sutra Sajhay (Page 36-37): Hymns related to the Bhagavati Sutra, emphasizing the teachings and the role of the Ganadhars.
- Guhli (Swayambhu Manushya) (Page 37-38): A hymn referencing the story of Guhli, a human who attained spiritual heights.
- Pad (Various Themes) (Page 38-42): Several short hymns (Pads) covering various themes like:
  - Atma Bhave Rame (Page 38): The importance of dwelling in one's true self.
  - Panchendriya Vishay Tyag (Page 39): Renunciation of the five senses.
  - Muni Gun Sajhay (Page 40): The virtues of a monk.
  - Samkit ni Sajhay (Page 40-41): The essence of Right Faith (Samkit).
  - Sadhu Pad Sajhay (Page 41-42): The path and conduct of a monk.
  - Dhandhan Muni ni Sajhay (Page 42-44): The story of Muni Dhandhan and his spiritual practice.
  - Dravid-Varikhil Muni Sajhay (Page 44-45): The story of Munis Dravid and Varikhil.
  - Juth Tyag Vishe Sajhay (Page 46-47): The importance of renouncing falsehood.
  - Cheri Tyag Vishe Sajhay (Page 47-48): The importance of not coveting others' property.
  - Brahmacharya Vishe (Page 48-49): The virtue of celibacy.
  - Mane-Nigrah Vishe Sajhay (Page 49-50): The importance of controlling the mind.
  - Dhyani Nirgranth Vishe (Page 50-51): The qualities of a meditating monk.
Discourse on Jain Principles: Woven throughout the hymns are discussions on core Jain principles such as:
- Karma: The role of karma in worldly suffering and liberation.
- Soul (Atma): The eternal and pure nature of the soul.
- Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct (Ratnatraya): The path to liberation.
- Ahimsa (Non-violence): The paramount importance of non-violence in thought, word, and deed.
- Renunciation and Asceticism: The path of monks and nuns.
- Pilgrimage: The spiritual significance of visiting holy sites.
- Devotion and Reverence: The importance of devotion to Tirthankaras and spiritual guides.

Authorship and Spiritual Significance:

Devchandra Gani: The primary author, whose devotional and philosophical insights are showcased through these stavans. His hymns are characterized by their poetic beauty and deep spiritual content.
Buddhisagar Gani: The editor or compiler who brought these valuable, previously unrevealed works to light, ensuring their dissemination for the benefit of the Jain community.

The collection serves as a valuable resource for Jain devotees, offering them a means to connect with the divine, understand Jain philosophy, and draw inspiration for their spiritual journey. The detailed descriptions of pilgrimage sites, particularly Shatrunjaya, also make it a guide for those undertaking spiritual journeys.