Aradhanadisar Sangraha

This document is the Aradhanadisar Sangraha (Collection of the Essence of Devotion), authored by Pandit Chhabildas Kesrichand Pandit and published by himself. The book was established by Seth Bulakhidas Nanchand and is associated with the Shri Syadvad Sanskrit Pathshala in Khambhat. The publication date is Vir Samvat 2474 / Vikrami Samvat 2004 (approximately 1947-1948 CE).

The document provides a detailed account of the life and teachings of Sadhvi Shri Gunashriji Maharaj. It also includes a collection of devotional verses (Sajhay) and teachings, likely related to Jain philosophy and practices, presented in Gujarati and Sanskrit.

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects covered in the provided pages:

1. Introduction and Publication Details (Pages 1-4):

• Title: Shri Aradhanadisar Sangraha.
• Subtitle: "A Guide to Obtaining Immeasurable Happiness in Heaven through Precious Devotion in Human Life."
• Author: Pandit Chhabildas Kesrichand.
• Publisher: Pandit Chhabildas Kesrichand.
• Established by: Seth Bulakhidas Nanchand.
• Associated Institution: Shri Syadvad Sanskrit Pathshala, Khambhat.
• Publication Date: Vir Samvat 2474 / Vikrami Samvat 2004.
• Printing Press: Arunodaya Printing Press, Khambhat.
• Dedication: The book is presented as a gift in memory of the late Pujya Gurushri M. by Smt. Chandanben, wife of Shri Gandhi Kantilal Vadilal, residents of Vejalpur.
• Spiritual Lineage: The text details the lineage of Sadhvi Shri Gunashriji Maharaj, mentioning her gurus: Sadhvi Shri Gulabshriji and Sadhvi Shri Saubhagya Shreeji.

2. Life of Sadhvi Shri Gunashriji Maharaj (Pages 5-29):

• Birth and Renunciation: Her birth details (Samvat 1945, Shravan Vad 6 in Khambhat) and initiation (Diksha in Samvat 1962, Margshirsh Sud 11 in Ahmedabad) are provided. Her passing (Swargavas) was in Samvat 2001, Ashad Vad 4 in Vejalpur.
• Family Background: She was born into the prestigious Gandhi family of the Vishashrimali Vanik caste in Khambhat, a city with a rich Jain heritage.
• Early Life and Marriage: Despite her spiritual inclinations, she was married due to societal circumstances to Naginbhai K. from Khambhat.
• Renunciation (Diksha): She eventually renounced worldly life, becoming Sadhvi Shri Gunashriji, a disciple of Sadhvi Shri Gulabshriji, who was a disciple of Sadhvi Shri Saubhagya Shreeji.
• Challenges and Perseverance: Her diksha faced legal challenges, requiring her to defend her choice in court. She eloquently articulated that true happiness lies not in fleeting worldly pleasures but in the voluntary acceptance of hardships on the path of righteousness.
• Guru Devotion and Service: The text highlights her profound devotion and service to her gurus, particularly Pujya Saubhagya Shreeji and her own guru, Gunashriji Maharaj. An anecdote illustrates her unwavering obedience to her guru's command, even when it caused personal distress.
• Qualities and Virtues: She is described as possessing great virtues like humility, scholarship, adherence to Jain principles (Ahimsa, Sanyam, Tap), and selfless service. Her name, Gunashriji, is said to reflect her extraordinary qualities.
• Spiritual Work and Disciples: The document mentions her numerous Chaturmas (monsoon retreats) and the specific works she undertook during those periods, including Upadhan (a special penance), Jumanu (celebratory events), and other Shasan Vruddhi (propagation of Jainism) activities. It also lists her disciples and grand-disciples, their lay names, birthplaces, and initiation details.
• Final Days and Demise: Her final Chaturmas was in Vejalpur. Despite efforts to treat her illness, her health deteriorated, and she attained Nirvana in Samvat 2001. The community mourned her loss, and elaborate funeral rites were performed with great reverence and participation from various Jain sanghs.

3. Compilation of Devotional Verses and Teachings (Pages 30 onwards):

• "Sartham Bhavvairagyashatak" (The Hundred Verses on Renunciation in Life): This section appears to contain verses in Prakrit (likely Apabhramsa or a related dialect) with Gujarati translations. These verses emphasize:
  • The transient and suffering-filled nature of the material world (Samsara).
  • The fleetingness of life, youth, wealth, and relationships.
  • The importance of performing religious duties promptly and without delay.
  • The inevitability of death and the futility of attachment to worldly possessions.
  • The impermanence of the body and the eternal nature of the soul.
  • The contrast between adhering to worldly desires and following the path of dharma.
  • The suffering in various life forms (hellish, Tiryanch, human, divine) and the importance of seeking liberation.
  • The power of devotion and the ultimate goal of Moksha (liberation).
• "Prasad Parihar Kulak" (Verses on Avoiding Negligence): This section contains verses in Prakrit with Gujarati translations that strongly caution against negligence and highlight the importance of:
  • The true value of human life and the rarity of obtaining it.
  • The dire consequences of negligence in practicing dharma.
  • The impermanence of worldly pleasures and possessions.
  • The need to cultivate virtues like patience, forgiveness, and contentment.
  • The dangers of the eight types of negligence (Pramad).
  • The eternal nature of the soul and the temporary nature of the body.
  • The importance of living a life aligned with Jain principles.
• "Pavamapradip" (Lamp of Paapapradip): This appears to be a section dedicated to specific teachings or verses related to sin and its consequences.
• "Aramana Sutra" (Verses on Devotion): This section, attributed to Shri Samasuri, appears to be a compilation of verses (Gathas) outlining various aspects of devotion and spiritual practice. It details:
  • The Ten Steps of Devotion: These include confessing faults (Alochana), taking vows (Vrata), seeking forgiveness (Kshama), renouncing sins (Paap), seeking refuge (Sharan), repenting misdeeds (Dushkrit Grah), approving good deeds (Sukrut Anumodan), cultivating pure thoughts (Shubh Bhavna), fasting (Anashan), and remembering the five supreme beings (Panchnamaskar).
  • Alochana of Vows: Detailed descriptions of faults associated with the five main vows (Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, Aparigraha) and additional vows are provided, along with the consequences of these faults. This section is extensive and goes into specific examples of violating these vows at different levels (ekendriya, beiindriya, etc.).
  • Other Teachings: The text also contains verses related to the importance of righteousness, the dangers of attachment, the transient nature of life, and the ultimate goal of liberation.

Overall Purpose:

The "Aradhanadisar Sangraha" serves as a comprehensive guide for spiritual practice within the Jain tradition, focusing on the principles of devotion, renunciation, and the pursuit of liberation. It aims to inspire readers to lead a life of virtue, diligence, and detachment from worldly affairs by highlighting the teachings of prominent Jain ascetics and philosophers, with a particular emphasis on the life and example of Sadhvi Shri Gunashriji Maharaj. The inclusion of Prakrit verses with Gujarati translations makes the teachings accessible to a wider audience.