Ashtmangal Geet Gunjan - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Ashtmangal Geet Gunjan" by Saumyaratnavijay, published by Shilpvidhi Prakashan, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Ashtmangal Geet Gunjan (The Echo of Ashtamangal Songs) Author: Muni Saumyaratnavijay Publisher: Shilpvidhi Prakashan

Overall Purpose: This book is a unique collection of couplets (dohas) and songs designed to be sung when presenting the Ashtamangal (eight auspicious symbols in Jainism) to the Shri Sangh (congregation of Jain followers) during Paryushana or other festive occasions. It aims to enhance the devotional experience and understanding of the significance of these auspicious symbols.

Publisher's Other Works (Page 2): The publisher, Shilpvidhi Prakashan, specializes in Jain art, architecture, and rituals. Their other notable publications include:

Jain Shilp Vidhan (Parts 1 & 2): A classical text on temple construction based on architectural scriptures, current traditions, and experienced artisans.
Jinalay Nirman Margdarshika: A practical guide for temple construction, covering aspects like ornamentation, depictions of deities, flags, symbols, and inscriptions.
Hemkalika-1: A ritualistic text focusing on the "Shri Adhar Abhishek Vidhan" (ritual of 18 ablutions), detailing secrets, purification methods, examples, devotional songs, and praises, compiled from over 200 ancient consecration manuals.
Hemkalika-2: A textual guide in tabular form ("Shri Dharanagti Yantra") to determine the most beneficial placement of Jina (Tirthankara) idols in a community or home shrine.
Shashwat Jin Pratima Swaroop: An illustrated description of the eternal Jina idols residing in celestial abodes, based on scriptural texts.
Coming Soon: Hemkalika-3 (Jinalay Nirman Vidhi Vidhan) and Dhwaja Samhita (a reference book on temple flags).
Shri Brihad Dharanayantra and Shri Dharanagati Yantra (Hindi).

Content of "Ashtmangal Geet Gunjan":

1. Ashtamangal Doha (Page 3): The book begins with a set of couplets explaining the significance of the Ashtamangal and providing verses to be recited while displaying them to the congregation. Each Ashtamangal is paired with a doha:

General Doha: It highlights that viewing the Ashtamangal leads to the upliftment of the Shri Sangh, the destruction of obstacles, the attainment of happiness and prosperity, and ultimately liberation.
Swastik: Represents the four cardinal virtues (charity, ethics, austerity, and inner disposition) and the destruction of the four gatis (realms of existence), leading to the manifestation of the soul's true nature.
Shrivatsa: Symbolizes immense glory, bestowing wealth, prosperity, good intellect, and inexhaustible virtues.
Nandyavarta: Signifies the gift of a final body, a perfect life, and a limited cycle of rebirth.
Vardhamanaka: Represents the growth of knowledge, humility, wisdom, and prosperity, along with the strength of merit, fame, and honor.
Bhadrasana: Grants auspiciousness and the destruction of sins through its sight, illuminating the soul with divine knowledge.
Purnakalash: Symbolizes completeness, removing inner impurities. The "heart-pot" filled with pure feelings leads to the fullness of the soul's true nature.
Meen Yugal (Pair of Fish): Expresses deep devotion to the Lord, akin to fish in water, severing worldly attachments to remain absorbed in the Lord.
Darpan (Mirror): Represents progress and the result of self-surrender. It encourages introspection to see the pure soul.

The couplets are attributed to Muni SanskarNidhi Shreeji Maharaj.

2. Ashtamangal Mahatmya Ghoshna (Glory Announcement of Ashtamangal) (Pages 4-5): This section provides an elaborate description of the Ashtamangal, intended to be recited to the congregation on an appropriate occasion for their spiritual welfare.

Scriptural Basis: It states that the Ashtamangal are eternal, as mentioned in various Jain scriptures. They are found at the gates of celestial assemblies, on the arches of flying vehicles, and at the entrance of eternal Jinalayas. Chakravartis (universal monarchs) depict Ashtamangal before their Chakra Ratna (wheel jewel), and they were also present in the procession for the initiation of Meghkumar and Jamali.
Description from Agama: The text then quotes a passage from the Jain scripture Shri Rayapaseniya Sutra, describing a magnificent Ashok tree in the city of Amalakalpa, adorned with numerous Ashtamangal made of pure jewels. These Ashtamangal are described as:
- Made of all kinds of jewels.
- Extremely clean, pure, and translucent like crystal.
- Made of softest substances, well-polished, and smooth to touch.
- Free from natural or accumulated dust.
- Without any blemishes or defects.
- Radiant and emitting light, illuminating their surroundings.
- Pleasing to the mind, delightful to behold, and appealing in their form.
Auspicious Outcome: The recitation concludes with wishes for the well-being and auspiciousness of the Shraman Sangh (monastic community), the quadruply composed Sangh (monks, nuns, male lay followers, female lay followers), the entire Jain Sangh, and all beings in the universe.

3. Ashtamangal Vadhamana (Welcoming Ashtamangal) (Pages 6-13): This is the core of the book, where each of the eight Ashtamangal is presented with a specific devotional song and accompanying rituals:

For each Ashtamangal:
- Invocation: Begins with the Navkar Mantra (Namo Arhats, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, Sarva Sadhus).
- Doha: The specific couplet explaining its significance is reiterated.
- Mantra: A specific mantra is provided for each Ashtamangal, invoking prosperity, peace, and well-being for the entire Jain community (e.g., "Om Hreem Shreem Arham Namah. Sakal Shri Jain Sanghasya Sarvataḥ Sarvada Sarvaprakareṇa Sukha-Shanti-Riddhi-Siddhi-Samriddhi-Shreyo'rtham Swastika Mangal Darshaniti Swaha.").
- Song (in Rag Malakosh): A devotional song in the Malakosh raga, starting with the refrain "Anand Anand Mangal Ho" (Joy, Joy, Auspiciousness), followed by verses that explain the symbol's meaning and call for celebrating it with devotion.
- Song (with specific tune reference): Each Ashtamangal is also accompanied by a song set to a known tune (e.g., "Shaam Dhale Yamuna Kinare," "Chowk Purao Mati Rangao," "Anand Rang Bhagwant Sang," "Har Jenam Mein Prabhu Tera Saath Chahiye," "Mai Re Mai," "Jyoti Kalash Chhalke," "Rupeeyo To Lene Palitana," "Ajab Dhun Arham Ki Laagi Re"). These songs are designed for congregational singing and elaborate on the virtues and blessings associated with each symbol.

Key Themes:

Auspiciousness and Well-being: The central theme is the auspiciousness that the Ashtamangal bring to individuals, the community, and the world.
Devotion and Bhakti: The songs and verses encourage deep devotion to the Tirthankaras and the Jain path.
Spiritual Upliftment: The purpose is to elevate the spiritual consciousness of the devotees during religious observances.
Scriptural Authority: The text grounds the importance of Ashtamangal in Jain scriptures.
Practical Application: It provides a ready-to-use collection of devotional material for religious gatherings.

In essence, "Ashtmangal Geet Gunjan" serves as a guide for Jain communities to meaningfully engage with and celebrate the Ashtamangal, fostering a deeper understanding of their significance and a more vibrant devotional experience.