Atmanand Stavanavali

This document is a Jain text titled "Atmanand Stavanavali", compiled and edited by Muni Shri Karpurvijayaji Maharaj. It is the second edition, published by Babu Sumermal Surana of Calcutta, and was printed in Benares City in Vikram Samvat 2443 (1917 AD).

The book is a collection of devotional songs (stanzas or "stanzas") and prayers, primarily attributed to two prominent Jain ascetics:

1. Acharya Shri Vijayanand Surishwarji (also known as Atmaramji) Maharaj (born Samvat 1773 - passed Samvat 1953).
2. Upadhyaya Shri Veer Vijayji Maharaj.

The text includes:

• Tributes and Praises: The introductory sections (Prastavana) extensively praise Acharya Shri Vijayanand Surishwarji, highlighting his profound knowledge, courage, compassion, and impactful preaching that reached even international platforms like the Parliament of Religions in America. It speaks of his ability to counter strong opponents and illuminate the path of righteousness. It also acknowledges the perceived void left by his passing and the need for similar spiritual guides in the Jain community.
• Praise for Other Ascetics: The text also pays homage to other significant Jain scholars and saints like Shri Yashovijayji and Shri Vinayvijayji, recognizing their contributions to Jain philosophy and literature.
• Collection of Stanzas (Stavanas): The core of the book consists of numerous stanzas dedicated to various Tirthankaras, including:
  • Shri Rishabh Jin (First Tirthankara)
  • Shri Ajitnath Jin
  • Shri Sambhavnath Jin
  • Shri Abhinandan Jin
  • Shri Sumatinath Jin
  • Shri Padmanabh Jin
  • Shri Suparshvanath Jin
  • Shri Chandraprabha Jin
  • Shri Suvidhinath Jin
  • Shri Shitalnath Jin
  • Shri Shreyansanath Jin
  • Shri Vasupujya Jin
  • Shri Vimalnath Jin
  • Shri Anantnath Jin
  • Shri Dharmanath Jin
  • Shri Shantinath Jin
  • Shri Kunthunath Jin
  • Shri Aranatha Jin
  • Shri Mallinath Jin
  • Shri Munisuvrat Jin
  • Shri Naminath Jin
  • Shri Neminath Jin
  • Shri Parshvanath Jin
  • Shri Mahavir Jin
• Collection of Prayers (Pad): Following the stanzas, there are further devotional verses, some offering guidance and introspection.
• Twelve Reflections (Dwadash Bhavna): This section contains twelve distinct reflections or contemplations, likely on core Jain philosophical concepts such as impermanence (Anitya), helplessness (Anashran), the cycle of birth and death (Samsara), solitude (Ekatva), impurity (Aśuchi), inflow of karma (Ashrav), cessation of karma (Samvar), shedding of karma (Nirjara), righteous conduct (Dharma), the nature of the universe (Lokswaroop), the quest for enlightenment (Bodhibeej), and the importance of detachment.
• Other Devotional Works: The book also includes stanzas and prayers attributed to Upadhyaya Shri Veer Vijayji Maharaj, and a section of "Pado" (further devotional verses), possibly by other ascetics. It also contains an "Asht Prakari Puja" (Eight-fold Worship) compiled by Shri Devvijayji Maharaj.
• Pilgrimage and Place-Specific Stanzas: Several stanzas are dedicated to specific pilgrimage sites and holy places like Hastinapur, Radhanpur, Dhuleva, Bikaner, and Tarnetar, reflecting the importance of these locations in Jain devotion.

The overall tone of the text is devotional, reverential, and aims to inspire spiritual reflection and adherence to Jain principles. It emphasizes the teachings and examples of revered Jain ascetics and Tirthankaras. The inclusion of multiple editions and the mention of free distribution suggest a commitment to spreading spiritual knowledge within the Jain community.