Bhaktamar Stotra - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Bhaktamar Stotra" authored by Mavji Damji Shah, published by Satshrut Seva Sadhna Kendra, based on the provided catalog link and the text itself:

Title: Bhaktamar Stotra (with Gujarati Poetic Translation)

Author: Shri Mantungacharya (Original Sanskrit Composition) Gujarati Poetic Translator: Shri Mavji Damji Shah

Publisher: Shri Satshrut Seva Sadhna Kendra (also referred to as Adhyatmik Sadhna Kendra), Keba, Gujarat.

Overview:

The "Bhaktamar Stotra" is a revered Jain devotional hymn composed in Sanskrit by the great poet-saint Shri Mantungacharya. The name "Bhaktamar" literally translates to "devotees of the gods," signifying the high esteem in which the hymn is held, even by celestial beings. This particular publication by Shri Satshrut Seva Sadhna Kendra presents the original Sanskrit verses alongside a poetic translation and commentary in Gujarati by Shri Mavji Damji Shah. The text highlights the profound devotional nature and the significant spiritual merit associated with reciting this stotra.

Key Themes and Content:

The Bhaktamar Stotra is dedicated to Lord Rishabhadeva (Adinath), the first Tirthankara of the current era. The stotra praises the Lord's exalted qualities, his spiritual prowess, and his role as a beacon of liberation for all beings.

The stotra can be broadly summarized by the following key themes and the progression of its verses:

Exaltation of the Tirthankara: The initial verses (1-3) set the tone by describing the supreme nature of Lord Rishabhadeva, whose feet are worshipped by even the gods. The poet humbly acknowledges his own limited intellect but is driven by devotion to praise the Lord, comparing it to a child trying to grasp the moon.
Unfathomable Qualities and the Poet's Humility: Verses (4-6) emphasize the impossibility of fully describing the Lord's infinite virtues, even for the greatest of beings. The poet expresses his inadequacy but asserts that his devotion compels him to try, much like a doe bravely facing a lion to protect its fawn, or a cuckoo singing sweetly when mango blossoms appear.
Power of Devotion and the Stotra: The stotra highlights the transformative power of devotion. Verses (7-8) state that even the thought of the Lord, or the recitation of his praise, can instantly destroy accumulated sins, just as sunlight dispels darkness. The poet believes his humble attempt at praise will be accepted by the virtuous, just as a dewdrop on a lotus petal shines like a pearl.
Lord's Divine Form and Qualities: A significant portion of the stotra (verses 9-23) focuses on describing the Lord's divine physical attributes and his spiritual radiance:
- Radiance and Purity: His brilliance eclipses the sun and moon, and his very presence purifies the world.
- Uniqueness: His form is unparalleled, and no other being possesses such divine beauty.
- Inner Purity: His virtues are like a clear, unpolluted ocean.
- Spiritual Influence: His teachings and presence are pure and untainted by worldly desires or flaws.
- Comparison to Natural Phenomena: The Lord's qualities are compared to the sun, moon, stars, and lotuses to illustrate their brilliance and purity.
The Lord as the Ultimate Truth: Verses (24-25) identify the Lord as the ultimate reality, the source of knowledge, and the bestower of liberation. He is described as the Supreme Being, Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu, signifying his all-encompassing nature beyond conventional deities.
Prostrations and Blessings: The stotra offers salutations and prayers to the Lord (verses 26-28) as the destroyer of suffering, the ornament of the earth, the supreme ruler of the three worlds, and the one who dries up the ocean of worldly existence.
Divine Attributes and Symbols: Several verses (29-33) describe the visual splendors associated with the Lord's presence, such as his throne adorned with gems, the celestial parasols signifying his sovereignty, the divine music announcing his glory, and the shower of celestial flowers during his sermons.
Power of the Lord's Name and Teachings: The stotra emphasizes that even hearing the Lord's name or his teachings can bring immense benefit. Verses (34-37) illustrate how the Lord's radiant presence and profound teachings illuminate the world, unlike any other entity. His teachings are described as pure, meaningful, and universally beneficial.
Protection from Dangers and Sins: The latter part of the stotra (verses 38-47) focuses on the protective power of remembering and reciting the Bhaktamar Stotra. It details how reciting the stotra can ward off:
- Fearsome animals like lions and elephants.
- Natural calamities like fires.
- Poisonous snakes.
- The chaos of battle.
- The perils of the ocean.
- Diseases and afflictions.
- Bondage and imprisonment. The stotra acts as a potent spiritual medicine and shield against all worldly and spiritual dangers.
Attainment of Wealth and Spiritual Power: The final verses (48) conclude by stating that those who wear the garland of this stotra, woven with the Lord's virtues, will be blessed with prosperity and spiritual power, and will be attended by Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth).

Significance and Publication:

The publication aims to make this powerful stotra accessible to Gujarati-speaking devotees. Shri Mavji Damji Shah's translation is intended to help readers understand and appreciate the profound devotional sentiment and spiritual message embedded in the original Sanskrit verses. The text highlights the widespread popularity and efficacy of the Bhaktamar Stotra, with many devotees having it memorized and reciting it daily. The publisher, Shri Satshrut Seva Sadhna Kendra, is dedicated to promoting spiritual knowledge and practices through such publications.

About the Author (Shri Mantungacharya):

The introduction provides a brief biographical sketch of Shri Mantungacharya, identifying him as a great scholar and devotee of the 7th century. While details about his birthplace and lineage are scarce, scholars believe he lived during the reign of King Harshavardhana and was a contemporary of the renowned poet Bana. The text recounts a popular legend where Shri Mantungacharya, imprisoned in iron chains, composed the Bhaktamar Stotra, which miraculously broke his bonds and established the glory of Jainism. This story emphasizes that true devotion to the Lord not only purifies the soul but also bestows spiritual powers and worldly accomplishments.

In essence, the Bhaktamar Stotra is a timeless devotional masterpiece that extols the virtues of Lord Rishabhadeva and serves as a powerful tool for spiritual purification, protection, and ultimate liberation for its reciters. This edition makes its wisdom and devotional appeal readily available to a wider audience through its Gujarati translation.