Bhaktamar Stotra - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Bhaktamar Stotra" by Shreechand Surana, in English:

Bhaktamar Stotra: A Jewel of Devotional Literature

The "Bhaktamar Stotra," authored by Shreechand Surana "Saras," is presented as an unparalleled and radiant gem of devotional literature. It is described as an inexhaustible stream of devotion towards the first Tirthankara, Lord Adinath, who is characterized by profound peace. The stotra's flow and momentum are so potent that they are said to deeply imbue the reader's heart with devotional bliss. The text emphasizes that the serene and overflowing nature of devotion within this stotra has the power to render the devotee "immortal."

Timeless Significance and Spiritual Depth:

The "Bhaktamar Stotra" is considered a timeless composition. Its melodious and graceful vocabulary is not only rich in devotional essence but also articulates the spiritual and cultural grandeur of Jain philosophy in every verse. The rhythm of the stotra possesses a unique resonance that directly connects the worshipper's heart to the divine object of adoration. Initially, the devotee perceives the Lord as distant, referred to as "Ta" (He), but as the depth of devotion increases, a profound sense of closeness and intimacy develops, expressed through words like "Tva" (You) and "Tava" (Yours). The immense distance of countless leagues is said to transform into immediate heartfelt proximity, with Lord Adinath residing within the devotee's heart. Thus, it is an introspective stotra composed in moments of intense devotion, a crown jewel of stotra literature.

Enduring Popularity and Miraculous Power:

Despite the passage of centuries, the glory and effectiveness of the "Bhaktamar Stotra" have not diminished; rather, they have steadily increased. Today, millions of devotees chant it with great reverence, experiencing the joy of achieving their desired goals.

The Creator: Acharya Mantunga

The composer of the "Bhaktamar Stotra," Acharya Shri Mantunga, is lauded as a highly talented scholar, a propagator of the Jinashasan (Jain teachings), and an extremely miraculous saint. Each syllable of the "Bhaktamar Stotra" is said to reveal his conscious and faith-filled devotion to the divine.

A Miraculous Origin Story:

A widely recounted narrative tells of King Vriddhabhoj of Avanti Nagari, who, wishing to witness a miracle, had Acharya Shri imprisoned with handcuffs and shackles, secured with strong locks and guarded by vigilant guards. The Acharya remained in deep meditation for three days. On the morning of the fourth day, he composed this stotra as a praise of Lord Adinath. Upon reciting the forty-sixth verse, "Aapad Kanth – Muru-Shrinkhala Veshitanga" (meaning bound by shackles from feet to neck), the handcuffs, shackles, and locks miraculously broke and fell away. Acharya Shri was liberated from his bonds and emerged from the prison. This event profoundly impacted the king, who became a devoted follower of the Acharya and Lord Adinath.

The Power of Devotion and Faith:

The text highlights the extraordinary power of devotion and the infinite strength of faith. It states that anyone who calls upon the Lord with a pure and sacred heart, surrendered at His feet, will never have their prayer go unanswered. Such devotion imbues a person's life with physical and spiritual power. Wealth, respect, prosperity, health, and fortune are said to manifest effortlessly at the feet of a true devotee. A sincere devotee never experiences despair, and devotion is always fruitful. When the mind becomes focused on the Lord's praise and His pure, divine form, all distractions cease, leading to the experience of unique absorption and an ineffable joy that is comprehended through experience.

Structure and Composition:

The "Bhaktamar Stotra" comprises 48 verses (shlokas), with each verse containing four lines (pada). Each line has 14 syllables, consisting of seven short (laghu) and seven long (guru) syllables. In total, the stotra contains 2888 syllables. According to ancient tradition, the "Bhaktamar Stotra" should be recited in the morning, facing either the east or north.

Mantra-infused Power:

Scholarly acharyas assert that the combination of words in the "Bhaktamar Stotra" is infused with mantra power. Each verse and syllable is believed to explode with a potent, magical effect capable of awakening mantraic influence. The devotee's devotion, purity, concentration, perseverance, and focused intent are crucial for this. Mantraologists have documented the stotra's connection to yantras (mystical diagrams), mantras, and riddhis (supernatural powers), along with numerous internal narratives detailing specific effects of each verse, all pointing to the direct miracles of the "Bhaktamar Stotra." The overarching message is that the "Bhaktamar Stotra" is a wish-fulfilling tree or a treasure chest for both material and spiritual attainments.

Specific Benefits of Verses:

Certain verses are particularly renowned for their miraculous efficacy in specific purposes:

For acquisition of wealth: Verses 2, 36, and 48.
For acquisition of knowledge: Verse 6.
For eloquence: Verse 10.
For appeasement of troubles: Verse 7.
For relief from illness and pain: Verses 17 and 45.
For liberation from prison and suffering, and removal of fear of royalty: Verse 46.
For removal of all kinds of fears: Verse 47.
For neutralization of poison from snakes etc.: Verse 41.
For self-protection from black magic and spells cast by others: Verse 9.
For fulfillment of needs: Verse 19.

The author expresses deep gratitude to Lord Adinath and the late Acharya Mantunga for making such a devotional and impactful composition accessible to everyone. The text concludes by comparing the purity of saints and ascetics to that of an innocent child.