Bhaktamar Stotram

This document is a scanned copy of the Bhaktamar Stotram, a revered Jain scripture, compiled and published by Gyanchand Jaini of the Digambar Jain Dharm Pustakalay in Lahore in 1912 AD (Veer Nirvana Samvat 2438).

The text includes:

• The Sanskrit text of the Bhaktamar Stotram, attributed to Acharya Shri Mantunga.
• Word-for-word meaning (Shabdarth) in Hindi.
• Syntactic meaning (Anvayarth) in Hindi.
• Interpretive meaning (Bhavarth) in Hindi.
• A Hindi verse rendition (Bhasha Path) by Pandit Hemraj.
• Meanings of difficult words.

Key aspects highlighted in the preface and throughout the text:

• Purpose of the publication: To provide a pure and corrected version of the Bhaktamar Stotram, addressing errors that had crept in due to the passage of time and potentially the work of other authors. Specifically, it mentions that previous versions contained words related to sexual desires which were embarrassing to recite in mixed company. The publisher emphasizes that they have corrected these errors and ensured the purity of both the Sanskrit and Hindi texts.
• Meaning of "Bhaktamar": The name "Bhaktamar" is explained as either originating from the first word of the hymn itself ("Bhakta") or because those who devoutly recite it become "Amar" (immortal), meaning they attain liberation or become like deities.
• Structure of the text: The Bhaktamar Stotram is presented in various meters (chhandas) such as Vasant Tilak and Chaupai. Each verse is accompanied by its detailed explanations in Hindi.
• Content of the verses: The verses praise the virtues and glory of the Tirthankaras (specifically Lord Adinath in the initial verses), highlighting their divine qualities, their role in liberating souls from the cycle of birth and death, their renunciation, their immense spiritual power, and their supreme beauty. The stotra uses rich imagery and comparisons to natural phenomena like the moon, sun, lotus, and mountains to describe the Tirthankaras' attributes.
• The author's intent: The author, Acharya Shri Mantunga, humbly expresses his inadequacy to fully describe the divine qualities of the Tirthankaras but is compelled to do so by devotion, comparing his effort to a deer facing a lion for its fawn.
• The publisher's dedication: Hakim Gyanchand Jaini of Lahore has taken the initiative to print this edition, ensuring its accuracy and accessibility. The catalog link provided leads to a Jain educational resource.

In essence, this document is a scholarly and devotional compilation of the Bhaktamar Stotram, aiming to present the sacred verses with comprehensive explanations in Hindi, making the teachings accessible and pure for Jain devotees. It also touches upon the historical context of the text's transmission and correction.