Chaityavandan Chauvisi

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Chaityavandan Chauvisi," based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Chaityavandan Chauvisi (चैत्यवंदन चौविशी) Author(s): Edited by Muni Shri Dipratnasagar, with contributions from various Acharyas like Ramvijayji, Manvijayji, Rupvijayji, Nandsuriji, Gyanvimal Suriji, Veer Vijayji, Padm Vijayji, Rishabhdasji, Hanssagar Suriji, and Shilratnasuriji. Publisher: Abhinav Shrut Prakashan Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/003635/1

Overview:

"Chaityavandan Chauvisi" is a compilation of Chauvisi compositions, which are devotional songs or hymns dedicated to each of the 24 Tirthankaras (Jain spiritual leaders). This book serves as a valuable resource for Jain monks, scholars, and devotees, providing a collection of these traditional prayers for venerating the Tirthankaras.

Key Features and Content:

• Purpose: The book was created to address a perceived need for a comprehensive collection of "Chaityavandan" (veneration of Chaityas, which are temples or sacred places, often through devotional songs) that are relevant to specific occasions, festivals, fasts, and pilgrimage sites. The editor, Muni Shri Dipratnasagar, was inspired by the constant devotion of monks and ascetics.
• Structure: The book features Chauvisis from various esteemed Jain Acharyas. Each Chauvisi typically consists of 24 verses, with each verse dedicated to one of the 24 Tirthankaras, often highlighting their key attributes, life events, and spiritual significance.
• Editorial Approach: Muni Shri Dipratnasagar, who is also known for creating "Abhinav Laghu Prakriya - Sanskrit Vyakaran" (a new concise grammar for Sanskrit), has edited and compiled this work. He expresses joy in making this compilation available freely to the Jain community, reflecting the publication's philosophy of not seeking financial gain from knowledge.
• Content Highlights:
  • The collection includes a significant number of Chaityavandans (estimated around 725).
  • It is presented as a beautiful tool for spiritual purification and a treasure trove of knowledge for spiritual practitioners.
  • The book is notable for being one of the first comprehensive collections of Chauvisis in Gujarati or Hindi.
  • The editor notes that the Chauvisi by Pujya Hanssagar Suriji is new, while the Sanskrit Chauvisi by Pujya Kshamakalyanji is popular and also includes a Gujarati version. The Sanskrit Chauvisi by Pujya Shilratnasuriji is considered ancient.
  • The editor specifically mentions appreciating the Chauvisis of Shri Ramvijayji, Shri Manvijayji, and Shri Rupvijayji for their unique style. He highlights Shri Ramvijayji's emphasis on "general Jin" devotion rather than specific Tirthankaras in some verses.
  • The Chauvisi by Pujya Nandsuriji is noted as being derived from his "Devavandan" (daily worship) and is otherwise less known.
  • The Chauvisis by Pujya PadmVijayji, Pujya Gyanvimal Suriji, and Pujya Veer Vijayji are also included, with the editor particularly appreciating Shri Veer Vijayji's for its inclusion of diverse new verses.
• Contributors/Authors Mentioned:
  • Muni Shri Dipratnasagar (Editor)
  • Shri Ramvijayji
  • Shri Manvijayji
  • Shri Rupvijayji
  • Shri Nandsuriji
  • Shri Gyanvimal Suriji
  • Shri Veer Vijayji
  • Shri Padm Vijayji
  • Shri Rishabhdasji
  • Shri Hanssagar Suriji
  • Shri Shilratnasuriji
  • Shri Kshamakalyanji
• Inspiration and Creation: The compilation work began in Dhoraji, inspired by the devotion of Pujya Sudharmasagarji. The typing of over 100 Chaityavandans by Shri Ashwin Bhai of Dhoraji was instrumental. The collection was rapidly assembled in just three months with the support of various Jain Sangh communities during the editor's travels.
• Technical and Printing Acknowledgements: The book thanks Shri Prakashji 'Manav' for his artistic printing, Shri Ghanshyam Bhai for composition, Shri Pratapbhai for the title design, Shri Bansibhai for printing, and Shri Pritambhai for binding.
• Publisher's Philosophy: Abhinav Shrut Prakashan emphasizes its commitment to disseminating knowledge without commercial intent, as evidenced by the free distribution of this work.

In essence, "Chaityavandan Chauvisi" is a significant compilation that aims to preserve and promote the devotional practice of venerating the Tirthankaras through the medium of Chauvisis, offering a diverse collection from various revered Jain Acharyas for the spiritual benefit of the community.