Charanoni Seva Nit Nit Chahu

The Jain text "Charanoni Seva Nit Nit Chahu" (Meaning: I desire to serve the feet day and night) is a collection of devotional songs, prayers, and rituals primarily focused on the veneration of Tirthankaras, especially Bhagwan Mahavir. Edited by Muni Shri Padmaratnasagarji, this book aims to guide devotees in their spiritual practices and foster a deeper connection with Jain principles and deities.

Here's a comprehensive summary of its contents, based on the provided pages:

Core Theme: The central theme is Bhakti (devotion), emphasizing the importance of sincere and constant devotion to the Tirthankaras and Jainism's core tenets. The book highlights that true devotion is characterized by wisdom and leads to spiritual purification and liberation.

Key Sections and Content:

• Introduction and Publisher Information: The book is published by Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra, Koba, and is dedicated to the teachings of Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuri. It acknowledges the blessings of Acharya Shri Buddhisagarsuri. The text is intended for private and personal use only.
• List of Tirthankaras and their Significance: The book includes detailed sections for each of the 24 Tirthankaras, providing their Chaitra Vandans (prayers for veneration) and Stavans (songs of praise). This indicates a comprehensive approach to honoring all the spiritual guides in Jainism.
• Temple Visit Rituals (Prabhu Darshan Vidhi): The initial pages outline the prescribed method for entering a Jain temple, performing Prabhu Darshan (viewing the deity), and the sequence of worship. This includes:
  • Observing silence (Nisihi).
  • Offering Pranam (salutations) and circumambulations (Pradakshina).
  • Performing Ashtaprakari Puja (eight types of worship), which typically involves Jal (water), Doodh (milk), Chandana (sandalwood), Pushpa (flowers), Dhup (incense), Deep (lamp), Akshata (rice), and Naivedya (food offering).
  • Specific rituals like applying Kesar (saffron), performing Abhishek (ritual bath), and offering Chamara (whisk) dances are detailed.
  • The importance of Bhav Puja (devotion with inner feeling) is stressed over mere outward rituals.
• Devotional Songs (Stuti, Stavans, Thoy, Dhup, Deep, etc.): The majority of the book consists of various forms of devotional poetry:
  • Stuti: Praises and hymns dedicated to Tirthankaras and Jain principles.
  • Stavan: Lyrical songs, often describing the divine qualities and deeds of the Tirthankaras, or celebrating festivals like Diwali and Paryushan.
  • Thoy: A specific type of devotional song.
  • Halaradu: A lullaby, notably one for Bhagwan Mahavir.
  • Duha: Couplets expressing devotional sentiments.
• Specific Prayers and Rituals:
  • Chaitra Vandans: Specific prayers for each of the 24 Tirthankaras, including Tirthankaras from other continents like Simandhar Swami.
  • Navpad Stuti: Prayers dedicated to the Navpad (nine supreme entities in Jainism).
  • Paryushan and Diwali Rituals: Special prayers and songs for these important Jain festivals.
  • Tithi-specific Prayers: Prayers for specific dates or occasions.
• Philosophical Underpinnings: The introductory "Prakashkiya" (foreword) discusses the nature of devotion, emphasizing that it should be guided by wisdom (Vivek). It states that devotion is capable of freeing the soul from karmic bonds but only when it's pure and free from defects. The goal of devotion is presented as attaining right faith (Samyak Darshan) and purifying existing right faith.
• Emphasis on Inner Devotion: The text repeatedly emphasizes that true devotion is an inner feeling of reverence, love, and surrender, rather than just outward rituals.
• Invocations and Blessings: The book contains various invocations to Tirthankaras and auspicious verses seeking blessings.
• Specific Tirths: Mentions of significant Jain pilgrimage sites like Pavapuri and Girnar highlight the geographical and historical context of the devotion.

Overall Purpose: "Charanoni Seva Nit Nit Chahu" serves as a comprehensive guide for Jain devotees, offering a structured approach to worship and spiritual contemplation. It aims to deepen understanding and practice of Bhakti Yoga within Jainism, encouraging a constant remembrance and service to the Tirthankaras, ultimately leading towards spiritual purification and the attainment of liberation. The collection likely provides the text for various devotional ceremonies and personal prayers within the Jain tradition.