Gahuli Sangrahanama Granth - Book Summary

The provided text is the "Gahuli Sangrahanama Granth" (गहूलि संग्रहानामा ग्रंथ) by Shravak Bhimsinh Manek. This Jain text is a collection of "Gahulis" (गहूलि), which are devotional songs or verses, often used in Jain prayer and worship.

Here's a comprehensive summary based on the provided pages:

Overall Purpose and Structure:

The book is a compilation of 124 "Gahulis." It includes 110 pre-existing verses and 14 newly composed ones.
The author, Shravak Bhimsinh Manek, published this collection in Ahmedabad in Samvat 1964 (1907 CE) through the "Raj nagar Printing Press."
The stated purpose is for "Samaygdarshi shraddhalu shravak" (सम्यग्दृष्टि श्रद्धालु श्रावक), meaning sincere, righteous lay Jains, to read and understand.
The majority of the text consists of devotional songs ("Vadhava" - वधावा, and "Gahuli" - गहूलि) celebrating the life and teachings of Lord Mahavir Swami and other Tirthankaras and revered figures in Jainism.

Key Content and Themes:

Five Vadhava (Five Praises) of Lord Mahavir Swami (Pages 2-9): This section is a detailed devotional narrative covering the five auspicious events (Kalyanaks) of Lord Mahavir's life:
- First Vadhava: Focuses on his conception and birth, describing the divine signs and the joy of Queen Trishala.
1. Second Vadhava: Details Lord Mahavir's birth in Kshatriyakund, the divine bathing ceremony (Abhishek) performed by Indra and other celestial beings, and the rejoicing that followed.
2. Third Vadhava: Celebrates Lord Mahavir's initiation (Diksha), the renunciation of worldly life, the divine procession, and the teachings given to his mother, Trishala.
3. Fourth Vadhava: Describes the attainment of Keval Gyan (omniscience) and the establishment of the Tirth, highlighting the divine assembly and the preaching of the truth.
4. Fifth Vadhava: Focuses on Lord Mahavir's Nirvana (liberation) and his eternal abode in the Siddha-Shila, emphasizing his liberation from the cycle of birth and death and his eternal bliss.
Collection of Gahulis (Pages 10-146): This is the main body of the work, containing numerous individual devotional songs. These "Gahulis" are diverse in their themes and subjects:
- Celebration of Jain Principles and Practices: Many verses praise the importance of Right Faith (Samyak Darshan), Right Knowledge (Samyak Gyan), Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra), the five vows (Panch Mahavrat), the five auspicious actions (Panch Achar), and the principles of the Jain path.
- Praise of Lord Mahavir and other Tirthankaras: Several "Gahulis" are dedicated to glorifying Lord Mahavir, Lord Adinath, Lord Parshvanath, and other Tirthankaras, recounting their virtues and auspicious deeds.
- Narratives from Jain Scriptures: Some verses allude to stories and teachings from important Jain scriptures like the Jivanigama Sutra and the Bhagavati Sutra, explaining fundamental Jain philosophy and cosmology.
- Devotional Offerings and Rituals: The act of composing and singing "Gahulis" is presented as a devotional offering, often described with imagery of preparing an offering plate (Gahuli) with auspicious items like kumkum, akshat, pearls, and flowers.
- Stories of Devotees and Kings: Verses touch upon interactions with devout kings like Shrenik and Konik, and their queens like Chellana, highlighting their devotion and adherence to Jain principles.
- Descriptions of Jain Cosmology and Practices: Some "Gahulis" describe the Samavsaran (divine assembly), the celestial bathing of Tirthankaras, and other rituals and cosmological concepts.
- Praise of Gurus and Acharyas: The text also includes verses praising learned Jain monks and scholars (Gurus and Acharyas), acknowledging their role in spreading Jain teachings.
- Specific Themes:
  - Gahuli 1: Depicts a queen preparing an offering with great devotion.
  - Gahuli 2: Describes a queen preparing a "Gahuli" with precious jewels and pearls.
  - Gahuli 3: Narrates King Shrenik and Queen Chellana's devotion and offerings to Lord Mahavir.
  - Gahuli 4 & 5: Refer to the Jivanigama Sutra and Bhagavati Sutra respectively.
  - Gahuli 6: Depicts a queen preparing a "Gahuli" with auspicious items.
  - Gahuli 7: Describes a queen making offerings and singing devotional songs.
  - Gahuli 8 & 9: Focus on the virtues of Gautam Swami.
  - Gahuli 10: Celebrates the presence of Tirthankaras in a Samavsaran.
  - Gahuli 11 & 12: Emphasize the importance of Right Faith, Knowledge, and Conduct.
  - Gahuli 13: Refers to Jambu Swami's teachings.
  - Gahuli 14: Describes the Samavsaran assembly.
  - Gahuli 15: Praises the discipline and devotion of disciples.
  - Gahuli 16: Discusses the concept of Nigod (a state of intense suffering in Jain cosmology).
  - Gahuli 17: Emphasizes the practice of Samiti and Gupti.
  - Gahuli 18: Highlights the reverence for Gautam Swami and his teachings.
  - Gahuli 19: Narrates a dialogue between King Konik and Gautam Swami.
  - Gahuli 20: Describes the Samavsaran assembly and the presence of Lord Mahavir, his disciples, and devotees.
  - Gahuli 21: Praises the practice of the three jewels and vows.
  - Gahuli 22: Focuses on the importance of devotion and singing devotional songs.
  - Gahuli 23: Describes the austerity and conduct of monks.
  - Gahuli 24: Recounts the marriage of Lord Parshvanath.
  - Gahuli 25: Describes the birth of Lord Mahavir and the celebrations.
  - Gahuli 26: Celebrates the devotion of queens.
  - Gahuli 27: Explains the six essential daily duties (Siddha-namaskara, Samayika, etc.) mentioned in the Shad-avashyak Sutra.
  - Gahuli 28: Depicts a divine assembly and the teachings of Lord Mahavir.
  - Gahuli 29: Praises the adherence to Jain teachings.
  - Gahuli 30: Describes a Samavsaran.
  - Gahuli 31: Celebrates the pilgrimage to Girnar.
  - Gahuli 32: Honors Guru Thulidada and his lineage.
  - Gahuli 33: Describes the rituals and devotion during Paryushan.
  - Gahuli 34: Uses the metaphor of a colorful veil (Chunadi) to represent spiritual devotion.
  - Gahuli 35: Praises the service to the Guru and the attainment of spiritual knowledge.
  - Gahuli 36: Honors the virtues of monks and their devotion.
  - Gahuli 37: Narrates the story of Kunala Kumar and the importance of the Lord's teachings.
  - Gahuli 38: Describes the city of Dwarka and the devotion of Rukmini.
  - Gahuli 39: Praises the conduct of devotees and their offerings.
  - Gahuli 40: Recounts the Samavsaran assembly in Rajgir.
  - Gahuli 41-68: Continue to celebrate various Jain principles, stories, and devotional practices, often referencing the importance of Gurus, scriptures, and the path to liberation. Many of these describe the preparation and offering of the "Gahuli" itself.
  - The later "Gahulis" continue to elaborate on Jain philosophy, the lives of Tirthankaras and influential monks, and the importance of devotion and righteous conduct.

Significance and Tone:

The text is written in a devotional and celebratory tone, aiming to inspire faith and piety among its readers.
The use of vernacular language (likely Gujarati, given the script and publisher) makes the teachings accessible to the common lay followers.
The repetition of phrases like "Gaavo modh vadhava" (sing joyfully) and the descriptions of music and festivities emphasize the celebratory nature of Jain worship.

In essence, "Gahuli Sangrahanama Granth" is a significant compilation of devotional songs that serves as a guide for lay Jains to understand and practice their faith through melodious verses celebrating the core tenets and history of Jainism, particularly focusing on the life and teachings of Lord Mahavir Swami.