Gautam Nam Japo Nishdish

This document is a compilation of hymns and devotional songs in praise of Ganadhar Gautam Swami, the chief disciple of Lord Mahavir Swami, the 24th Tirthankar in Jainism. The book is titled "Gautam Nam Japo Nishdish" (Chant the Name of Gautam Day and Night), compiled by Upadhyay Dharanendrasagarji and published by the Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra, Koba.

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

I. Introduction and Purpose:

• Significance of Gautam Swami: The text establishes Gautam Swami as a pivotal figure in Jainism, akin to Lord Ganesha in Vedic tradition, venerated at the beginning of auspicious events. He is recognized not just as the first Ganadhar and an accomplished soul who attained liberation, but also for his profound spiritual achievements (labdhi) and his benevolent nature which benefited many.
• Compilation's Goal: The book aims to bring together ancient hymns and prayers dedicated to Gautam Swami, composed by various revered scholars in Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Maru-Gurjar languages. It's a tribute to his glory and an effort to disseminate this devotional literature.
• In Memory of Upadhyay Dharanendrasagarji: The publication is also a tribute to the compiler, Upadhyay Dharanendrasagarji, who meticulously collected these works. His passing before the publication's completion is noted with reverence, and the book is dedicated as a fulfillment of his final wish.

II. Structure and Content:

The book is organized into several sections, showcasing a rich variety of devotional compositions:

• Foreword (Purva Vak): An introduction by Acharya Shri Padmasagarsuri highlights Gautam Swami's role as a remover of obstacles and the first Ganadhar, responsible for the compilation of the Jain scriptures (Ganipitak). It emphasizes his intellectual prowess as a former Vedic scholar and his complete surrender to Lord Mahavir.

• Editorial (Prakashkiya): This section expresses the joy of the Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra in presenting this compilation and expresses hope for its positive reception by the Jain community.

• Preface (Prastavana): This section provides a brief biographical sketch of Gautam Swami, his past lives, his conversion to Jainism, and his significant miraculous feats, such as the Akshinmahanasi Labdhi (inexhaustible food supply). It also touches upon the deep devotion he had for Lord Mahavir, which only subsided upon Mahavir Swami's liberation.

• Table of Contents (Anukramanika): This is a detailed breakdown of the different sections and the specific hymns and works included. It is categorized as follows:

  • Prākrit-Sanskrit Department (Prakrit-Sanskrit Vibhag): This section contains numerous hymns and stotras dedicated to Gautam Swami, including:

    • Shri Gautam Swami Ashtak by Devanandsuri
    • Shri Gautama Ashtak by Purvacharya
    • Shri Gautam Swami Ashtak by Gunsagarsuri, Amrut Suri, Ajitsagar Suri
    • Shri Gautam Ganadhar Stotra and Shri Gautam Swami Stotra by Munisundarsuri
    • Mantragarbhit Shri Gautam Swami Stotra and Shri Gautam Stotra by Jinaprabh Suri
    • Shri Gautam Swami Stotra by Dharmahans
    • Shri Gautam Swami Dipalika Mangal Stotra
    • Shrimantradhirajgarbhit Shri Gautam Swami Stavan by Gunsagar Gani
    • Shri Gautam Smaran
    • Shri Gautam Swami Prashasti
    • Shri Gautam Swami-Ganadhar-Chaityavandan by Bhadrakar Suri
    • Several other stotras and stutis by various ancient poets.

  • Maru-Gurjar Department (Māru-Gurjar Vibhag): This section includes devotional works in the Maru-Gurjar language, such as:

    • Shri Gautam Swami no Ras by Udayavant/Vijaybhadra
    • Shri Gautam Swami no Chhand by Lavanyasamay, Rupchand Gani, Sujas, Dheer.
    • Shri Gautam Swami, Ashtak
    • Shri Gautam Swami Savaiya Tevisa

  • Chaityavandan Department (Chaityavandan Vibhag): This contains verses for salutation and veneration.

    • Chaityavandan by Gyanvimal Suri
    • Chaityavandan by Nay

  • Stavan Department (Stavan Vibhag): Devotional songs and praises.

    • Ganadhar Shri Gautam Swami nu Stavan by Gyanvimal Suri
    • Shri Gautam Swami Vilap Stavan by Viravijay, Maneksuri (including incomplete ones)
    • Shri Gautam-Mahavir Swami nu Stavan by Darshan
    • Shri Gautam Swami nu Stavan by Jas

  • Stuti Department (Stuti Vibhag): Praises and hymns.

    • Shri Gautam Swami Chaturpadi Stuti by Gyanvimal Suri

  • Sajjhay Department (Sajjhay Vibhag): Narrative devotional songs.

    • Siddhaswarupvarnanmay Shri Gautam Swami Sajjhay by Nay
    • Shri Keshi ne Gautam Ganadhar ni Sajjhay by Rupvijay
    • Shri Gautam Swami ji ni Gahuli by Karpur
    • Shri Gautam Swami no Vilap Sajjhay (Apurn)

  • Other (Anya):

    • Laghu Gautam Prashna (A collection of questions posed by Gautam Swami to Lord Mahavir and their answers, detailing the karmic consequences of various actions)
    • Prakirnak (Miscellaneous verses and tributes)
    • Brief introduction to Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra.

III. Key Themes and Insights:

• Gautam Swami's Virtues: The hymns praise his immense knowledge, his deep devotion to Lord Mahavir, his powerful spiritual abilities (labdhis), his humility, his role as a spiritual guide, and his compassion.
• Karmic Consequences: The "Laghu Gautam Prashna" section is particularly insightful, explaining the karmic causes behind various human conditions, afflictions, and social statuses, as revealed through the dialogue between Gautam Swami and Lord Mahavir. This highlights the Jain principle of karma.
• Miraculous Feats: The text recounts significant events in Gautam Swami's life, such as his journey to Ashtapad, the miraculous feeding of 1500 ascetics with the Akshinmahanasi Labdhi, and his role in compiling the Jain scriptures.
• Devotional Practice: The book serves as a guide for devotional practices, encouraging the chanting and remembrance of Gautam Swami's name for spiritual and material well-being.
• Importance of the Compiler: The dedication to Upadhyay Dharanendrasagarji underscores the importance of preserving and disseminating religious knowledge through diligent compilation and publication.
• Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra: The concluding pages provide an overview of the Kendra, its facilities (Mahavirayala, Gurumandir, Jain Aradhana Bhavan), and its extensive libraries and research centers (Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuri Gyanmandir, Devarddhigani Kshamasraman Hastprat Bhandagar, Arya Sudharmaswami Shrutagar, Arya Rakshit Suri Shodh Sagar, Samrat Samprati Sangrahalaya). These sections highlight the Kendra's commitment to preserving Jain heritage, literature, and art, and promoting Jain studies.

In essence, "Gautam Nam Japo Nishdish" is a comprehensive devotional anthology celebrating the spiritual eminence of Ganadhar Gautam Swami, offering readers a rich collection of hymns and philosophical insights into Jain principles of karma and devotion.