Jain Hori Sangraha Pustaka

This document is the "Shri Jain Hori Sangraha Pustaka," a collection of devotional songs or "Hori" compositions compiled by Shravak Bhimsinh Manek of Mumbai. The title page indicates it was printed at Gujarat Printing Press in Sambat 14, Margashirsh Shukla Panchami.

The book's purpose is to provide a collection of Hori songs created by various scholars, intended for devotional singing and celebration, especially for those with right understanding (Samyak Drishti).

Content Overview:

The book contains an index (Anukramanika) listing 227 songs, identified by their first line and the associated melody or "Raag." The index covers a wide range of themes, often referencing Jain Tirthankaras (like Rishabh, Parshwanath, Neminath, Kunkunath, etc.), their lives, and spiritual principles.

The songs themselves are primarily in a folk or devotional style, common for the "Hori" or "Holi" festival, which is celebrated with colors and music. However, in this Jain context, the "Holi" is likely a metaphor for devotion, spiritual exuberance, and the playing of divine love.

Key Themes and References:

• Devotion to Tirthankaras: Many songs are dedicated to specific Tirthankaras, praising their virtues, their renunciation, their divine grace, and the auspicious events of their lives (like Kalyanakas).
• Spiritual Concepts: Themes like devotion, knowledge, conduct, renunciation, karma, liberation (Moksha), the path to spiritual realization (Samyak Darshan, Gyan, Charitra), and the ephemeral nature of worldly life are interwoven throughout the lyrics.
• Jain Pilgrimage Sites: References to significant Jain pilgrimage sites like Girnar and Siddhachal (Palitana) are present, inviting devotees to visit and sing praises.
• Metaphorical "Holi": The "playing of Holi" in these songs often signifies the joyous immersion in spiritual devotion, the colorful celebration of Jain principles, and the scattering of devotional "colors" like knowledge, compassion, and renunciation. It's a metaphor for experiencing divine bliss.
• Narrative Elements: Some songs appear to narrate stories from Jain scriptures or the lives of prominent Jain figures, such as the story of Kamatha or the marriage of Neminath.
• Musical and Poetic Styles: The songs are categorized by their "Raag" (melody) and "Pad" (verse/song), indicating an appreciation for musicality and poetic structure in devotional expression.

Overall Significance:

The "Shri Jain Hori Sangraha Pustaka" serves as a valuable resource for Jain devotional music and literature. It reflects the vibrant tradition of expressing spiritual devotion through song and poetry within the Jain tradition, adapting popular cultural forms like Hori songs for a deeper spiritual purpose. The collection showcases the rich devotional heritage and the multifaceted ways Jainism expresses its core tenets.