Jain Prakashak Stavanavali Part 02

This document is the second part of "Jain Prakashak Stavanavali," a collection of Jain devotional songs (stanzas) compiled by Gopalchand and published by Jain Prakashak Mandal, Ahmedabad. The text appears to be in Gujarati with some vernacular influences.

The book opens with a "Fair Use Declaration" from "The Free Indological Collection WWW.SANSKRITDOCUMENTS.ORG/TFIC," stating that the book is provided for individual educational or research use under commonly held Fair Use guidelines, believing it to be in the public domain.

The core of the book consists of 18 "Pads" (stanzas or sections), each with a specific musical "raag" (tune) indicated. These stanzas are devotional songs addressed to Jain Tirthankaras and other revered figures.

Here's a breakdown of the content, based on the provided text:

• Purpose: The collection aims to provide devotional songs in various traditional musical styles for Jain followers. The preface (Prastavana) mentions the establishment of the "Jain Prakashak Mandali" to combat the prevalence of secular entertainment and to encourage devotion through Jain stanzas, promoting spiritual well-being and purity of the soul. This second part is published due to the success of the first part.

• Content of the Stanzas (Pads): The stanzas praise and implore various Jain Tirthankaras, including:

  • Shri Arihant: Referred to as a savior from suffering and the cycle of birth and death.
  • Shri Chitamanichintachure: Praised for fulfilling desires and dispelling worries.
  • Shri Neminath (Nenmiji): Several stanzas are dedicated to Neminath, focusing on his renunciation, his relationship with Rajulmati, and his spiritual journey. The text includes songs about his absence and the longing for him.
  • Shri Parshvanath: Mentioned as a remover of worries.
  • Shri Shantinath: Praised for bringing peace and fulfillment.
  • Shri Rishabhdev (Adinath): Mentioned in a "Vadhai" (congratulatory song) for his birth.
  • Shri Sambhavjin: Mentioned for his beautiful image.
  • Shri Chandprabhuswami: Referred to as a moon-faced deity.
  • Shri Veerprabhu (Mahavir): Mentioned in a song about his birth.

• Themes and Devotional Expressions:

  • Praise and Adoration: The stanzas express deep reverence for the Tirthankaras, acknowledging their virtues, powers, and ability to guide souls to liberation.
  • Seeking Blessings and Protection: Devotees implore the Tirthankaras for protection from worldly suffering, financial difficulties, diseases, and the cycle of rebirth.
  • Longing and Separation: Some stanzas, particularly those related to Neminath and Rajulmati, express feelings of longing and separation, akin to devotional love poetry.
  • Repentance and Seeking Forgiveness: The text includes stanzas that reflect on past mistakes and seek forgiveness.
  • Moral and Ethical Teachings: Interspersed within the devotional content are moral teachings and advice on living a virtuous life, emphasizing concepts like detachment from worldly possessions, the impermanence of the body, the importance of righteous conduct, and the pursuit of spiritual knowledge.
  • The Navkar Mantra: One stanza specifically highlights the significance of the Navkar Mantra (Namokar Mahamantra) as the essence of the universe and a means to overcome worldly obstacles.
  • The Importance of the Jain Faith: The text emphasizes the value of the Jain Dharma as a path to liberation and well-being.

• Musical Styles: The variety of "raags" mentioned (like "Rag Tamari," "Rag Banjaara," "Rag Bhairavi," "Rag Vasant," etc.) suggests a rich tradition of Jain devotional music adapted to popular folk tunes.

• Author and Publisher: The book is attributed to Gopalchand and published by Jain Prakashak Mandal, Ahmedabad. The preface also mentions the "Jain Prakashak Mandali" in Mumbai.

• Niti Vakya (Moral Sayings): Following the stanzas, there's a section titled "Sarvopayogi Niti Vakya" (All-Purpose Moral Sayings), presenting a list of 111 numbered points offering practical advice on various aspects of life, including:

  • Social Conduct: Respect for elders, appropriate behavior with family members, avoiding bad company.
  • Financial Prudence: Wise management of money, avoiding excessive debt, practicing charity.
  • Personal Conduct: Self-discipline, maintaining hygiene, seeking knowledge, being vigilant against dangers.
  • Ethical Principles: Honesty, avoiding deceit, acting with compassion, the importance of fulfilling promises.
  • Spiritual Guidance: The importance of the Guru, the path to liberation.

Overall, "Jain Prakashak Stavanavali Part 02" is a devotional work that combines spiritual hymns with practical moral guidance, intended to foster religious devotion and ethical living among Jain followers. It reflects a tradition of making religious teachings accessible and appealing through popular musical forms.