Jain Prarthanamala Part 01

This document is the first volume of "Jain Prarthanamala" (Book of Jain Prayers) by Vinayvijay, published by Shri Jain Dharm Pravartak Sabha. The book contains various prayers in prose and verse form, dedicated to the Tirthankaras (Jain spiritual teachers).

Key aspects and content of the book:

• Purpose: The book aims to provide devotional songs and prayers for Jain followers, emphasizing the importance of devotion and worship of the Tirthankaras, who are described as free from passions and worldly attachments and who guide souls towards their true nature.
• Content Structure: The book is divided into sections for prayers in verse (padyatmak prarthana) and prose (gadyatmak prarthana).
• Poetry and Music: The preface highlights the role of poetry in mental development and how devotional songs (prayers set to music) can bring immense joy and spiritual benefit. It mentions that the verses are composed by poet Keshavlal Shivram and are designed to be sung in various popular tunes to appeal to modern audiences.
• Praise for Tirthankaras: The prayers are addressed to various Tirthankaras, starting with Adinath (Rishabhdev) and including Ajitnath, Sambhavnath, Abhinandan, Sumatinath, and Padmaprabhu, as indicated by the index and content.
• Themes of Devotion: The prayers express deep devotion, seeking divine grace, protection from worldly suffering, and ultimately, liberation (moksha). They describe the virtues of the Tirthankaras, their divine attributes, and their compassion for humanity.
• Philosophical Underpinnings: The introductory sections quote verses from scriptures like Yogashastra and Vitraag Stava to establish the nature of the supreme being (Parmeshwar) as the omniscient, free from passions, and the true guide.
• Fair Use Declaration: The initial pages include a "Fair Use Declaration" from "The Free Indological Collection" (TFIC) explaining that the book is provided for educational and research purposes under Fair Use guidelines, believing it to be in the public domain.
• Publisher and Publication Details: The book was published in Ahmedabad in 1885 (Samvat 184).
• Index: A detailed index (Anukramanika) lists the Tirthankaras and the corresponding sections and pages for both prose and verse prayers.
• Contributor List: Towards the end, there is a list of "Grasthona nam" (names of householders) who supported the publication, indicating a community effort in bringing this devotional book to life.

In essence, "Jain Prarthanamala Part 01" is a collection of devotional hymns and prayers meant to foster spiritual connection with the Jain Tirthankaras, emphasizing their teachings of liberation and virtuous living, presented in a way that is accessible and enjoyable through song.