Jain Stotra Ratnakar

This document is a collection of Jain devotional texts, primarily Jain Stotras (hymns of praise), compiled and published under the title "Jain Stotra Ratnakar" by Shravak Bhimsinh Manek. The book was printed by The New Laxmi Printing Press in Bombay and published for the Shravak Bhimsi Manek Trust Fund.

The collection includes several significant Jain stotras, each serving as a form of devotion and prayer. Based on the table of contents and the provided text, the main components are:

1. Navasmaraṇāni (The Nine Recitations/Meditations): This is a central theme, with the first seven being explicitly listed and detailed in the provided text. These are considered highly auspicious and protective.

   • Pratham Navkar (First Navkar): This is the foundational mantra of Jainism, the Namaskara Mahamantra (Namo Arihantāṇaṁ...).
   • Uvasaggaharam (Second Smaraṇ): A powerful hymn believed to ward off calamities and diseases, dedicated to Lord Parshvanatha.
   • Śāntikara (Third Smaraṇ): A hymn focused on seeking peace and protection from various negativities and influences.
   • Tijayapahutta (Fourth Smaraṇ): Another protective hymn, likely invoking divine protection.
   • Namīūṇa (Fifth Smaraṇ): A hymn dedicated to Lord Parshvanatha, emphasizing devotion and seeking refuge.
   • Śrī Ajitaśānti Stava (Sixth Smaraṇ): A hymn dedicated to Tirthankaras Ajita and Shantinatha, focusing on peace and victory.
   • Bhaktāmara Stotra (Seventh Smaraṇ): This is a very famous and widely recited Jain stotra attributed to Manatunga Acharya, known for its miraculous powers in removing obstacles and granting wishes.
   • The text continues with the Kalyāṇamandira Stotra (Eighth Smaraṇ) and the Br̥haśānti Stava (Ninth Smaraṇ), both dedicated to invoking well-being, peace, and protection.

2. Other Stotras and Texts: Beyond the Navasmaraṇāni, the book also includes:

   • Jayatiuṇastotra: A hymn dedicated to the three jewels (Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct) or possibly to victorious Tirthankaras.
   • Jina Pañjara Stotra: A stotra that acts as a protective shield (pañjara means cage or armour).
   • Graha Śānti Stotra: A hymn specifically for pacifying and gaining blessings from planetary influences.
   • Mantraḍhirāja Stotra: A hymn described as the "king of mantras," likely for powerful invocation.
   • Ṛṣi Maṅgala Stotra: A hymn associated with the auspiciousness of Rishis (ascetics).
   • Tattvārtha Sūtra: A foundational philosophical text in Jainism, detailing the principles of Jain metaphysics and ethics, authored by Umaswati. The provided text includes chapters 1 through 10 of this significant work.
   • Anupūrvi Mantraṅk Kōṣṭaka: A chart or table related to mantras and their numerical codes.
   • Stuti: A general section for praise.
   • Ānandaghanajī Kr̥ta Pad: A devotional piece by the poet Anandaghanji.

Overall Purpose and Significance:

"Jain Stotra Ratnakar" is a compilation of essential Jain devotional literature, intended for the spiritual edification and protection of its readers. The stotras are chosen for their ability to invoke blessings, remove obstacles, promote peace, and foster devotion to the Tirthankaras and other revered beings in Jainism. The inclusion of the Tattvārtha Sūtra indicates a commitment to both devotional practice and philosophical understanding within the Jain tradition. The book serves as a guide for devotional practices, offering solace, protection, and spiritual merit to those who recite or meditate upon its contents.