Jain Stotra Sandohe Part 02 - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Stotra Sandohe Part 02" based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Jain Stotra Sandohe Part 02 Author: Chaturvijay Publisher: Sarabhai Manilal Nawab Year of Publication: 1936 (Vikram Samvat 1992) Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/090207/1

Overview:

Jain Stotra Sandohe Part 02 is the second volume of a compilation of Jain stotras (hymns of praise), compiled and researched by Muni Chaturvijay. The book is dedicated to Acharyadev Shri Sagarānand Sūriśvarjī, signifying its importance and the reverence with which it was presented. Published by Sarabhai Manilal Nawab of Ahmedabad, this volume specifically focuses on stotras related to Bhagwan Parshvanath, the 23rd Tirthankara of Jainism. It includes a significant collection of 64 works, many of which are infused with mantras, complex poetic structures like Yamaka and Shlesha, and mystical diagrams (Yantras).

Content and Structure:

The book is structured to provide a comprehensive resource on Jain devotional literature, particularly concerning Bhagwan Parshvanath. Key elements of the book include:

Dedication (Page 4): The book is dedicated to Acharyadev Shri Sagaranand Surishwarji, acknowledging the inspiration drawn from him for undertaking the preservation and publication of ancient Jain literature.
Preface/Introduction (Prākathan - Page 8-14): The publisher, Sarabhai Manilal Nawab, details his inspiration and journey into excavating and preserving ancient Jain literature. He highlights a Jain literature exhibition in 1930 in Ahmedabad, which sparked his interest. He expresses his deep respect for Jain acharyas, scholars, and patrons who safeguarded this rich literary heritage. He mentions previously publishing "Jain Chitra Kalpadrum" and emphasizes his efforts to preserve ancient writing styles and Jain art. He introduces the current work as the third part of the "Mantras" section, following the works on painting and writing arts.
Content Focus: The text primarily comprises stotras related to Bhagwan Parshvanath. These stotras are noted for their inclusion of:
- Mantras: Mystical chants integrated into the hymns.
- Yantras: Mystical diagrams, with 64 yantras published for the first time in this book.
- Historical and Scholarly Discussion: The editor, Chaturvijay Muni, provides historical context and discussions about the authors of these works in the introduction.
List of Stotras (Anukramanika - Page 14-18): A detailed index is provided, listing the stotras, their respective authors, and the page numbers. This index covers 64 distinct stotras, featuring prominent Jain acharyas and scholars such as:
- Shri Bhadrabahu Swami (author of Uvasaggaharam Stotra).
- Manatunga Suri (author of Bhayahar Stotra).
- Dharmaghosha Suri (disciple of Manatunga Suri, associated with the Chintamani sect).
- Shiva Naga.
- Mahakavi Bilhana.
- Shri Jinprabh Suri.
- Shri Hemavimal Suri.
- Mahopadhya Kalyanvijay.
- Sanghvijay Gani.
- And many others, with biographical sketches provided for many of them.
Discussion on Mantras and Yantras (Page 11-13, 18-28): The book delves into the significance and nature of mantras and yantras. It explains that mantras are combinations of specific letters that, when arranged correctly, manifest unique powers. It emphasizes the importance of the composer's purity and adherence to truth for the efficacy of the mantra. The text also discusses the potential misinterpretations and criticisms of mantras in the current era, addressing the concern about the absence of direct manifestation of deities. It attributes this to a decline in the faith, courage, and purity of modern practitioners compared to ancient ones, rather than the mantras themselves being lost or ineffective. The publisher stresses the importance of proper pronunciation and adherence to rituals, noting that the effectiveness of mantras is also linked to the qualification of the practitioner and the attainment of certain yogic practices and mental fortitude. The text also touches upon the 'Guru-gam' (guidance from a Guru) as essential for mastering these practices.
Biographical Sketches of Authors: A significant portion of the book is dedicated to providing biographical details and historical context for the authors of the stotras, spanning many centuries and various Jain gacchas (lineages). This includes extensive information on figures like Shri Bhadrabahu Swami, Manatunga Suri, Dharma Gosh Suri, Shiva Naga, Mahakavi Bilhana, Jinaprabh Suri, Hemavimal Suri, and numerous others. The editor makes a concerted effort to trace their lineages, works, and historical periods, acknowledging the challenges due to the scarcity of ancient records.
Gujarati Translation: While the primary text is in Sanskrit, the publisher notes that for the convenience of the general public, a Gujarati translation of the essence or 'bhāvārth' (meaning) is provided for some stotras, excluding those with complex Yantras or complex yogic elements.
Yantra Descriptions and Rituals (Yantra Vivaran - Page 289 onwards): The book provides detailed descriptions of the Yantras associated with the stotras, their construction, the materials to be used (like saffron, gorochana, camphor, etc.), and the specific rituals or 'vidhi' (procedures) for their worship and application, often including mystical seed syllables and diagrams. These descriptions are often accompanied by notes on their supposed efficacy in protection, attraction, or warding off negative influences.

Key Themes and Principles:

Devotion to Bhagwan Parshvanath: The central theme is the deep devotion and reverence for Bhagwan Parshvanath, with stotras celebrating his divine qualities, miraculous powers, and role as a protector.
Preservation of Jain Heritage: The work is a significant contribution to the preservation of ancient Jain literature and art, bringing to light previously unaccessible or lesser-known texts.
Importance of Ritual and Practice: The text implicitly and explicitly highlights the significance of correct pronunciation, devotion, the use of specific materials, and adherence to rituals for the efficacy of stotras, mantras, and yantras.
Spiritual and Material Benefits: The stotras and their associated rituals are presented as offering both spiritual liberation and material benefits, such as protection from fear, wealth, health, and overcoming obstacles.
Scholarly Rigor: The detailed biographical sketches and the editor's efforts to cross-reference historical data showcase a commitment to scholarly research in presenting this ancient literature.

Significance:

Jain Stotra Sandohe Part 02 is a valuable resource for scholars, practitioners, and anyone interested in Jain devotional literature, particularly the worship of Bhagwan Parshvanath. It offers a unique glimpse into the mystical aspects of Jainism, including the use of mantras and yantras, and contributes significantly to the understanding of Jain literary history and the lives of its influential acharyas. The publisher's dedication to making this knowledge accessible reflects a commitment to spiritual and cultural heritage.