Jain Stotra Sangraha Part 01

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Jain Stotra Sangraha Part 01 is a collection of Jain devotional hymns (stotras) compiled by Yashovijay Jain Pathshala. This volume primarily focuses on stotras dedicated to various Tirthankaras and other significant figures in Jainism. The text includes a table of contents, a corrigendum (list of corrections), and the stotras themselves, many of which are attributed to renowned Jain scholars and poets.

Key Themes and Content:

• Devotion to Tirthankaras: The primary focus is on praising and invoking the blessings of the Tirthankaras. The collection features stotras dedicated to:

  • Shri Parshvanath: Several stotras are dedicated to Parshvanath, highlighting his attributes and divine presence.
  • Shri Rishabhanath (Adinath): Stotras are included for the first Tirthankara, Rishabhanath.
  • Shri Ajitnath and Shri Shantinath: These Tirthankaras are also honored with dedicated hymns.
  • Shri Neminath: The stotra for Neminath is present.
  • Shri Mahavir: The last Tirthankara is prominently featured, with multiple stotras, including one composed by Shri Parshva Chandra with commentary by Shri Bhavaprabha Suri.
  • Shri Simandhar and Shri Yugandhar: Stotras for these Vihardesh Tirthankaras are included.
  • Shaashwat Jin and Sarva Jin: Hymns dedicated to the eternal Tirthankaras and all Tirthankaras are present, recognizing their universal presence.
  • Shri Rishabha and Shri Vir: A combined stotra for Rishabha and Vir is also featured.

• Specific Composers and Schools: The collection showcases works by prominent Jain scholars, indicating a tradition of devotional poetry:

  • Shri Som Sundar Suri: Multiple stotras are attributed to him, notably the "Yushmad-Shabd Navastavi" series, which systematically uses variations of the pronoun "Yushmad" (You) in the stotras.
  • Shri Lalita Prabh Suri: His commentary on Shri Shantinath's stuti is included.
  • Shri Bhavaprabha Suri: His commentary on Shri Mahavir's stavan is a significant inclusion.
  • Shri Sumati Kalkal is credited with the stavan for the First Tirthankara.
  • Shri Jayananda Suri composed a stotra for "Sadharan Jin."
  • Shri Parshva Chandra composed a stavan for Shri Mahavir.
  • Shri Bilhana is noted for his stotra to Shri Parshvanath.
  • Shri Kumarapal authored a stavan for "Sadharan Jin."
  • Shri Jayananda Suri is also credited with a stotra for "Sadharan Jin."
  • Shri Vinaya Vijay Upadhyay composed the "Nay Karnika," a work on Jain logic (Nayavada) with commentary by Pandit Shri Gambhir Vijay Gani.
  • Shri Lachhmi Sagar Suri composed a stavan for Shri Pundarik Ganadhar.

• Linguistic and Grammatical Focus (Navastavi Series): A notable aspect is the "Navastavi" (Nine Stotras) series, composed by Shri Som Sundar Suri. This series is characterized by its systematic use of pronouns and their grammatical variations ("Yushmad-Shabd" and "Asmad-Shabd" series) to praise the Tirthankaras. This demonstrates a sophisticated approach to devotional composition, blending linguistic artistry with spiritual devotion.

• Philosophical and Doctrinal Elements: The stotras often encapsulate core Jain philosophical tenets, including:

  • Karma and Liberation: References to the removal of karmas (karma-kshay), liberation (moksha), and the path to it are frequent.
  • Virtues: The hymns extol virtues like compassion (karuna), knowledge (gyan), non-violence (ahimsa), penance (tapas), equanimity, and renunciation.
  • Cosmology and Jain Philosophy: Mention of concepts like the three worlds (triloka), the cycle of birth and death (samsara), and the teachings of the Tirthankaras are interwoven.
  • Nayavada (Theory of Standpoints): The inclusion of "Nay Karnika" highlights the importance of understanding Jain philosophy through different logical standpoints.

• Structure and Purpose: The compilation is intended for "private and personal use only" as indicated by "JAIN EDUCATION INTERNATIONAL FOR PRIVATE AND PERSONAL USE ONLY." The overall purpose is to provide a collection of devotional texts for spiritual upliftment and study within the Jain tradition.

In essence, Jain Stotra Sangraha Part 01 is a valuable repository of Jain devotional literature, showcasing a rich tradition of hymn writing by eminent scholars. It covers a wide range of Tirthankaras and philosophical concepts, presented with linguistic precision and spiritual depth, serving as a guide for devotees to connect with the divine principles of Jainism.