Jain Varshik Parv Sangraha Tatha Nitya Upayogi Sanchay - Book Summary

This Jain text, titled "Jain Varshik Parv Sangraha tatha Nitya Upayogi Sanchay" (Collection of Jain Annual Festivals and Daily Useful Compilations) authored by Mafatlal Zaverchand Gandhi and published by the same, is a comprehensive compilation of Jain practices, rituals, and literature primarily focused on annual festivals and daily observances.

Here's a breakdown of its content based on the provided pages:

Overall Purpose: The book aims to serve as a guide for Jains, providing them with essential information and rituals related to their religious observances throughout the year, as well as daily practices. It appears to be a resource for both understanding and performing these practices.

Key Sections and Content:

Publisher Information and Services (Page 2): This page highlights the publisher's services, which include selling Jain and non-Jain books published by various institutions (like Agamoday Samiti, Devchand Lalbhai Fund, Jain Dharm Prasarak Sabha) and also offers printing services for all types of books, papers, and Sanskrit/Gujarati texts at affordable prices. This indicates the publisher is actively involved in disseminating Jain religious literature.
Title Page and Publication Details (Page 3): Confirms the title, author, publisher (Mafatlal Zaverchand Gandhi, Ahmedabad), and publication year (Vir Samvat 2463 / Vikram Samvat 1993). It also mentions the book is published in memory of Sherdalal Purushottamdas Ratansey.
Errata (Shuddhipatraka) (Page 4): This crucial page lists corrections for errors found in the text, indicating a commitment to accuracy and quality in the publication. It meticulously details page numbers, line numbers, incorrect words, and their correct replacements, covering a wide range of entries.
Table of Contents (Anukramanika) (Pages 5-11): This extensive table of contents is the heart of the summary, outlining the vast scope of the book. It lists numerous stotras (hymns), mantras, rituals for various festivals, and philosophical expositions. Key categories include:
- Daily/Essential Mantras and Stotras: Navkar Mantra, Uvasaggaharam Stavan, Bhaktamar Stotra, Kalyan Mandir Stotra, Jinvajra Stotra, etc. (Items 1-20).
- Festival-Specific Rituals and Stotras: Diwali festival (items 22-26), Gautam Swami's Prabhatiya, Gyan Panchami festival (items 31-43), Kartik Sud Chaturmasi, Tirth Yatras (Shatrunjay, Ashtapad), Maun Ekadashi, Parshvanath Janma Kalyanak, Vishasthanak Tap, Navpad Puja, etc. (Items 51-181).
- Rituals for Specific Practices: Fasting rituals (Ayambil), Tapa Vidhi, Navpad Puja Vidhi, Kausargg, Padilehan, Devvandan, Panchkhan, Ujmana (celebration after a fast), etc.
- Mantras and Stutis: Mantras for vidya (knowledge) attainment, various deities like Jwalamalini, Saraswati, Padmavati, and deities associated with specific Tirthas like Shankheshwar.
- Descriptions of Tirthas: Mentions of Shatrunjay, Ashtapad, etc., and their significance.
Biography of an Esteemed Monk (Pages 12-20): This section provides a detailed biographical account of Puṇyaśrī Dharmavijayji Ganivar (Dhelavala), a significant figure in the Jain tradition. It covers his birth, childhood, spiritual awakening, renunciation, diksha (initiation), achievements as a monk (e.g., extensive study, lectures, temple restorations, establishment of schools), his passing away, and his lineage of disciples. This suggests the book not only deals with rituals but also reveres and educates about prominent Jain acharyas.
Specific Hymns and Prayers (Pages 23-40): These pages delve into specific Jain devotional texts:
- Shri Atmaraksha Navkar Mantra (Page 23): A hymn for self-protection using the Navkar Mantra.
- Navkar Mahamantra (Page 24): The core Navkar Mantra itself.
- Uvasargaharam Stavan (Pages 24-26): A hymn for removing obstacles, dedicated to Lord Parshvanath.
- Shantikaram Stavan (Pages 25-27): A hymn for peace and well-being.
- Tijayapahur Stotram (Pages 27-29): A hymn with a diagram (yantra) related to protection.
- Namiyun Stotram (Pages 30-32): A hymn of salutation.
- Ajitshanti Stotram (Pages 32-38): A hymn for peace and overcoming adversity, dedicated to Ajitnath and Shantinath.
- Bhaktamar Stotram (Pages 39-45): The highly revered Bhaktamar Stotra, a powerful hymn in praise of Lord Rishabhdev.
- Kalyanmandir Stotram (Pages 46-49): A hymn for well-being and prosperity, possibly related to Lord Parshvanath.
Specific Festival Rituals (Pages 71 onwards):
- Diwali Festival (Pages 71-102): Detailed rituals for Diwali, including the origin of the festival, the significance of worshiping ledgers (representing knowledge), proper Jain procedures for Saraswati Puja (contrasting with non-Jain practices), the method of performing the puja with specific mantras and offerings (water, sandalwood, flowers, incense, lamp, akshat, naivedya, phala), the recitation of Sharda Stavan, and the performance of Aarti and Gautam Ashtak. The text emphasizes the importance of knowledge worship during Diwali.
- Gyan Panchami Festival (Pages 109-146): This section is dedicated to the festival of knowledge. It explains its significance as a means to attain and remove karmic obstructions related to knowledge. It details the practice of "Tap" (asceticism) during this period, mentioning types of Tap (one-day meals, Ayambil, fasting) and the practice of observing it for five days, five months, or even a year. It provides rituals for performing the Tap, including the specific deity worship, recitation of mantras, and the importance of purity and devotion. It also includes detailed pujas for the five types of knowledge (Matigyan, Shrutgyan, Avadhigyan, Manaparyavgayan, Kevalgyan).
- Kartiki Punam and Shatrunjay Pilgrimage (Pages 153-168): This section discusses the significance of Kartiki Purnima and the importance of pilgrimage to Shatrunjay, mentioning various fairs and the merits associated with visiting the holy site. It highlights the historical accounts of liberation (moksha) achieved by numerous souls at Shatrunjay.
- Maun Ekadashi (Pages 182-196): Details the significance of Maun Ekadashi (Silence Fasting on the Eleventh Day), its origin, and the benefits derived from observing it. It includes the "150 Kalyanak Ganna" (a devotional count related to the 150 auspicious events associated with Tirthankaras).
- Parshvanath Janma Kalyanak (Pages 200-204): Focuses on the birth anniversary of Lord Parshvanath, outlining rituals and the significance of the day.
- Rohini Tap (Pages 205-206): Discusses the Rohini Tap, its origin, and observance.
- Vishasthanak Tap (Pages 206-208): Explains the Vishasthanak Tap, its practice, and the blessings it brings.
- Navpad Puja (Pages 208-278): A substantial portion of the book is dedicated to the detailed rituals and significance of Navpad (the nine supreme souls or principles in Jainism). It includes various pujas, their associated mantras, and the benefits of their worship.
- Other Festivals: Mentions of other festivals like Akshaya Tritiya, Ashadh Chaturmas, and Paryushan Mahaparva are present, indicating the book covers a wide range of annual observances.
Collection of Hymns and Prayers (Pages 238-417): This large section contains a vast collection of hymns (stotras), prayers, and sanyay (devotional songs). These are organized by the deity or topic they address, such as:
- Navpad Stotras (Pages 247-264): Numerous hymns dedicated to each of the Navpads.
- Stotras related to various Tirthankaras and Deities: Including hymns for Parshvanath, Adinath, Shantinath, Saraswati, Padmavati, Jwalamalini, and various Yakshas and Yakshinis associated with temples.
- Rituals for specific practices: Such as Padilehan (cleansing of utensils), Pratikraman (confession and atonement rituals for daily, fortnightly, and four-monthly periods).
- Mantras: For vidya (knowledge) and specific deities.

Key Themes and Significance:

Devotion and Bhakti: The book is replete with devotional hymns, prayers, and rituals, emphasizing the importance of devotion (bhakti) in Jainism.
Ritual Purity: The detailed instructions for rituals, including the errata page, highlight the Jain emphasis on performing religious acts with precision and purity.
Knowledge (Gyan): The extensive coverage of Gyan Panchami and the various pujas for different types of knowledge underscores its central role in Jain spiritual pursuit.
Festivals: The book serves as a calendar and guide for Jain annual festivals, ensuring devotees can observe them correctly.
Monastic Reverence: The inclusion of the biography of a revered monk indicates the respect and importance given to the monastic order and their teachings.
Comprehensive Guide: The sheer volume of content, from daily mantras to elaborate festival rituals and philosophical insights, makes this a comprehensive resource for Jain followers.

In essence, "Jain Varshik Parv Sangraha tatha Nitya Upayogi Sanchay" is a foundational text for Jain religious practice, offering a detailed roadmap for observing festivals, performing daily rituals, and understanding the spiritual underpinnings of these practices, all while revering the teachings and lives of Jain spiritual leaders.