Jainstotrasandohe Part 1 - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jainstotrasandohe Part 1" by Chaturvijay, published by Sarabhai Manilal Nawab. The text is a collection of ancient Jain hymns (stotras) and prayers, compiled and edited by Muni Chaturvijay under the guidance of Pujya Dakshin Vihari Shrimad Amarvijay Munivara. It was published in Ahmedabad in Vir Samvat 2459 (1932 CE) for the "Prachina (Jain) Sahityoddhara Granthavali" series.

Here's a breakdown of the content:

1. Book Details & Publisher Information:

Title: Jainstotrasandohe Part 1 (Jain Stotra Sandoha, Part 1) - A collection of ancient Jain hymns.
Author/Compiler: Muni Chaturvijay, a disciple of Shrimad Amarvijay Munivara.
Publisher: Sarabhai Manilal Nawab, Ahmedabad.
Publication Year: Vir Samvat 2459 / 1932 CE / Vikram Samvat 1989.
Price: Five rupees.
Series: First volume of "Prachina (Jain) Sahityoddhara Granthavali" (Ancient Jain Literature Publication Series).
Content: A large collection of unprinted hymns compiled by many eminent Jain scholars and acharyas.

2. Dedication (Samarpan): The book is dedicated to Shri Gautama Swami, the first Ganadhara of Lord Mahavir, the composer of the Dwadashangi. The publisher expresses gratitude for being able to present the collection of compositions that arose from the "ocean of the Dwadashangi" created by Gautama Swami.

3. Foreword (by K. V. Abhyankar, Professor of Sanskrit and Ardha-Magadhi, Gujarat College, Ahmedabad):

The foreword highlights the importance of this book of "sublime songs and prayers."
It states that this volume is a pioneer for the "Prachina-Jaina-Sahityodhara-granthavali" series, opening a new vista for scholars in Jain literature, religion, and philosophy.
The book contains 119 prayers to the Jain Tirthankaras and prophets, composed by various writers from different time periods.
It praises the variety of topics, ideas, expressions, sentiments, styles, and meters, making it interesting for historians, philosophers, grammarians, linguists, poets, psychologists, critics, and rhetoricians.
The arrangement of prayers is primarily based on chronological data, and efforts were made by the editor and publisher to collect and present the material well.
The book is recommended for libraries, scholars, students, saints, and householders.
It emphasizes the book's suitability for studying Ardha-Magadhi and Jain literature and suggests its inclusion in university curricula.

4. Publisher's Note (Maaf Katha by Sarabhai Manilal Nawab):

The publisher expresses immense joy in presenting this collection of hymns composed by revered Jain acharyas and sadhus.
He credits the knowledge and effort of Muni Shrimat Chaturvijay, a disciple of Muni Raj Shri Amarvijayji Maharaj, for the book's completeness and beauty.
The publisher acknowledges his debt to Muni Chaturvijay and feels fortunate to have the opportunity to publish such a valuable work.
The note explains that "stotra" (hymns) are poems composed for praise, revealing the composer's inner aspirations and the high quality of a devotee's devotion.
It highlights the prominent place of stotras in Jain philosophy and literature, considering them an integral part of religious literature.
The publisher laments the decline of this rich literature due to the influence of materialism and lack of preservation of old works.
The publication aims to preserve this vast Jain stotra literature, bring it to the notice of devotees and scholars, and further glorify the names of the virtuous authors.
It mentions that the collection includes hitherto unpublished hymns by prominent figures like Pandit Pravar Vadigajakesari Bhagwan Hemchandrasurishwarji, Shri Ramchandra, Amarachandra, Haribhadrasuriji, Nabhadrabahuswami, Dharmaghosh, Dhanpal Kavi, Shri Shripal, and others.
The hymns are presented from various perspectives:
- Lexical: Arhannahamasahasra, Ashtottara Shatanamavali.
- Philosophical/Theological: Trishata-Chaturvinskatika Stava, Dwadashangi Pad Pramana Kulaka.
- Literary: Ramachandra's works with poetic ornaments (Alankara).
- Linguistic: Apabhramsha language works like Shri Mahavir Kalash.
- Metrical: Vardhamana Patrishika in Chandrasaumya.
- Mystical/Mantric: Shri Padmavati Ashtak, Shri Uvassaggaharam Stotra, Shri Uvashaggyarahara Stotra, Shri Deulavada-Mandan Shri Yugadi Deva Stavan, Mantra Prabha Vidhi.
The publisher emphasizes the literary richness and devotional depth of these hymns, which are expected to evoke admiration for ancient Jain ascetics.
He points out that many of the authors were young initiates (Bal Dikshit), attributing their brilliance to past life impressions, a pious upbringing, and dedicated study under good gurus, coupled with detachment from worldly desires.
The publisher shares a personal anecdote about his childhood fascination with the Bhaktamar Stotra, which inspired him to publish such works.
He mentions the inclusion of rare diagrams (Yantra) and illustrations of revered figures. He requests readers to treat these with respect and avoid any disrespect (Ashatana).
The publisher also mentions the preparation of a publication on "Shri Bhairav Padmavati Kalpa" as a follow-up.
He expresses gratitude to several individuals who contributed to the book's creation and publication.

5. Index (Anukramanika):

The index lists the hymns by serial number, title (Stutynam), author (Kartrunam), and starting phrase.
It covers a wide range of stotras addressed to various Tirthankaras and other revered deities, attributed to numerous historical Jain Acharyas and poets, spanning from ancient times to the publisher's era.
The list of authors is extensive, demonstrating the comprehensive nature of the collection.

6. Content of the Stotras (Examples from the beginning of the index): The index begins with numerous stotras, including:

Shri Arhannahamasamuchchayaḥ (Collection of a Thousand Names of Arhat) by Hemchandracharya.
Jina Stava (Praise of Jina) by Dharmagosh Suri.
Sadharan Stotra (General Hymn) and Sadharan Jina Stotra (General Hymn to Jina) by Somaprabhacharya.
Sarvajina Sadharan Stava (General Hymn to All Jinas) by Haribhadra Suri.
Sarvajina Stava (Hymn to All Jinas) by Narchandra Suri.
Sarvajina Stavanam (Praise of All Jinas) by Devsundar Suri.
Trimsha Chaturvinsatistavanaani (Thirty-four Hymns of Twenty-four Jinas) by Devendra Suri.
Chaturvinsati Jinastuti by Ramachandra Suri.
And many more, covering praise for Rishabhdeva, Ajitanatha, Sambhavanatha, Adinatha, Shantinatha, Neminatha, Parshvanatha, Mahavira, and general hymns to all Tirthankaras.
The index lists hymns authored by prominent figures like Bhadrebahu Swami, Vajraswami, Aryarakshit, Bappabhattisuri, Hemchandracharya, Dhanpal Kavi, Abhaydeva Suri, Jinavallabh Suri, Dharmagosh Suri, Somaprabh Suri, Muni Chandra Suri, Ramachandra Suri, Jinaprabh Suri, Yashovijay, and many others.

7. Appendices (Parishishta):

Appendix A: An alphabetical index of stotras and their authors, providing a comprehensive overview of the collected works. This section is very detailed, listing individual hymns, their authors, verse counts, and sometimes even their manuscript locations or the nature of the composition.
Appendix B: Details of the "Vardhamana Shatrinshika" (Thirty-six Verses on Vardhamana) in poetic meter.
Appendix C: Details of the "Uvasargaharam Stotra" (Hymn to Remove Afflictions) with a short commentary.
Appendix D: Details of the "Padmavatyam Ashtakam" (Eight Verses on Padmavati) with a commentary.
Appendix E: Mention of other works and the effort involved in their collection and preparation.

Overall Significance: "Jainstotrasandohe Part 1" is presented as a foundational text in the revival of ancient Jain literature. It is a significant scholarly effort to collect, preserve, and disseminate a vast body of devotional poetry and hymns by numerous Jain acharyas. The collection showcases the richness, diversity, and spiritual depth of Jain devotional literature across different periods and traditions. The foreword and publisher's notes emphasize its cultural and religious importance for the Jain community and scholars of Indian religions and literature.