Jainvrat Katha Sangrah - Book Summary

This Jain text, "Jainvrat Katha Sangrah" (Collection of Jain Vow Stories), compiled and authored by Pt. Deepchand Varni, and published by Digambar Jain Pustakalay, is a compilation of stories illustrating the significance and practice of various Jain vows (vratas).

Key aspects of the text based on the provided pages:

Purpose: The book aims to promote the practice of Jain vows and fasts, highlighting their benefits for spiritual and physical well-being. It emphasizes that understanding the ritual and story behind a vow is crucial for its proper observance.
Content:
- 40 Vow Stories: The core of the book is a collection of 40 stories detailing various Jain vratas.
- List of 144 Vows: Page 3 and 4 present an extensive list of 144 different Jain vows, indicating the vast tradition of ritualistic practices within Jainism.
- Introduction (Prastavana): The introduction, written by Shailesh Dahyabhai Kapadia (Publisher), mentions the book's popularity, with this edition being the 16th printing. It also notes that an earlier version contained 28 stories, and this expanded version includes 40. The importance of these ancient and true stories for performing vows is emphasized. The publisher encourages distributing this collection during vow observances to spread their practice.
- Preamble (Peethika): The preamble provides a foundational understanding of Jain cosmology, including the structure of the universe (lokakash), the realms of gods, hell beings, and humans. It emphasizes the unique position of the human realm as the only place where liberation (moksha) can be attained through righteous conduct and the practice of the Three Jewels (Ratnatraya: Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct). It details the geography of Bharat Varsha within the middle universe, including the Jambudweepa, Meru mountains, and the divisions of Bharat Varsha into Arya Khanda and Mleccha Khanda, highlighting the importance of the Arya Khanda for spiritual pursuits. It also touches upon the concept of kalachakra (time cycles) and its impact on different regions and their inhabitants.
- Sample Vow Stories: The provided text includes detailed narratives for several vows:
  - Shri Ratnatraya Vrat Katha: Explains the importance of Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct as the path to liberation.
  - Shri Dashalakshan Vrat Katha: Focuses on the ten cardinal virtues (Uttam Kshama, Mardava, Arjava, Satya, Shaucha, Samyama, Tapa, Tyaga, Akinchanya, Brahmacharya) as the essence of Jain Dharma.
  - Shri Shodashkaran Vrat Katha: Details the 16 vows or bhavanas that lead to the acquisition of Tirthankara-nature.
  - Shri Shrutaskandha Vrat Katha: Highlights the significance of the Jain Agamas (scriptures) and the knowledge derived from them.
  - Shri Trilok Teej Vrat Katha: A vow associated with the three worlds.
  - Shri Mukut Saptami Vrat Katha: A vow observed on the seventh day of the bright half of a month, relating to a crown.
  - Shri Akshay (Phal) Dashami Vrat Katha: A vow observed on the tenth day of the bright half of a month, promising enduring results.
  - Shri Shravan Dwadashi Vrat Katha: A vow observed on the twelfth day of the bright half of Shravan month.
  - Shri Rohini Vrat Katha: A vow associated with the Rohini constellation.
  - Shri Akash Panchami Vrat Katha: A vow observed on the fifth day of a month, related to the sky or space.
  - Shri Kokila Panchami Vrat Katha: A vow observed on the fifth day of a month, featuring a Kokila (cuckoo).
  - Shri Chandan Shashti Vrat Katha: A vow observed on the sixth day of a month, involving sandalwood.
  - Shri Nirdosh Saptami Vrat Katha: A vow observed on the seventh day of a month, emphasizing faultlessness.
  - Shri Nihshalya Ashtami Vrat Katha: A vow observed on the eighth day of a month, pertaining to being free from malice.
  - Shri Sugandha Dashami Vrat Katha: A vow observed on the tenth day of a month, associated with fragrance.
  - Shri Jinratri Vrat Katha: A vow related to the night of a Jin (Tirthankara).
  - Shri Jinhgun Sampatti Vrat Katha: A vow related to the qualities of the Jin.
  - Shri Meghmala Vrat Katha: A vow associated with a cloud garland.
  - Shri Labdhividhan Vrat Katha: A vow related to the acquisition of spiritual powers.
  - Shri Maun Ekadashi Vrat Katha: A vow of silence observed on the eleventh day of a month.
  - Shri Garud Panchami Vrat Katha: A vow observed on the fifth day of a month, featuring Garud.
  - Shri Dwadashi Vrat Katha: A vow observed on the twelfth day of a month.
  - Shri Ananta Vrat Katha: A vow related to the infinite.
  - Shri Ashtanika (Nandishwar) Vrat Katha: A vow observed during the Ashtanika festival related to Nandishwar Island.
  - Shri Ravivar (Adityavar) Vrat Katha: A vow observed on Sunday.
  - Shri Pushpanjali Vrat Katha: A vow involving offering flowers.
  - Shri Barasau Chautis Vrat Katha: A vow related to the number twelve hundred and thirty-four.
  - Shri Aushadhi Daan Vrat Katha: A vow related to the donation of medicine.
  - Shri Pardhan Lobh Ki Katha: A story about the greed for others' wealth.
  - Shri Kaval Chandrayan Vrat Katha: A vow related to a specific type of fast.
  - Shri Jyeshth Jinvar Vrat Katha: A vow dedicated to a respected Jin.
  - Shri Namokar Paitsisi Vrat: A vow related to the Namokar mantra.
  - Shri Brihad Simhnishkridit Vrat: A vow related to a large lion's movement.
  - Shri Laghu Simhnishkridit Vrat: A vow related to a small lion's movement.
  - Shri Maha Sarvato Bhadra Vrat: A vow related to a great all-auspicious phenomenon.
  - Shri Sarvato Bhadra Vrat: A vow related to an all-auspicious phenomenon.
  - Shri Muktavali Vrat: A vow related to a string of pearls.
  - Shri Karma Nirjara Vrat: A vow related to the shedding of karma.
  - Shri Shivkumar Bela Vrat: A vow associated with a figure named Shivkumar.
  - Shri Akshay Tritiya Vrat Katha: A vow observed on the third day of the bright half of Vaishakh, known for its auspiciousness.
Narrative Style: Each story typically begins with a reference to the Jain cosmology or the lineage of characters, followed by a moral dilemma or a situation that leads to the observance of a particular vow. The stories often involve past-life connections and the consequences of actions (karma). The narrative aims to illustrate how performing these vratas leads to spiritual merit, positive outcomes in this life, and ultimately, liberation.
Author's Contribution: Pt. Deepchand Varni is credited as the compiler, collector, and author, indicating his significant role in gathering and presenting this traditional knowledge.
Historical Context: The preface mentions that the author had conceived of this collection 65 years prior to the publication of the 16th edition, highlighting the enduring relevance and appeal of these stories.

In essence, "Jainvrat Katha Sangrah" serves as a devotional and educational resource for Jains, providing the mythological and ethical framework for observing various vows, thereby encouraging spiritual progress and adherence to Jain principles.