Kavya Sangraha Part 1 - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Kavya Sangraha Part 1," focusing on its content and purpose:

Book Title: Kavya Sangraha Part 1 Author: Hiralal R Kapadia Publisher: Jinshasan Aradhana Trust, Mumbai

Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/004888/1

Overall Purpose and Content:

"Kavya Sangraha Part 1" is a collection of Jain devotional poetry (Kavya) compiled and researched by Prof. Hiralal R Kapadia. This specific volume is dedicated to two significant "Bhaktamar" compositions:

Veer Bhaktamar: Composed by Upadhyay Shri Dharmavardhan Gani.
Nemi Bhaktamar: Composed by Shri Bhavprabh Suri.

These compositions are essentially poetic elaborations of the famous Bhaktamar Stotra, where each stanza of the original Bhaktamar Stotra is followed by three additional poetic lines, creating a new devotional poem. The book also includes a Parishishta (Appendix) which contains the original Shri Bhaktamar Stotra and the Shri Girnar Giri-shwar Kalpa.

Key Features and Themes:

Devotional Poetry: The primary focus is on devotional hymns praising the Tirthankaras, particularly Lord Veer (Mahavir Swami) and Lord Nemi (Neminath). The term "Bhaktamar" itself signifies a hymn that dispels fear, and these compositions aim to invoke spiritual solace and divine grace through poetry.
Scholarly Research and Commentary: Prof. Hiralal R Kapadia's contribution is significant. He not only researched and compiled these ancient texts but also provided Gujarati translation and commentary, making the complex poetic language accessible to a wider audience. His dedication to the study and preservation of Jain scriptures is highlighted.
Spiritual Lineage and Guidance: The publication is presented under the auspicious guidance and inspiration of highly respected Jain Acharyas, notably Param Pujya Vairagyadeshnadaksh Acharya Devesh Shrimad Vijay Hemchandrasoorishwarji Maharaj. This signifies the reverence and scholarly backing for the work.
Preservation of Jain Literature: The introductory notes emphasize the importance of preserving religious texts, especially those that might become rare or lost over time. The Jinshasan Aradhana Trust undertakes the task of reprinting such valuable works for the benefit of the four-fold Jain community (Sadhus, Sadhvis, Shravaks, and Shravikas).
Biographical Sketch of Acharya Vijay Premsurishwarji: A significant portion of the text (pages 10-13) is dedicated to a detailed biographical sketch of Siddhantamahodadhi Acharya Dev Shrimad Vijay Premsurishwarji Maharaj. This section highlights his exemplary life, his deep knowledge of Jain scriptures (especially Karma literature), his strict adherence to Jain principles (such as strict Brahmacharya, minimal consumption, and equanimity in suffering), his humility (refusing titles and not seeking fame), and his dedication to the propagation of Jainism. His leadership in resolving community schisms and his efforts in establishing Jain educational institutions are also mentioned. The inclusion of his life story underscores the high spiritual ideals that the collected poetry aims to reflect.
List of Published Works: The latter pages of the document (17-21) provide an extensive list of other books published by the Jinshasan Aradhana Trust, showcasing their commitment to disseminating a vast range of Jain literature.

Specific Compositions:

Veer Bhaktamar (by Dharmavardhan Gani): This section (pages 22-54) presents the Gujarati translation and commentary of Dharmavardhan Gani's poetic rendition of the Bhaktamar Stotra, focusing on Lord Veer. The commentary delves into the meanings of verses, explaining the virtues and miracles attributed to Lord Veer.
Nemi Bhaktamar (by Bhavprabh Suri): This section (pages 32-40) provides the Gujarati translation and commentary of Bhavprabh Suri's version, focusing on Lord Nemi. The poetic elaborations often take the form of dialogues or descriptions related to Neminath's life, his renunciation, and his compassion.
Shri Girnar Kalpa (Appendix): This section (pages 176-180) details the significance and history of the Girnar Jain pilgrimage site, mentioning various stories and legends associated with it, particularly relating to Lord Neminath.

In essence, "Kavya Sangraha Part 1" is a scholarly and devotional endeavor to present two important poetic expansions of the Bhaktamar Stotra, enriched with expert commentary and placed within the context of Jain spiritual heritage, particularly highlighting the life and teachings of venerated Acharyas.