Mahaprabhavi Navsmaran

The provided text is the "Mahaprabhavi Navsmaran" (The Great Glorious Nine Recollections), authored by Sarabhai Manilal Nawab and published by Sarabhai Manilal Nawab. The catalog link indicates it is a Jain text. The content is extensive, primarily focused on the "Namokar Maha Mantra" and its profound significance, mystical properties, and associated practices within Jainism.

Here's a breakdown of the key themes and content based on the provided pages:

1. Introduction and Dedication (Pages 1-2):

• The book is dedicated to the venerable Sadhvi Shri Bhadragunashriji M.S. and Sadhvi Shri Kalpeshpadmashriji M.S.
• It was published in Samvat 2068 (2012 CE) with financial support from devotees of Shri Manibhadra Society, Sabarmati, during their Chaturmas in Samvat 2067.
• The convener is Shah Babulal Saramal Bedawala.
• The publication is from Shree Ashapuran Parshvanath Jain Gyan Bhandar, Ahmedabad.

2. "Aho Shrutgnanam" (Oh, The Knowledge of Scriptures) Project (Pages 3-8):

• These pages outline a project by Shree Ashapuran Parshvanath Jain Gyan Bhandar to scan and create DVDs of ancient, rare, and unavailable books.
• A comprehensive list of scanned books is provided, spanning various Jain scriptures, philosophical treatises, grammatical works, architectural texts (Shilpa Shastra), astronomical texts, and historical compilations. The list is extensive, with author/commentator and page numbers.
• The title "Mahaprabhavi Navsmaran" (Mahaprabhavi Navsmaran) appears in the catalog list (Page 8, item 127), indicating it is one of the many Jain texts preserved and digitized by this organization.

3. Publication Details of "Mahaprabhavi Navsmaran" (Pages 9-11):

• This section reveals the original publication details of "Mahaprabhavi Navsmaran" as part of the "Shree Jain Prachina Sahityoachar Granthavali Series No. 6."
• It mentions the Gujarati translation, detailed commentary, five appendices, and four colored illustrations.
• Edited and researched by Sarabhai Manilal Nawab, M.R.A.S. (London).
• Published in Samvat 1995 (1938 CE) in Ahmedabad.

4. Publisher's Statement and Acknowledgments (Pages 12-18):

• Dedication: Dedicated to Shriyut Maneklal Chunilal Shah, who received the title "Dayavaridhi" for his contributions to animal welfare and was a significant patron of the author's literary endeavors.
• Foreword/Nivedan: Sarabhai Manilal Nawab expresses his joy in presenting "Mahaprabhavi Navsmaran" as the sixth volume of his series. He thanks his patrons and institutions for their support, enabling him to bring such rare and valuable publications to the public. He highlights the importance of preserving these ancient texts, especially those related to the "Navsmaran" (nine recollections), and sharing their true value with the inheritors.
• The publisher requests that no part of the printed works, including diagrams and illustrations, be reproduced without written permission. The sacred and venerable nature of these ancient texts is emphasized, asking readers and viewers for their utmost respect.

5. Content of "Mahaprabhavi Navsmaran" (Pages 14-47):

• Introduction to Navsmaran: The text explains the meaning of "Smaran" (recollection) as something that constantly comes to mind, especially dear ones. The "Navsmaran" refers to the nine most cherished recollections, which are linked to the divine. The significance of the number nine is explored, relating it to the universal concept of the "Navkar" mantra, the nine "pads" (levels) in Siddha Chakra, and the infinite nature of the digit nine in mathematical calculations.
• Detailed Exposition of the Nine Recollections: The book delves into each of the nine "smaran" (recollections), which are identified as the nine entities in the Namokar Mantra:
  • 1. Namaskar Mahamantra (Pages 14-28, 53-78): This is the most extensively covered section. It details the "Namaskar Mahamashya" (Great Namaskar Efficacy) through various sections:
    • Pratham Prakash to Ashtam Prakash (First to Eighth Chapters): Discussing the efficacy, real nature, and contemplation of the Navkar mantra.
    • Mantras of Shri Namaskar Mahamantra: Providing numerous mantras associated with each of the five supreme beings (Arihant, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyay, Sadhu) and the "Namokar Sutra" itself.
    • Katha (Stories) illustrating the efficacy of Namokar Mantra: Narrating stories like Nandani's, Shree Dev's, Sudarshan Seth's, Amar Kumar's Sajhay, and the significance of the Navkar mantra in various situations.
    • Pad-stha Dhyan (Meditation on positions): Explaining different meditation techniques related to the mantra.
  • 2. Oosargahar Stotra (Pages 15-16, 132-149): Attributed to Shruta Kevali Shri Bhadrabahuswami, this section discusses its power to remove obstacles and includes various mantras and Yantras (mystical diagrams) associated with it.
  • 3. Shantikar Stotra (Pages 15-16, 229-254): Attributed to Shri Munisundarsuri, this stotra focuses on bestowing peace and was composed to alleviate an epidemic. It includes descriptions of various Vidyadevis (goddesses of knowledge).
  • 4. Tijaypabutt Stotra (Pages 15-16, 255-274): Also known as "Sattarisayutta" (seventy-one), this stotra praises 170 Jineshas. Its authorship is attributed to Shriman Devsuriji. The text provides details about its origins and includes associated mantras and Yantras.
  • 5. Namin Stotra (Pages 15-16, 274-288): Attributed to Shri Mantungsuri, this stotra is also known as "Bhayahar Stotra" (fear remover). It discusses the eighteen-letter mantra given by the serpent king Dharanendra to Manatungasuri and the intricate Yantras associated with it.
  • 6. Ajitashanti Stavan (Pages 15-16, 288-314): Attributed to Muni Nandi Sena, this section explores the identity of the author, possibly a disciple of Neminath Bhagwan. It discusses verses related to Ajitnath and Shantranath Jin, along with their associated mantras and Yantras.
  • 7. Bhaktamar Stotra (Pages 16-17, 315-458): This widely revered stotra, attributed to Shri Padmanabhacharya, is discussed in detail, including its 48 verses, associated mantras, and numerous Yantras. The text also touches upon the historical context and potential authorship by different Haribhadra Suris.
  • 8. Kalyan Mandir Stotra (Pages 17, 460-502): Attributed to Shrimad Siddhasena Divakara, this stotra is presented with its mantras and Yantras, explaining its significance in achieving auspiciousness.
  • 9. Brihad Shanti Stotra (Pages 17, 503-508): This stotra, also known as "Mahashanti," is discussed in relation to its authorship, possibly by Shrimad Shantisuri. It is presented as a text for bestowing peace.

6. Appendices (Parishisht) (Pages 17, 509-514):

• 1. Shree Rishimandal Stavan: With Gujarati translation and commentary.
• 2. Shree Navagrah Mantra-akshar Stavan: Includes Gujarati translation and mantras for planetary influences.
• 3. Shree Mahalakshmi Ashtaka: A hymn dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi.
• 4. Shree Manibhadraji no Chhand: A poetic composition dedicated to Manibhadraji.
• 5. Shree Bhairav Ashtaka: A hymn dedicated to Bhairav.

7. General Information:

• The book appears to be a comprehensive compilation of various Jain devotional and mystical texts, with a particular focus on the power and practices associated with the Namokar Mantra and other significant stotras.
• The inclusion of detailed Yantras (mystical diagrams) and mantras suggests a strong emphasis on Tantric and esoteric aspects of Jain practice.
• The publisher's effort to digitize and preserve these ancient texts is highlighted.

In essence, "Mahaprabhavi Navsmaran" is a significant work for Jain practitioners interested in the devotional and mystical dimensions of their faith, offering detailed explanations, rituals, and stories related to powerful mantras and stotras.