MunisuvratJina Vandanavali

This document is a Jain religious text titled "Shree Munisuvratjina Vandanavali" (The Book of Praises to Lord Munisuvrat).

Here's a breakdown of its content:

• Title: Shree Munisuvratjina Vandanavali (શ્રી મુનિસુવ્રતજિન વંદનાવલિ)
• Author: Compiled by Param Pujya Muni Shri Vimalgirt Vijayji Maharaj (સંકલન પ.પૂ. મુનિશ્રી વિમલકીર્તિવિજયજી મ.)
• Publisher: Vijayanandsuri Smarak Trust Ahmedabad (પ.પૂ.આ.શ્રી વિજયનન્દનસૂરિ સ્મારક ટ્રસ્ટ, શ્રી નન્દનવન તીર્થ, તગડી-અમદાવાદ.)
• Purpose: It is a collection of praises, hymns, and prayers dedicated to Lord Munisuvrat, the 20th Tirthankar (Jain spiritual teacher).

Key Information and Content:

1. Establishment of Nandanvan Teerth: The preface details the construction and consecration of a new Jain temple dedicated to Lord Munisuvrat at Nandanvan Teerth, Tagadi, Ahmedabad. It highlights the inspiration and guidance of various esteemed Acharyas (Jain monks) like Acharya Shri Vijay Surydyoday Surishwarji Maharaj and Acharya Shri Vijay Shilschand Surishwarji Maharaj. The temple was built through the donation of the Sunderlal Dalpatbhai Zaveri family from Khambhat (now Mumbai). The consecration (Anjanshalaka Pratishtha) took place on Saturday, February 20, 1999. The text also mentions the temple's location on the Ahmedabad-Palitana highway.

2. Compilation of Devotional Texts: The book is presented as a significant collection compiled by Param Pujya Muni Shri Vimalgirt Vijayji Maharaj, who diligently gathered various praises, Chaitanyavandans (temple worship hymns), Stavans (devotional songs), Thoy (short devotional verses), and Sanskrit hymns from different scriptures. This effort was undertaken with the inspiration of Acharya Shri Vijay Surydyoday Surishwarji Maharaj and Acharya Shri Vijay Shilschand Surishwarji Maharaj.

3. Acknowledgements: The Vijayanandsuri Smarak Trust expresses gratitude to various Jain sanghs (communities) for their financial support in publishing this book, including the Shri Navrangpura Shwetamber Murtipujak Jain Sangh (Ahmedabad) and the Shri Kharsad Vishashrimali Tapgach Jain Sangh (Borsad), and Shri Karelibaug Shwetamber Murtipujak Jain Sangh (Vadodara). They also thank Sachin Enterprise, Ahmedabad, for the printing work.

4. Table of Contents (Anukramanika): The book is structured into several sections, listing various types of devotional content and their respective authors:

   • Section 1: Praises to be recited in the temple in front of the Lord.
   • Section 2: Ancient Chaitanyavandans.
   • Section 3: Svarthetayas (a specific poetic meter) for Lord Munisuvrat.
   • Section 4: Ancient Stavans by numerous renowned Jain poets and saints (e.g., Hir sagarji, Mohanvijayji, Gyanvimal Suri, Anandghanji, Ramvijayji, etc.). This section appears to be the most extensive.
   • Section 5: Thoy (short devotional verses).
   • Section 6: Thoyna Thota (shorter versions of Thoy).
   • Section 7 & 8: Sanskrit praises, Stavans, and hymns by various scholars and saints.

5. Content Examples: The provided pages offer examples of these devotional pieces:

   • Page 14-16: Sample devotional praises (Bhavavahi Stuties) meant to be recited in the temple. These are lyrical and express deep devotion, seeking the Lord's grace and guidance.
   • Page 17-34: Various Chaitanyavandans and Stavans attributed to different authors, recounting the life, virtues, and significance of Lord Munisuvrat.
   • Page 34-47: More Stavans with diverse poetic styles and themes of devotion.
   • Page 47 onwards: Continues with numerous Stavans and hymns by various revered Jain saints and scholars, highlighting different aspects of Lord Munisuvrat's life and teachings.
   • Page 93-119: Features Sanskrit hymns and praises, showcasing the scholarly and devotional depth of Jain literature.
   • Page 120-123: Includes Thoy and Thoyna Joda (paired verses), which are shorter, often more accessible devotional pieces.
   • Page 123-130: Lists the "123 Balls of Lord Munisuvratswami," which appear to be a series of questions and answers or specific points of information related to the Lord's life, previous births, virtues, and rituals. This section provides structured biographical and devotional data.

Overall Significance:

"Shree Munisuvratjina Vandanavali" is a comprehensive compilation of devotional literature dedicated to Lord Munisuvrat. It serves as a valuable resource for Jain devotees to engage in worship, reflect on the teachings of the Tirthankar, and draw spiritual inspiration. The book not only preserves traditional devotional songs and hymns but also marks the establishment of a new pilgrimage site, connecting the past devotional heritage with contemporary religious practice.