Nav Smaran Sachitra - Book Summary

This document is a comprehensive Jain text titled "Nav Smaran Sachitra" (Nine Recollections with Pictures). Here's a summary based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Nav Smaran Sachitra (નવસ્મરણ સચિત્ર) Author(s): Devchand Damji Kundlakar (દેવચંદ દામજી કુંડલાકર) Publisher: Bhadrasenvijay (ભદ્રાસેનવિજય) - indicated as publisher in the catalog link, but the actual publication is attributed to Mahendra Gulabchand Sheth (મહેન્દ્ર ગુલાબચંદ શેઠ) of Triveni Prakashan (ત્રિવેણી પ્રકાશન) for the third edition. Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/032371/1

Overall Purpose: The book presents nine important Jain prayers or "Smarans" (recollections), often referred to as mantras or stotras. It aims to provide readers with the original Sanskrit or Prakrit verses, their Gujarati poetic translation, the meaning or essence (Bhavarth), and a brief explanation of their glory and significance. The edition discussed in detail is the third edition, published in 1977 (VS 2034).

Key Components of the Book:

Nav Smaran (Nine Recollections): The core of the book is dedicated to nine specific Jain prayers, each with its own introduction, original text, Gujarati poetic translation, and explanation of its glory. These include:
- Shri Navkar Mantra (શ્રી નવકાર મંત્ર)
- Shri Uvasaggaharam Stotra (શ્રી ઉવસગ્ગહર સ્તોત્ર)
- Shri Shantikar Stavan (શ્રી શાંતિકર સ્તવન)
- Shri Tirthayavrata Stotra (શ્રી તિજયપર્વત સ્તોત્ર) - potentially a typo or variation of Tirthayavrata or similar.
- Shri Namin Stotra (શ્રી નમિઊણ સ્તોત્ર)
- Shri Ajitashanti Stavan (શ્રી અજિતશાંતિ સ્તવન)
- Shri Bhaktamar Stotra (શ્રી ભક્તામર સ્તોત્ર)
- Shri Kalyanmandir Stotra (શ્રી કલ્યાણુમંદિર સ્તોત્ર)
- Shri Brhad Shantih Stotra (શ્રી બૃહદ્ શાંતિ સ્તોત્ર)
- Note: The table of contents lists 12 items, including Shri Rishimandal Stotra (શ્રી ઋષિમંડળ સ્તોત્ર) and Shri Gautamswamini Chhand (શ્રી ગૌતમસ્વામીને છંદ), and Shri Kalash (શ્રી કળશ). The narrative mentions the "nine great mantras" (Nav Smaran) as the primary focus.
Illustrations (Sachitra): The book is "with pictures," meaning it includes various illustrations. The preface details many of these, which include images of:
- Shri Siddhachakra
- Shri Gautamswami
- Twenty-four Tirthankaras (including Navkar Mantra)
- Shri Aadi-eshwar Bhagwan
- Navgraha (Nine planets) and Lokpala (Guardians of the directions)
- Shri Shankheshwar Parshvanath
- Sixteen Vidyadhar Devis
- Shri Ajitnath Bhagwan
- Shri Shantnath Bhagwan
- Shri Ambaji Mata, Shri Padmavati, Saraswati, Lakshmi Devi, and Matrikas
- A specific depiction of Acharya Shri Mantunga Surishwarji Maharaj in prison with 44 shackles for the Bhaktamar Stotra.
Gujarati Poetic Translation (Gujarati Padyánuvád): Each of the main prayers is provided with a poetic rendition in Gujarati, making them more accessible and appealing to Gujarati-speaking readers.
Meaning/Essence (Bhávárth): The deeper meaning or essence of each prayer is explained, helping devotees understand the spiritual significance.
Glory and Significance (Mahimá): Each section begins with an explanation of the "Mahima" or glory and impact of the respective prayer. The book also includes a general section on the glory and influence of the Nav Smaran.
Authorship and Reverence: The book highlights the authors of these stotras, often revered Jain Acharyas like Ganadhar Bhagwant, Acharya Shri Bhadrabahuswami, Acharya Shri Munisundarsuriji, Acharya Shri Mansinghsuri, Acharya Shri Siddhasen Diwakar Suriji, Mata Shivadevi, Muni Shri Dhirvijayji, and Mehta Durlabhji Gulabchand. The publication itself is dedicated to the gurus, with a special mention of Acharya Shri Vijaylabdhisuriji Maharaj and Muni Raj Shri Bhadrasevijayji Maharaj.
History and Publication Details:
- The first edition was published in VS 1980 (1924 CE) by Seth Devchand Damji Kundlakar.
- The second edition was published in VS 1982 (1926 CE) by the same publisher.
- The third edition, the one detailed in the preface, was published in VS 2034 (1977 CE) by Mahendra Gulabchand Sheth of Triveni Prakashan, Bhavnagar.
- The preface is written by Mahendra Gulabchand Sheth, who expresses his joy in reviving this valuable work and starting "Triveni Prakashan" with the blessings of his gurus. He mentions that his father had completed 9 lakh recitations of the Navkar mantra, and this publication is dedicated to his auspicious blessings.
Structure of the Third Edition: The publisher details the improvements in the third edition:
- Original verses are given at the beginning.
- Poetic translations are provided separately for those who appreciate poetic beauty.
- Meanings are given for those who find the original and poetic translations difficult to understand.
- The book is divided into three sections: Original Stotra, Poetic Translation, and Meaning.
- The glory and essence of the Nav Smaran are elaborated in detail at the beginning of the book (pages 17-39).
- Some illustrations from the first edition are included, but those accompanying the Kalyanmandir Stotra have been replaced with other relevant images.
Spiritual and Philosophical Insights:
- The text emphasizes the power of mantras and prayers, linking their effectiveness to the purity of pronunciation, the sanctity of the place, the devotion of the practitioner, and the absence of selfish motives.
- It highlights that the true aim of these prayers is not merely material gain but spiritual upliftment, detachment from worldly desires, and ultimately, liberation (Moksha).
- The importance of concentration, faith, and the correct understanding of the mantra's essence is stressed.
- The book suggests that even animals have attained higher births through the worship of these mantras.
Donors (Shrutgyan Premi Daata): The book acknowledges numerous donors who contributed to its publication, reflecting a community effort in preserving and disseminating this religious literature.

In essence, "Nav Smaran Sachitra" is a devotional and informative compilation of significant Jain prayers, offering spiritual guidance, historical context, and beautiful illustrations to aid practitioners in their spiritual journey.