Navsmaran

This document is the Gujarati and English version of a Jain text titled Navsmaran (Nine Recollections).

Here's a breakdown of its content:

Overall Purpose: The book presents nine highly influential Jain stotras (hymns or devotional prayers) that are considered sacred and auspicious. It provides the original verses in Gujarati script along with their Gujarati and English translations. The purpose is to facilitate the recitation and understanding of these powerful prayers for spiritual benefit.

Key Components:

• Title: Navsmaran (Gujarati: નવસ્મરણ, English: Nine Recollections)
• Authors: Dhirajlal D. Mehta (Gujarati translation), Dr. Amrutbhai Upadhyay (English translation).
• Publisher: Jinshasan Aradhana Trust, Mumbai.
• Inspiration/Guidance: P.P. Acharya Shri Hemchandrasurishwarji Maharaj.
• Content Overview: The book details nine specific stotras, commonly known as Navsmaran, which are believed to have great spiritual power and can help overcome various obstacles and sins. Each stotra is presented with its original verses and translations, along with a brief explanation of its origin and significance.

The Nine Stotras (Navsmaran) Presented:

1. Namaskar Mahamantra (નમસ્કાર મહામંત્ર): The first and foremost invocation, dedicated to the five supreme beings (Panch Parmeshthi). It is considered the most auspicious and a destroyer of all sins.
2. Uvasaggaharam Stotra (ઉવસગ્ગહરં સ્તોત્ર): Attributed to Acharya Shri Bhadrabahuswami, this stotra is dedicated to Lord Parshvanatha and is known for removing calamities and afflictions. The text explains its origin related to a plague.
3. Santikar Stotra (સંતિકર સ્તોત્ર): Composed by Muni Sundarasuri, this stotra is dedicated to Lord Shantinatha and is used for pacification and removing troubles. The text mentions its efficacy in warding off evil spirits.
4. Tijaypahut Stotra (તિજયપહુર સ્તોત્ર): The origin and reason for this stotra are unknown, but it's described as a mantra-filled hymn that salutes 170 Jinas who resided within the Jambudvipa. It's associated with a mystical "Sarvatobhadra Yantra."
5. Namiuna Stotra (નમિઉણ સ્તોત્ર): Composed by Acharya Shri Mantungsuri, this stotra praises Lord Parshvanatha and describes protection from eight types of fears (diseases, water, fire, snakes, thieves, lions, elephants, and war).
6. Ajitashanti Stotra (અજિતશાંતિ સ્તોત્ર): This stotra praises Lord Ajitnath and Lord Shantinath. It is attributed to Muni Nandishen Rishi and highlights their victory over fears, sins, and their role in bringing peace.
7. Bhaktamar Stotra (ભક્તામર સ્તોત્ર): Composed by Acharya Shri Mantungsuri, this is a highly popular and powerful stotra, known for its miraculous properties, including freeing its reciter from prison, as narrated in the text.
8. Kalyana Mandir Stotra (કલ્યાણમંદિર સ્તોત્ર): Composed by Acharya Shri Siddhasen Divakar, this stotra is associated with a miraculous event involving Lord Parshvanatha's idol. It is said to bring welfare and overcome obstacles.
9. Brihachhanti Stotra (બૃહચ્છાન્તિ સ્તોત્ર): This stotra is likely composed by Acharya Shri Shantisuri, as indicated by the frequent use of the word "Shanti" (peace). It is dedicated to bringing peace and well-being.

Key Themes and Features:

• Spiritual Efficacy: The book emphasizes the immense spiritual power of these stotras to overcome sins, fears, diseases, and worldly troubles, leading to liberation (moksha).
• Devotion and Reverence: The text highlights the importance of devotion and faith in reciting these prayers.
• Historical Context: For some stotras, the book provides historical anecdotes and the reasons for their composition, often involving miracles and the lives of great Jain monks and Tirthankaras.
• Multilingual Presentation: The inclusion of Gujarati and English versions makes the text accessible to a wider audience.
• Publisher's Mission: The Jinshasan Aradhana Trust is dedicated to reviving ancient Jain scriptures and making them available to the public, as mentioned in the "Prakashkiya Nivedan" (Publisher's Statement).
• Gratitude: The book expresses gratitude to various individuals and organizations that supported the publication, including the donors who sponsored copies.
• Comprehensive List of Published Works: A significant portion of the book (pages 13-18) lists numerous other Jain texts published by the Jinshasan Aradhana Trust, showcasing their extensive work in preserving and propagating Jain literature.

In essence, "Navsmaran" is a devotional compilation of nine important Jain hymns, presented with translations and explanations to foster spiritual growth and well-being among its readers.