Neminath Stotra Sangraha

The "Neminath Stotra Sangraha" is a compilation of ancient Jain stotras (hymns) dedicated to Lord Neminath, the 22nd Tirthankara. The book is a part of the "Shri Vijay Kanak Suri Prachin Granthamala" series, with the 5th volume being this collection. Edited by Ganivarya Tirthbhadravijay, disciple of Acharya Tirthbhadrasurishwar, it was published by Shri Shraman Seva Religious Trust in Dhrangadhra.

The primary aim of this compilation is to bring to light and preserve previously unpublished ancient stotras related to Lord Neminath, who is particularly revered at the Girnar Tirtha. This initiative was undertaken on the occasion of the 50th year of the Nirvana of the esteemed Acharya Tirthbhadrasurishwar.

The book highlights the significance of stotras in Jainism, explaining that they are a form of "Bhava Puja" (devotion through sentiment) which is considered even more fruitful than rituals of physical worship. Stotras are seen as a way to connect with the divine by praising the virtues and qualities of the Tirthankaras. The text traces the tradition of stotra composition from the Ganadhara Bhagwants to later scholars and saints, mentioning famous works like the Kalyanamandir Stotra and Bhaktamar Stotra.

A significant aspect of this compilation is the focus on stotras dedicated specifically to Lord Neminath, which sets it apart from previous general stotra collections. The editor, Ganivarya Tirthbhadravijay, has meticulously compiled and edited these stotras, providing introductions to the stotras and their authors, along with appendices that list previously published stotras related to Lord Neminath.

The introduction and editorial sections delve into the philosophical and devotional importance of stotras. They explain how the recitation and contemplation of stotras can lead to spiritual progress, culminating in "Samapatti Yoga" (union with the divine). The text also acknowledges the profound knowledge of poetry, prosody, and rhetoric possessed by ancient Jain acharyas and munis, as evidenced by the intricate and beautiful stotras they composed.

The book features an extensive index (Anukramanika) that lists each stotra, its author, and the page number. It contains a rich collection of 54 stotras dedicated to Lord Neminath, authored by various revered scholars and saints. The editorial notes also provide specific insights into the unique characteristics of several stotras, such as:

• Second Neminath Stava: Praises the captivating request to be saved from the torments of Kamadeva.
• Third Maharthagamvir Stotra: Explores profound devotional sentiments along with the process of meditation.
• Fifth Revatadri-Mandan Shri Neminath Stavan: Composed by Shri Ratnakar Suri, known for his "Ratnakar Pacchisi," this stotra is praised for its scholarly depth and emotional resonance.
• Eleventh Jnanapanchami Stavan Yuktam Neminath Stavan: Highlights the five aspects of knowledge.
• Sixteenth Neminath Janmabhishek Stotra: Briefly describes the four-fold Jain community.
• Nineteenth Ujjayanta-Shaila-Mandan Nemi Jina Dwatrinshika: Expresses deep devotion through unique metaphors and glorifies the bliss attained through meditation on the Lord.
• Twenty-second Neminath Shataka Stotra: Despite its emphasis on "Shringara Rasa" (erotic sentiment), it skillfully portrays "Karuna Rasa" (pathos) through lamentations of separation, employing a variety of meters like Shardula, Sragdhara, Chitramala, etc.
• Twenty-eighth Raivatagiri-Mandan Nemi Namaskar Stotra: Provides historical information about the three auspicious events (Kalyanakas) of Lord Neminath.
• Thirty-fifth Kriyagupta Nemi Jina Stotra: Notably keeps the verb hidden, similar to Shri Hemchandracharya's Vitragastotra.
• Thirty-sixth and Thirty-eighth Stotras: Are examples of "Padapurti," a beautiful poetic form.
• Thirty-eighth (Incorrectly numbered as 38, should be 41) Vividh Chandonamagarbha Nemi Jina Stotra: Demonstrates the author's exceptional scholarship by incorporating the names of various meters and complex rhetorical devices.
• Forty-fifth Shri Neminath Stavan: Is composed in the "Kamalbandha" (lotus pattern) form.
• Forty-sixth and Forty-seventh Stotras: Showcase excellent use of the "Yamak" (rhyme and alliteration) अलंकार.
• Forty-eighth Panchavarga Parihar Shri Neminath Stava: An extraordinary feat of scholarship where the author praises Lord Neminath using only eight consonants (य, र, ल, व, श, ष, स, ह) while avoiding the other twenty-five, and employing 18 different meters.
• Forty-ninth Nemijin Stuti: Composed by a householder poet and commented upon by Sadhu Ramchandra Rishi, signifying the importance and value of the stotra.

The book also includes sections on the manuscript sources used for the compilation and the methodology of text restoration. The "Neminath Stotra Sangraha" is a valuable resource for scholars, devotees, and anyone interested in Jain devotional literature and the rich poetic heritage of the tradition. It emphasizes the deep spiritual and artistic merit contained within these ancient hymns.