Nitya Mangal Aur Gautamswami Ka Ras

This document is a Jain religious text titled "Nitya Mangal aur Gautamswami Ka Ras" (Eternal Auspiciousness and the Ode of Gautamswami), authored by Dharnendrasagar and published by Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra Koba. The catalog link provided indicates its availability for private and personal use only.

The book is primarily a compilation of various Jain devotional hymns and prayers, known as "Smaranas" or "Ras," intended to invoke auspiciousness, protection, and spiritual progress. The text is structured into nine distinct sections, each focusing on a specific devotional practice or a revered Tirthankar (Jain spiritual teacher).

Here's a breakdown of the content, section by section:

Pages 1-2: Introduction and Nav Smaranani (Nine Recollections)

• Page 1: Introduces the book title, author, and publisher.
• Page 2: Begins the "Nav Smaranani" with the First Smarana: Namaskar Mantra Smaranam. This is the recitation of the Pancha Namaskara Mantra (Namo Arihantanam, Namo Siddhanam, Namo Ayariyanam, Namo Uvajjhayanam, Namo Loye Savva Sahunam), which is considered the most auspicious and merit-generating mantra in Jainism, capable of destroying all sins. It also includes motivational verses encouraging self-reliance and inner illumination.

Page 3: Second Smarana: Upsargaharam Smaranam

• This section is dedicated to the Upsargaharam Parshvanath Stotra, a hymn to Lord Parshvanath, the 23rd Tirthankar. It is believed to remove obstacles and sufferings (upasargas). The verses praise Parshvanath's power to alleviate ailments, protect from negative influences, and grant the ultimate abode of liberation. It also includes a philosophical reflection on the transient nature of the mind.

Pages 4-10: Third Smarana: Shantikaram Smaranam

• This extensive section is dedicated to the Shantikaram Stotra, a prayer for peace and protection. It invokes various deities, protective forces, and the peace-giving Tirthankar Shantinath.
  • It lists numerous celestial beings, yakshas, yakshinis, and guardian deities (like Chakreshwari, Naradatta, Mahakali, Gauri, Gandhari, etc.) who are invoked for protection.
  • The verses emphasize the power of devotion to Shantinath in warding off all kinds of calamities, fears, diseases, and negative influences.
  • It includes verses highlighting that devotion to Shantinath brings lasting happiness and protection from all troubles.
  • The section ends with a verse about the significance of devotion to Tirthankaras and the benefit of reciting these hymns.

Pages 6-10: Fourth Smarana: Trijayapahutta Smaranam

• This section is dedicated to the Trijayapahutta Stotra, which focuses on the virtues and protective powers of the Tirthankaras.
  • It praises the Tirthankaras, mentioning their eighty-four attributes and the eight great auspicious signs (Ashta Mahapratikaryas).
  • The stotra invokes the collective power of the Tirthankara lineages to destroy sins, fears, diseases, and all forms of misfortune.
  • It lists the names of various powerful Vidyadevis (knowledge goddesses) and their protective roles.
  • The verses describe the efficacy of mantras and the benefits of meditating on the Tirthankaras.
  • It emphasizes that remembering the names of the Tirthankaras can overcome adversities and grant ultimate liberation.

Pages 8-10: Fifth Smarana: Namiun Smaranam

• This section is dedicated to the Namiun Smaranam, which involves bowing and paying homage to the Tirthankaras.
  • The verses describe the transformative power of devotion to the Tirthankaras, illustrating how it can overcome severe diseases, fears, and all worldly troubles.
  • It uses vivid imagery to depict various dangerous situations (like wild forests, poisonous snakes, battles, floods) and how the remembrance of the Tirthankaras provides absolute protection.
  • The hymns highlight the omnipotence of the Tirthankaras and the immense peace and liberation gained through their worship.

Pages 11-20: Sixth Smarana: Ajitashanti Smaranam

• This is a lengthy section dedicated to Ajita and Shanti Tirthankaras. It is a praise of their qualities and their ability to bring peace and victory.
  • The stotras describe Ajita Tirthankar as invincible, destroyer of sins, and giver of supreme peace.
  • They also praise Shanti Tirthankar as the giver of peace, the conqueror of all dangers, and the source of ultimate happiness.
  • The verses enumerate the virtues of these Tirthankaras, their auspicious signs, and their divine qualities, emphasizing their role in guiding beings towards liberation.
  • It includes various poetic meters and forms (Gaha, Shloka, Magahiya, etc.) to praise them.
  • The section emphasizes that meditating on and reciting praises of Ajita and Shanti Tirthankaras eradicates diseases, sins, and obstacles, leading to ultimate bliss.

Pages 20-29: Seventh Smarana: Bhaktamara Smaranam

• This section is dedicated to the Bhaktamara Stotra, one of the most revered hymns in Jainism, composed by Acharya Manatunga.
  • The stotra is highly elaborate, praising Lord Rishabhadeva (the first Tirthankar) with exquisite descriptions of his divine form, virtues, and powers.
  • It highlights the miraculous potency of the Bhaktamara Stotra in overcoming various obstacles, fears, diseases, and negative influences, including poison, fire, theft, battles, and even the cycle of birth and death.
  • The verses attribute immense power to the mere chanting of the Tirthankar's name and the verses of the stotra.
  • It uses numerous metaphors and similes to describe the Tirthankar's grandeur and the efficacy of the devotion.
  • The section concludes with verses emphasizing the immense benefits of reciting this stotra, leading to wealth, victory, and ultimate liberation.

Pages 30-37: Eighth Smarana: Kalyanamandira Smaranam

• This section features the Kalyanamandira Stotra, dedicated to the Kalyanamandira Tirthankar (often referring to Lord Rishabhadeva or another Tirthankar in that context).
  • The stotra praises the Tirthankar as the bestower of auspiciousness, the destroyer of sins, the giver of fearlessness, and the savior from the cycle of birth and death.
  • It emphasizes the Tirthankar's transcendental nature and the difficulty in fully describing his infinite virtues.
  • The verses highlight the power of the Tirthankar's name and his teachings to overcome karma, fear, and suffering.
  • It uses analogies to illustrate the Tirthankar's greatness, such as comparing him to the sun that dispels darkness or a celestial wish-fulfilling tree.
  • The stotra conveys that by meditating on and devotedly following the Tirthankar's path, one can attain liberation and escape the sorrows of the material world.

Pages 38-42: Ninth Smarana: Brihatshanti Smaranam

• This section is dedicated to Brihatshanti Smaranam, a comprehensive prayer for peace and well-being.
  • It begins with an invocation to all Tirthankaras and their auspicious birth rituals.
  • It emphasizes the importance of chanting mantras and performing rituals for peace and prosperity.
  • The section includes specific invocations for peace for the Sangha (Jain community), rulers, citizens, and all beings.
  • It features prayers for the eradication of diseases, the increase of virtues, and the overcoming of enemies.
  • The verses also mention the significance of performing the Shanti ritual during auspicious occasions like processions and festivals.
  • The section concludes with universal prayers for peace and well-being for all beings.

Pages 42-54: Shri Gautamswami Ras

• This is a significant portion of the book dedicated to the life and spiritual prowess of Gautamswami, the chief disciple of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankar.
  • The "Ras" is composed in a narrative, poetic style, describing Gautamswami's birth, his initial inclination towards Vedic rituals, and his eventual spiritual awakening.
  • It narrates how Gautamswami, initially a learned scholar and performer of sacrifices, encountered Lord Mahavir and was deeply impressed by his teachings.
  • The text recounts Gautamswami's intellectual pride and how it was subdued by Lord Mahavir's profound wisdom.
  • It details his acceptance of Jainism, his renunciation of worldly practices, and his attainment of omniscience (Keval Gyan).
  • The narrative highlights the miraculous events associated with Gautamswami's journey, including the Samavsaran (divine assembly) and his interactions with various celestial beings and ascetics.
  • It emphasizes his devotion, his adherence to vows, and his role as the chief Gandhar (spiritual exponent).
  • The verses praise Gautamswami's virtues, his knowledge, and his immense contribution to the propagation of Jain dharma.
  • The Ras also includes poetic descriptions of the auspiciousness associated with his life and teachings.
  • The section concludes with prayers for the followers of Gautamswami, wishing them prosperity and well-being. It also mentions that this Ras is recited annually at the beginning of the year for auspiciousness.

In essence, "Nitya Mangal aur Gautamswami Ka Ras" is a treasure trove of Jain devotional literature, offering a comprehensive guide to invoking divine blessings, overcoming obstacles, and seeking spiritual upliftment through the recitation of powerful hymns and the contemplation of revered spiritual figures, with a special focus on Gautamswami's spiritual journey.