Prachin Chand Sangraha

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Prachin Chand Sangraha" based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Prachin Chand Sangraha (Collection of Ancient Verses) Author: Muni Shri Vidyanandvijayji Publisher: Kika Bhatt Pol Jain Upashray, Ahmedabad Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/005587/1

Overall Purpose:

"Prachin Chand Sangraha" is a compilation of ancient Jain verses (Chands) and hymns. The book aims to preserve and disseminate these devotional and spiritually uplifting compositions, making them accessible to a wider audience for their benefit and spiritual progress.

Key Highlights and Content:

1. Title and Authorship: The book is titled "Prachin Chand Sangraha" and is authored by Muni Shri Vidyanandvijayji. It is presented as a collection of ancient verses.

2. Dedication and Lineage: The work is dedicated to the spiritual lineage, specifically mentioning the teachings and blessings of "Shasan Samrat Acharya Maharaj Shri 108 Vijay Nemisuriswarji Maharajshri" and his disciple Muni Shri Jitvijayji, who in turn was the guru of the author, Muni Shri Vidyanandvijayji. This establishes a strong spiritual lineage and reverence for the gurus.

3. Publisher and Location: The book is published by Kika Bhatt Pol Jain Upashray in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. This indicates its origin and the community supporting its publication.

4. Introduction (Prastavna):

   • The introduction emphasizes the importance of preserving ancient Jain literature. It highlights Muni Shri Vidyanandvijayji's effort in collecting and publishing these ancient verses for the welfare of humanity.
   • It acknowledges that some verses might have slight variations in language or rhyming schemes compared to their original manuscripts due to their antiquity, but the decision was made not to alter them out of respect for the great personalities who composed them.
   • The introduction explains the purpose of compiling these verses: to make complex Jain philosophical concepts and mantras (like the Navkar Mantra) accessible to the common people through the medium of verses.
   • It underscores the significance of remembering revered Tirthankaras and the power of mantras like the Navkar Mantra in removing obstacles and weakening karmas.
   • The compiler's (Muni Shri Vidyanandvijayji) dedication to bringing forth both popular and lesser-known ancient compositions is praised.
   • It acknowledges the financial support received from the Kika Bhatt ni Pol Upashray and other patrons, expressing gratitude.
   • The introduction also requests readers to point out any errors in subsequent editions for correction.
   • The ultimate aspiration is that the reading of these verses leads to spiritual purification and liberation (Moksha).

5. List of Contents (Vishayanukramanika): The book contains a detailed index of the verses included. The index lists:

   • Verse Number: (e.g., 1, 2, 3...)
   • Title of the Verse: (e.g., Shri Navkar Mantra Chand, Shri Aadiswar Jin Chand, Shri Sambhav Jin Vijnyapti Chand, etc.)
   • Author of the Verse: (e.g., Pritvimalji M., Labhkushala Vachak M., etc.)
   • Page Number: Where the verse begins.

6. Specific Verses Included: The table of contents reveals a rich collection of verses dedicated to:

   • The Navkar Mantra.
   • Various Tirthankaras: Aadiswar, Sambhav, Shantinath, Parshvanath (in numerous forms like Jirawala Parshvanath, Antariksha Parshvanath, Shankheshwar Parshvanath, Gaudi Parshvanath), Vir Swami, etc.
   • Other important figures and deities like Gautam Swami, Nagini, Saraswati Mata, Panchanguli Devi, Shravak Karani, etc.
   • Themes like Jeevdaya (compassion for living beings), Gyanbodh (knowledge and awareness), and various aspects of Jain philosophy.

7. Content of Sample Verses (Pages 17 onwards):

   • Shri Navkar Mantra Chand: This is a detailed exposition of the significance and benefits of chanting the Navkar Mantra, highlighting its power to alleviate sins, overcome obstacles, and lead to spiritual heights. It includes various numerical counts of chanting and their results.
   • Shri Aadiswar Jin Chand: This verse is a devotional hymn to the first Tirthankara, Lord Aadiswar, expressing the speaker's spiritual journey, past mistakes, and seeking his grace for liberation. It reflects on the cycle of birth and death and the importance of the Jin Shasan.
   • Shri Sambhav Jin Vijnyapti Chand: A plea and supplication to Lord Sambhavnath, expressing gratitude for finding the right path and seeking continued spiritual guidance.
   • Shri Shantinath Jin Chand: A hymn to Lord Shantinath, emphasizing the importance of peace and serenity derived from remembering him. It details the benefits of chanting his name and the virtue of devotional practices.
   • Shri Jirawala Parshvanath Jin Chand: This verse critiques various superstitious beliefs and practices of other religions, contrasting them with the true path of Jainism and the reverence due to Tirthankaras like Lord Parshvanath. It highlights the superiority of Jin devotion.
   • Shri Antariksha Parshvanath Jin Chand: This elaborate verse narrates the story of Lord Parshvanath's idol that remained suspended in the air (Antariksha) and the devotion of King Kharadushana. It also includes the story of King Elak and the miraculous healing properties of the water from the divine well.
   • Shri Gaudi Parshvanath Jin Chand: Multiple verses dedicated to Lord Parshvanath in his Gaudi form, emphasizing his glory, the power of his name, and the benefits of devotion. Some verses describe the auspicious attributes and auspicious ceremonies.
   • Shri Shankheshwar Parshvanath Jin Chand: Verses dedicated to Lord Parshvanath of Shankheshwar, a prominent pilgrimage site. They highlight his glory, the removal of obstacles through devotion, and the power of his mantra. The verses also mention various places and forms associated with Lord Parshvanath.
   • Shri Vira Swami Chand: A hymn to Lord Mahavir, the last Tirthankara, emphasizing his teachings and the path to liberation.
   • Shri Chovish Jineshwar Chand: A collection of verses dedicated to all the 24 Tirthankaras.
   • Others: The table of contents continues with numerous other verses dedicated to various Tirthankaras, deities, and concepts, often with the composer's name mentioned.

8. Metrical Structure: The verses are composed in various traditional Indian meters (Chands) like Doha, Chaupai, Savaiya, Tarotak, Bhujaṅgī, Haṭakī, Nārac, etc., showcasing the literary richness of the compositions.

9. Spiritual Significance: The overarching theme is devotion to the Tirthankaras, adherence to Jain principles (like Ahimsa, Satya, Aparigraha), the importance of mantras, and the pursuit of Moksha (liberation).

In essence, "Prachin Chand Sangraha" serves as a valuable repository of Jain devotional literature, offering solace, spiritual guidance, and a means for adherents to connect with the divine principles and teachings of Jainism.