Prachin Stavan Sazzayadi - Book Summary

The book "Prachin Stavan Sazzayadi" (પ્રાચીન સ્તવન-સઝાયાદિ) is a collection of Jain devotional songs and hymns. Compiled by Harshad Nagardas Mehta and published by the author himself in Ahmedabad, Veer Samvat 2479 / Vikram Samvat 2008, it is dedicated to Shri Shankheshwar Parshwanath and Shri Vijaynitisooreeshwar Sadguru.

Key aspects and content of the book include:

Title: Prachin Stavan Sazzayadi (પ્રાચીન સ્તવન-સઝાયાદિ), which translates to "Collection of Ancient Devotional Songs and Hymns."
Author/Publisher: Harshad Nagardas Mehta (મહેતા હર્ષદકુમાર નાગરદાસ).
Compilation Context: The book is presented as a collection compiled under the guidance and inspiration of various esteemed Jain monks and nuns, particularly mentioning the blessings of Pujya Vrudhdh Sadhviji Maharaj Labhashriji Maharaj, Pujya Kantishriji Maharaj, and Pujya Vimalshriji Maharaj. This highlights the lineage and spiritual authority behind the compilation.
Content: The book is a compilation of various Jain prayers, hymns (stavan), and devotional verses (sazzay). The detailed index reveals a wide range of content, including:
- Chaitnya Vandana (ચૈત્યવંદના): Invocations and salutations to various Tirthankaras like Shri Shantinath, Shri Gautam Swami, Shri Parshwanath, Shri Simandhar Swami, Shri Mahavir Swami, Shri Neminath, etc., and important Jain concepts like Siddha Chakra and Navpad.
- Stavan (સ્તવન): Devotional songs dedicated to various Jain deities and Tirthankaras, such as Shri Padmanath, Shri Abhinandan Jinesh, Shri Shankheshwar Parshwanath, Shri Shantinath, Shri Chandraprabh, Shri Sumati Jinesh, Shri Rishabhdev, and Shri Siddhachakra.
- Sazzay (સઝ્ઝાય): Narrative devotional songs often telling the stories of great Jain saints and devotees like Shri Gajsukumar, Shri Khandak Muni, Shri Chandanbala, Shri Sambukumar, Shri Jibhaldi, Shri Anathi Muni, Shri Vanjara, Shri Anjana Sati, etc. These narratives often convey moral and spiritual lessons.
- Stuti (સ્તુતિ): Praises and eulogies dedicated to Jain festivals like Paryushan Parva and specific deities like Shri Mahavir Jinesh, Shri Simandhar Jinesh, and Shri Siddhachakra.
- Miscellaneous: Includes prayers for specific occasions, mantras like the Navkar Mantra, and devotional compositions for pujas.
Spiritual Lineage: The book explicitly mentions the lineage of spiritual gurus, indicating a connection to prominent Jain monastic traditions. Page 9 provides details about Acharya Maharajshri Vijaykalyansurishwarji Maharaj, detailing his initiation, professorship, and acharyapad. Pages 10-13 offer a biographical sketch of Shri Manoharshriji Maharaj, tracing her life from childhood, marriage, widowhood, renunciation, spiritual journey, discipleship, and eventual passing. This biography emphasizes the dedication to spiritual practice and the guru-shishya parampara.
Purpose: The book serves as a resource for Jain devotees to engage in daily prayers, study, and devotional practices, thereby fostering spiritual growth and connection to the Jain faith.

In essence, "Prachin Stavan Sazzayadi" is a significant work in Jain literature, offering a rich collection of devotional texts that have been passed down through generations, aimed at enriching the spiritual life of its readers.