Prachin Stavan Sazzayadi Sangraha - Book Summary

This Jain text, "Prachin Stavan Sazzayadi Sangraha" (Collection of Ancient Stanzas, Sazzayadi, etc.) compiled by Maneklal Nagardas Mehta and published by Maneklal Nagardas Mehta, is a comprehensive compilation of devotional songs (stavan), hymns (sajhayan), and other devotional poems and prayers (prabhudayadi) in Gujarati. The catalog link provided is for JainQQ.org, which is a valuable resource for Jain literature.

Here's a breakdown of the content based on the provided pages:

Overall Purpose and Content:

The book aims to preserve and make accessible a collection of ancient Jain devotional literature. It focuses on various aspects of Jain worship, philosophy, and stories of Tirthankaras and revered souls. The compilation is structured into six main sections, covering a wide range of devotional and religious topics.

Key Sections and Their Contents:

The introduction and index (pages 11-34) reveal the extensive nature of the compilation, which is divided into six major sections:

Chaitryavandane (Morning/Evening Prayers) (Pages 1-28 in the index): This section begins with verses to be recited before the deity (prabhu aage bolavana slokas) and then proceeds to various Chaitryavandanes, numbering around 45. It includes prayers for specific festivals like Paryushan, Jnan Panchami, Diwali, and prayers dedicated to Tirthankaras like Rishabhdev, Nemnath, and Mahavir Swami. Some of these are categorized as 'Purochran Vibhag' (miscellaneous section).
Stavane (Hymns/Devotional Songs) (Pages 18-134 in the index): This is the largest section, containing approximately 98 hymns. These hymns are described as ભાવવાહી (emotionally evocative) and suitable for singing in various ragas and raginis. They cover Tirthankaras (24 Tirthankaras), festivals (Diwali), pilgrimage sites (Shrutunjalayadi Tirths), and include works by prominent Jain scholars like Anandghanji Maharaj. A lullaby (halaradu) for Mahavir Swami is also included.
Dhaliya (Poetic Forms/Rhyming Verses) (Pages 134-329 in the index): This section contains about 28 Dhaliya, which are poetic verses often set to music. It includes prayers for specific occasions like Jnan Panchami, Maun Ekadashi, festivals like Paryushan, and doctrinal concepts like Dash Pachakkhan (ten vows), Shath Avashyak (six essential duties), Vardhaman Tap, Siddhachakra, and the five Kalyanaks of Mahavir Swami. It also mentions specific stories or verses related to events like the upliftment of Shruthunjay, Meghashah's story, and the Char Sharanu (four refuges).
Theya-Stutio (Praises and Eulogies) (Pages 330-357 in the index): This section includes 33 praises and eulogies, primarily related to specific dates or festivals (Bij, Panchami, Ashtami, Ekadashi), festivals like Diwali, Tirthankaras (Simandhar Jin), and Tirths like Nandishwar Dwip and Shruthunjay.
Purochran Vibhag (Miscellaneous Section) (Pages 358-416 in the index): This section is a compilation of various useful pieces. It includes additional verses for congregational prayer (adding to the first section), a Vishi Stuti (praise of 21 names related to Shruthunjay), initiation Kavaali, and Chaitryavandan for specific occasions like Paryushan and Panchtirth. It also features the Ras (narrative poem) of Gautam Swami, a Saloka (poetic description) of Nemnath, the 50 bells of Muhpatti (a Jain article of faith), the 108 virtues of Panch Parmesthi, a philosophical discussion on living and non-living creation, Ashrav (influx of karma) and Mithyatva (false belief), and Samyaktva (right faith).
Sazzay (Devotional Songs/Verses) (Pages 417-591 in the index): This section is a collection of Sazzay, devotional songs. It includes Sazzays for specific dates like Ashtami, stories of revered figures like Gautam Swami, Anjana sati, Dhanashali Bhadra, Methar Muni, and important Jain texts like the Dash Vaishalik Sutra (covering its ten chapters) and the five Mahavratas (great vows).

Other Notable Aspects:

Author and Publisher: Maneklal Nagardas Mehta is both the author (compiler) and publisher, indicating a personal effort to bring this literature to light.
Publication Details: The book was published in Ahmedabad, in V.S. 2006 / Veer Samvat 2476. The price was five rupees.
Content Diversity: The collection is rich and varied, catering to different aspects of Jain worship and spiritual practice, from basic prayers to philosophical discussions and narratives.
Focus on Ancient Literature: The title "Prachin" (ancient) suggests a strong emphasis on preserving older forms of Jain devotional literature.
Accessibility: The inclusion of stories and explanations in simple Gujarati language aims to make the text accessible to a wider audience.
Catalog Link: The link to JainQQ.org confirms that this is a recognized and valuable work within Jain studies.

In summary, "Prachin Stavan Sazzayadi Sangraha" is a monumental work of Jain devotional literature, meticulously compiled to serve as a comprehensive guide for Jain practice, providing a wealth of ancient hymns, prayers, stories, and philosophical insights intended for personal use and spiritual edification.