Prachin Stavan Sazzayadi Sangraha - Book Summary

Certainly, here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Prachin Stavan Sazzayadi Sangraha," authored by Maneklal Nagardas Mehta, based on the provided catalog link and page-by-page content:

Book Title: Prachin Stavan Sazzayadi Sangraha (Collection of Ancient Stavan, Sazzayadi) Author: Maneklal Nagardas Mehta Publisher: Maneklal Nagardas Mehta Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/032180/1

Overall Summary:

"Prachin Stavan Sazzayadi Sangraha" is a comprehensive compilation of ancient Jain devotional hymns (Stavan), devotional songs (Sazzayadi), and ritualistic prayers (Chaitravandan), along with various other religious texts and narratives. Published by Maneklal Nagardas Mehta, this collection aims to preserve and make accessible a vast repository of Jain devotional literature, covering a wide range of deities, festivals, and philosophical concepts. The book is structured into six main sections, each dedicated to a specific genre of devotional content, and further details the vastness and variety of the material contained within.

Key Sections and Content:

The book is meticulously organized into six primary sections:

Chaitravandan (ચૈત્યવંદન): This section contains numerous devotional recitations to be recited before the images of deities (Chaitra). It includes 45 primary Chaitravandans, along with additional ones in a separate section. The collection covers Chaitravandans for various occasions like specific dates (Bij, Panchami, Ashtami, Maun Ekadashi, Paryushan, Diwali), various Tirthankaras (like Rishabhdev, Shantinath, Neminath, Parshvanath, Mahavir Swami), and important pilgrimage sites (like Shankheshwar, Shatrunjay). The verses are often accompanied by their meters (chhandas) and sometimes the stories behind them.
Stavan (સ્તવન): This is a significant section comprising 98 distinct Stavan compositions. These are devotional songs designed to be sung, often set to various ragas and raginis. They primarily focus on the Tirthankaras, festivals like Diwali, and pilgrimage sites like Siddhachal. A notable inclusion is the complete collection of 24 Stavan compositions by Acharya Anandghanji Maharaj, and also the Halaradu (lullaby) of Lord Mahavir Swami.
Dhalia (ઢાળીયાં): This section contains 28 lyrical compositions known as Dhalia, which are often sung during various religious observances and fasts. It includes Dhalia for specific dates and festivals (like Bij, Panchami, Ashtami, Maun Ekadashi), vows and rituals (like Dash Pachkhan, Six Avashyak, Vardhman Tap), and important narratives and legends (like Shatrunjay Uddhar, Shatrunjay Tirtha Mala, Punnya Prakash Stavan, Char Sharana, Meghsha's Dhalia for Godi Parshvanath).
Sthoy-Stuti (થેય-સ્તુતિ): This section presents 33 Praise and worship compositions (Sthoy-Stuti). These are devotional praises dedicated to deities, festivals (like Diwali), and periods of austerity (like Rohini Tap, Nandishwar Dvip). They often provide a concise narrative or devotional focus on the subject matter.
Prakaran (પરચુરણ વિભાગ): This miscellaneous section offers additional useful material. It includes introductory verses and prayers to be recited before the Lord (Duharadi), 28 compositions related to Shatrunjay's names, 39 Khama Samana verses, sequences for initiation (Diksha ni Kavadi), and 50 verses on Mudpati (a cloth worn by monks). It also includes detailed discussions on philosophical concepts like Panch Parmeshti's 108 virtues, the nature of living and non-living creation, the principles of Ashrava (influx of karma) and Mithyatva (false belief), and the nature of Samkit (right faith) and Nigraha (self-restraint).
Sazzaya (સજઝાય): This extensive section compiles 90 Sazzay compositions. These are devotional songs covering a wide array of themes, including those related to specific dates and festivals, verses on detachment (Vairagya), austerity (Vardhaman Tap, Ter Adhiya), and biographies of prominent saints and devotees (like Gaja Sukumal, Ayachi Putra, Dhana Shastri Bhadra, Maitaraj Muni). Notably, it includes Sazzay for all ten chapters of the Das Vaikalik Sutra and the five Great Vows (Pancha Mahavrata).

Notable Features and Significance:

Comprehensive Collection: The book is a treasure trove, gathering diverse forms of Jain devotional literature, often presented in their original, ancient forms.
Detailed Indexing: The presence of a detailed index (Anukramanika) with starting lines (Adi Pad) and verse counts (Gatha ni Sankhya) for each composition significantly aids researchers and practitioners.
Preservation of Tradition: By compiling these ancient hymns and prayers, the author and publisher contribute to the preservation of Jain devotional traditions and practices.
Accessibility: The inclusion of prices and publisher details suggests an effort to make this religious material accessible to the community.
Scholarly Contribution: The book appears to be a product of dedicated effort, potentially involving the selection and verification of ancient texts, as indicated by the mention of specific acharyas and scholars. The preface by Acharya Shri Vijay Hanhansuri and the selection by Sadhviji Shri Amritashriji Maharaj highlight its lineage and scholarly backing.
Variety of Genres: The categorization into Chaitravandan, Stavan, Dhalia, Sthoy-Stuti, Prakaran, and Sazzay demonstrates the rich literary and devotional heritage of Jainism.

Publisher's Information:

The book is published by Maneklal Nagardas Mehta, located in Fatehsani Pole, Ahmedabad. The price is listed as Rs. 5/- for the main collection, with other books mentioned at varying prices. The publication year is given as Vikram Samvat 2006 / Veer Samvat 2476.

In essence, "Prachin Stavan Sazzayadi Sangraha" serves as a significant compendium for anyone interested in the devotional, ritualistic, and philosophical aspects of Jainism, offering a deep dive into the ancient hymns and practices that form the spiritual backbone of the tradition.