Prachin Stavan Sazzayadi Sangraha

This document is a collection of Jain devotional songs and verses, titled "Prachin Stavan Sazzayadi Sangraha" (Collection of Ancient Devotional Songs and Verses), compiled by Mahimashreeji and published by Nagardas Pragjibhai Mehta. It is dedicated to Lord Shankheshwar Parshvanath and contains tributes to various Jain Tirthankaras, Acharyas, and sacred events.

Key Contents and Themes:

• Devotional Songs (Stavan and Sajjay): The book is primarily a compilation of various devotional poems and songs known as stavan and sajjay. These are sung or recited to praise and remember Jain Tirthankaras, their virtues, and significant moments in Jain history.
• Biographical Sketch of Sadhvi Shri Mahimashreeji: The initial pages include a biographical introduction to Sadhvi Shri Mahimashreeji, the compiler. It details her life, spiritual journey, initiation, and contributions to Jainism, highlighting her devotion to her guru, Shri Manoharshreeji. It also mentions her extensive travels and ascetic practices.
• Spiritual Philosophy: The introductory sections (Prastavana) outline the Jain perspective on the nature of suffering in the material world, the pursuit of true happiness, and the path to liberation (Moksha). It emphasizes the importance of Right Faith (Samyak Darshan), Right Knowledge (Samyak Gyan), and Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra) as the means to achieve ultimate bliss, attained through devotion and glorifying the great souls of the past.
• Praise of Tirthankaras and Acharyas: The collection features numerous stavans and sajjays dedicated to various Tirthankaras like Adinath, Ajitnath, Sambhavnath, Abhinandan, Sumatinath, Padmaprabh, Suparshvanath, Chandprabh, Suvidhinath, Shitnath, Munisuvrat, Neminath, Parshvanath, and Mahavir Swami. It also includes tributes to prominent Jain Acharyas like Vijay Nitisurishwarji and Vijay Harshsurishwarji.
• Celebration of Jain Festivals and Rituals: The book includes specific sections dedicated to Jain festivals and rituals, such as the praise of the fifth day of the lunar fortnight (Panchmi), the eighth day (Ashtami), and the significance of Diwali. It also touches upon the concept of Vrat (vows) and the Akshay Nidhi Tap (a specific penance).
• Specific Temples and Tirthas: Mention is made of significant Jain pilgrimage sites like Shankheshwar, Siddhachala (Shatrunjaya), and Abu.
• Index (Anukramanika): A detailed index is provided, listing the various stavans and sajjays with their corresponding page numbers, making it easy for readers to navigate the vast collection.
• Corrections and Additions: Page 12 includes a note about corrections to be made in the text, indicating a meticulous approach to the compilation.
• List of Donors (Sahayakonı Shubha Namavali): The book also acknowledges the financial contributions of various individuals who supported its publication.

Overall Purpose:

The "Prachin Stavan Sazzayadi Sangraha" serves as a rich resource for Jain devotional practices, preserving and disseminating ancient hymns and songs that encapsulate the core tenets and inspirational figures of Jainism. It aims to guide readers towards spiritual upliftment, foster devotion, and encourage the practice of virtues like faith, knowledge, conduct, and asceticism for the attainment of liberation. The book is presented with reverence and aims to facilitate personal spiritual welfare and the progress of the Jain faith.