Prachin Stavanadi Sangrah

This document is a collection of Jain devotional songs, prayers, and teachings titled "Prachin Stavanadi Sangrah" (Collection of Ancient Stanzas and Other Devotional Works) by Kunvarji Anandji Shah, published by Kunvarji Anandji Shah in Bhavnagar.

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

Overall Purpose: The book is a compilation of various devotional and instructive Jain literature, including "Chaitya Vandan" (worship of holy places), "Stavans" (hymns), "Stutis" (praises), "Sajhaye" (narratives/discourses), "Garba" (devotional songs), and "Hariyali" (a specific type of devotional song, possibly referring to greenery or auspiciousness). It aims to preserve and disseminate ancient Jain practices and wisdom.

Key Highlights:

• Compilation and Editing: The work was compiled under the guidance of Sadhvi Uttam Shriji, who desired a collection of these texts. Kunvarji Anandji Shah undertook the task of printing and publishing it, using financial support received from Jain followers.
• Emphasis on Purity and Authenticity: The introductory remarks mention that considerable effort was made to ensure the accuracy and purity of the texts, acknowledging that some initial copied versions were incorrect. They also note that while many such collections are printed, this one aims for a higher standard of authenticity and consideration of the composer's merit.
• Extensive Content: The table of contents (Vishayanukramanika) reveals a vast collection of over 142 items, with subdivisions bringing the total to nearly 200. These include prayers to various Tirthankaras (Shri Mahavir, Shri Parshvanath, Shri Neminath, etc.), other revered figures (like Shri Sambhavjina, Shri Vasupujya Swami, Shri Gautam Swami, Shri Harishchandra), and important Jain festivals and concepts (like Navpad, Paryushan Parva, Diwali, Truth, Non-stealing, Chastity).
• Specific Texts Mentioned:
  • Shri Siddha Chakra Chaitya Vandan: A detailed section on the veneration of the Siddha Chakra, including a story related to Shri Shripal and Mayana Sundari, highlighting the benefits of its worship.
  • Shri Mahavir Jin Chaitya Vandan: Devotional verses dedicated to Lord Mahavir, detailing his life and teachings.
  • Shri Shantinath Jin Chaitya Vandan: Worship of Lord Shantinath, with a story illustrating his compassion.
  • Shri Navpad ni Oli nu Stavan: A long section of stanzas related to the nine supreme beings (Navpad), presented in various metrical styles (deshi).
  • Pandit Shri Virvijayji Krut Shri Sthalibhadra ni Shiyalve: A narrative poem about the virtue of chastity and the story of Sthalibhadra, detailing his worldly temptations and eventual renunciation.
  • Various Stavan, Garba, Sajhay, Chhand-Prabhatiya, Hariyali: These sections contain a wide array of devotional songs and teachings attributed to various monks and scholars.
  • Specific Sajhaye: Mention of narratives about historical and religious figures like Shri Harishchandra, Bhiladi, Kalavati Sati, Shri Vasupujya Swami's worldly life, Nagila Sati, Navpad, Abhavya, Elaichi Kumar, Diwali, Pardeshi Raja, and teachings on virtues like non-violence, truth, non-stealing, and chastity.
• Historical Context: The book is dated Veer Samvat 2463 / Vikram Samvat 1993 (around 1936 AD), indicating its publication in the mid-20th century.
• Financial Support: The book acknowledges financial contributions from individuals like Seth Chunilal Dasachand, Seth Lakhmiichand Raychand, and others listed on page 3, highlighting the community's role in preserving religious texts.
• Spiritual Goal: The underlying aim is to encourage spiritual practice, knowledge acquisition, and devotion to Jain principles and deities.

In essence, "Prachin Stavanadi Sangrah" is a significant work for the Jain community, offering a rich repository of devotional literature intended to guide individuals towards spiritual enlightenment and righteous living.