Prachin Stavanavali - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Prachin Stavanavali" (Ancient Hymns Collection) by Mannalal Mishrilal Chopda, based on the provided pages:

Title: Prachin Stavanavali (प्राचीन स्तवनावली) Author/Publisher: Mannalal Mishrilal Chopda, Ratlam (Malwa) Published: Vikram Samvat 1990 (1934 CE), Shri Veer Samvat 2460

Overview: "Prachin Stavanavali" is a collection of ancient Jain hymns (stavan) compiled and published by Mannalal Mishrilal Chopda. The book was inspired and disseminated with the guidance and blessings of revered Jain ascetics, particularly Sadhvi Shrimati Anandshriji Maharaj and Sadhvi Shrimati Kalyansriji Maharaj, with the support of the Jain community of Jaisalmer, Phodi, and other places in Marwar.

Purpose and Significance: The introduction (Prastavana) emphasizes that in this transient world, devotion to Lord Jinneshwar (Jain Tirthankaras) is the supreme means for liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Among various forms of devotion, singing the virtues of the Tirthankaras is highlighted as the most effective for concentrating the mind and thereby achieving the shedding of karmas (karma nirjara). The text cites examples like Mayanasundari, Shripal Maharaj, and Acharya Abhaydev Suriji whose afflictions were removed and who gained prosperity and influence through such devotion. It also mentions Ravana, who attained Tirthankara-nama-karma by being absorbed in singing the Lord's virtues. The compilation aims to preserve and make accessible ancient, devotional hymns that may not have been widely published.

Key Figures and Contributions:

Shri 108 Shri Anandshriji Maharaj and Shri Kalyansriji Maharaj: These revered ascetics provided the inspiration and guidance for the compilation and publication of the book.
Shrimati Anandshriji: Described as a scholarly disciple of Acharya Shriman Jin Yashah Surishwarji Maharaj, she prepared this collection of hymns.
Shrimati Kalyansriji: Also a disciple of Acharya Shriman Jin Yashah Surishwarji Maharaj, she contributed to the preparation of the collection.
Shrimad Jin Yashah Surishwarji Maharaj (formerly Panyas Shri Yashomuniji, alias Jas Muniji): A prominent Jain Acharya of the Kharatar Gachchha, he is highlighted for his spiritual prowess and teachings. His brief biography is included, detailing his birth in Jodhpur in VS 1912, his early piety, his initiation into monkhood in VS 1940 under Shri Mohanlalji Maharaj, his attainment of the Panyas and Acharya titles, and his passing away in Pavapuri in VS 1970 while undertaking a rigorous fast.
Shri 108 Shri Mohanlalji Maharaj: The guru of Shri Jin Yashah Surishwarji Maharaj.
Shrimati Bhuribai and other Shravikas of Jaisalmer: Their inspiration and financial support were instrumental in the printing and publication of this book.
Pandit Keshar Muniji: The presenter (Nivedak) of the book.
Mannalal Mishrilal Chopda: The publisher from Ratlam.
Manilal Ugarchand: The printer from Ahmedabad.

Content Highlights: The book contains various stanzas (stavan) and hymns dedicated to Jain Tirthankaras and significant Jain figures. Some of the prominent hymns and sections include:

Vandana and Mangalacharan: Opening prayers and invocations to the 24 Tirthankaras and other revered figures and holy places.
Stavan of Shri Shanti Jinneshwar: A detailed hymn dedicated to Lord Shanti Jinneshwar, describing his birth, conception, divine attributes, and the worship performed by celestial beings. It is presented in multiple sections with different "Dhal" (verses).
Chauthaka Stavan (related to Shri Parshvanath): A hymn praising Lord Parshvanath, particularly in the context of Lodravpur and its significance. It describes his divine form and the devotion shown by the community.
Ashtami Puja Stavan: A hymn detailing the seventeen types of worship (pooja) performed for Jain deities, elaborating on the offerings, rituals, and their significance.
Ashtami no Stavan (related to Shri Neminath or general eighth day auspiciousness): A hymn celebrating the auspiciousness of the eighth day of the month, its connection to various Jain principles and Tirthankaras, and the shedding of eight types of karmas.
Ekadashi-Shri Mallinathji-ro Stavan: A hymn dedicated to Lord Mallinath, the 19th Tirthankara, recounting his life story, his five auspicious events (Panch Kalyanaka), and the significance of the eleventh day.
Diwali-ni Thui: A hymn related to Diwali, possibly connecting it to the principles of detachment and spiritual observance.
Stavan of Shri Sambhav Jinvar: A prayer to Lord Sambhav Jinvar.
Stavan of Shri Pushpdant Jinvar: A hymn dedicated to Lord Pushpdant.
Stavan of Shri Chandraprabhu Jinvar: A hymn celebrating Lord Chandraprabhu.
Stavan of Shri Shri Dharmnath Jinvar: A hymn dedicated to Lord Dharmanath.
Stavan of Shri Adinath Jinvar: A hymn dedicated to Lord Adinath.
Stavan of Shri Parshvanath Swami-ko Satar Dalio: A detailed hymn about Lord Parshvanath, with 17 parts.
Shri Shanti Jinath-no Stavan: A hymn dedicated to Lord Shanti Jin.
Shri Jinadatta Suri-no Stavan: Hymns dedicated to the revered Guru Jinadatta Suri, highlighting his spiritual achievements and leadership.
Shri Pundrik Ganadhar-ni Sijjhaya and Stavan: Hymns and teachings related to the first Ganadhar, Pundrik, and his connection to the holy Mount Shikharji.
Thui (short devotional songs) for various Tirthankaras: Including Shri Simandhar Swami, Shri Sambhav Jinvar, Shri Chandraprabhu Jinvar, Shri Dharmanath Jinvar, Shri Mallinath Jinvar, Shri Munisuvrat Swami, Shri Neminath Jinvar, Shri Parshvanath Jinvar, Shri Mahavir Jinvar, and others.
Sijjhaya (narrative hymns): Including those of Dhanna Anagar, Jambukumar, Krodh, and others, which offer moral and spiritual teachings.
Sijjhaya on the Twelve Vows (Bara Vrat): Explaining the significance and practice of the twelve vows taken by Jain lay followers.
Poli Vrat Sijjhaya (evening meal prohibition): A hymn discouraging eating at night.
Parmnari Gaman Nishedh Sijjhaya: A hymn warning against adultery.
Shri Neminathji-ki Barahmasi: A lament by Rajul on the departure of Lord Neminath for asceticism, presented in a twelve-part song.
Shri Ratnamuni-ji-ni Gahunli: Devotional songs in praise of Guru Ratnamuni.
Shri Todarmal-ji-no Stavan: A hymn celebrating the virtues and activities of the great Jain scholar and poet Todarmal.
Shri Rajulji-ki Barahmasi: Another rendition of Rajul's lament.
Shri Sambhav Jinvar-ro Stavan: A hymn to Lord Sambhav.
Shri Chandprabhu Jinvar-ro Stavan: A hymn to Lord Chandraprabhu.
Shri Simandhar Swami-ro Stavan: A hymn to Lord Simandhar Swami.
Shri Siddha Giri Rajo Stavan: Hymns related to the holy pilgrimage site of Mount Shatrunjaya (Siddhachal).
Shri Parshvanath Jin Stavan: Hymns dedicated to Lord Parshvanath, mentioning various places associated with him like Nakoda, Lodravpur, and Goliya.
Kalyan Thui: A devotional song related to auspicious births.
Krishnanarayan and Nemi Jinver-ro Updesh: A dialogue or teaching of Lord Neminath to Krishna.
Sajh-jhaya: Reflective spiritual songs.
Shri Siddhachakra Thui: A hymn dedicated to the Siddhachakra Yantra, a sacred Jain diagram.
Shri Vir Jinvar-no Updesh: Teachings of Lord Mahavir.

Overall Contribution: "Prachin Stavanavali" serves as a valuable repository of traditional Jain devotional literature. It reflects the deep reverence for Tirthankaras and Gurus within the Jain tradition and highlights the importance of chanting and singing their virtues for spiritual progress. The book's publication was a significant effort by the Jain community, supported by spiritual leaders, to preserve and promote these ancient hymns for the benefit of future generations.