Prachin Stavanavali

This Jain text, titled "Prachin Stavanavali" (Collection of Ancient Devotional Songs), compiled and published by Ratilal Badarchand Shah from Ahmedabad, is a significant anthology of Jain devotional literature. It aims to preserve and make accessible a collection of hymns (stavan), praises (stuti), and other devotional verses (sajhay) by revered Jain monks and saints.

Key Features and Content:

• Extensive Collection: The book is divided into sections, featuring works by prominent Jain spiritual leaders such as Shri Shrimad Yashovijayji, Anandghanji, Shrimad Devchandji, and Shri Padmavijayji.
• Variety of Devotional Forms: It includes:
  • Chaitryavandan: Ritualistic salutations and prayers performed in Jain temples.
  • Stavan: Devotional songs praising the Tirthankaras and other revered figures.
  • Stuti: Praises and hymns of adoration.
  • Sajhay: Spiritual songs or verses often used for meditation and introspection.
  • Chhand: Metrical verses.
• Focus on Tirthankaras and Key Themes: The collection prominently features devotional pieces dedicated to various Tirthankaras, including Shri Adinath, Shri Shanti Nath, Shri Neminath, Shri Parshwanath, and Shri Mahavir Swami. It also includes verses for Panch Parameshthi (the five supreme beings in Jainism), and important pilgrimage sites like Shri Siddhachala Ji.
• Spiritual and Philosophical Depth: The text emphasizes the importance of devotion, devotion to the Tirthankaras, and the acquisition of knowledge, right faith, and right conduct (Jnan, Darshan, Charitra) as paths to spiritual liberation (moksha).
• Structure and Organization: The book is meticulously organized, listing the specific items and the pages where they can be found. This includes a "Prachin Vishi" section containing stavan of twenty-four Tirthankaras by Yashovijayji and Anandghanji, followed by Padmavijayji's works. It also includes miscellaneous stavan, popular sajhay, and verses related to festivals like Paryushan.
• Publisher's Intent: The publisher, Ratilal Badarchand Shah, expresses a desire to present these "bhāvavāhī" (emotionally resonant) compositions, acknowledging the possibility of minor errors in printing due to the script and press work, and requesting readers to overlook them or suggest corrections.
• Accessibility: The book is presented in Gujarati script, making it accessible to a Gujarati-speaking Jain audience. The catalog link provided indicates a digital preservation effort.

Overall Significance:

"Prachin Stavanavali" serves as a valuable resource for understanding and engaging with the rich devotional heritage of Jainism. It offers a comprehensive collection of hymns and prayers that have been central to Jain worship and spiritual practice for centuries, providing a pathway for devotees to connect with the teachings and exemplars of the faith. The compilation reflects a deep respect for tradition and a commitment to disseminating these important spiritual texts.