Prachin Stavanavali

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Prachin Stavanavali" based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Prachin Stavanavali (Collection of Ancient Hymns) Author(s): Rameshbhai Chimanlal Gandhi (Compiler/Publisher) Publisher: Rameshbhai Chimanlal Gandhi Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/032216/1

Summary:

"Prachin Stavanavali" is a compilation of devotional hymns (Stavans) composed by renowned Jain saints and scholars, primarily from the ancient period. The book is presented by Rameshbhai Chimanlal Gandhi, with the aim of making these valuable spiritual compositions accessible to the Jain community.

Key Content and Themes:

• Authorship: The collection primarily features hymns by saints like Anandghanji, Devchandji, Yashovijayji, and PadmVijayji, along with other learned monks (Upadhyay Bhagwantos).
• Purpose of Re-publication: The preface (Prastavana) states that this edition is a re-publication because a previous edition published by Ratilal Master had become unavailable. The intention is to preserve these spiritual works and make them easily accessible to seekers of spiritual knowledge.
• Spiritual Significance: The hymns are described as compositions of highly knowledgeable and meditative souls. They are seen as a means to contemplate the divine qualities of the Tirthankaras (Jain spiritual leaders) and to facilitate meditation, which is considered the essence of the Agamas.
• Meditation and Devotion: The text highlights that Anandghanji's hymns explain the path of meditation through the life of Sumatinath Bhagwan, focusing on contemplating the perfect and divine qualities of God. Devchandji's hymns are beneficial for understanding the form of the divine qualities, while Yashovijayji's hymns use various logical principles in devotion, making the nature of actions easier to grasp.
• Simplification of Jain Philosophy: The hymns are noted for eloquently weaving the essence of important Jain philosophical texts like Sutrasar, Tattvasar, Jnanasar, Parshvasar, Adhyatmasar, and Samyaksar into simple language.
• The Power of Devotion and Contemplation: The text emphasizes that just as worldly attachment leads to thoughts about worldly matters, attachment and devotion (raag) towards the divine qualities of the soul can keep the mind focused on the divine, which is the very nature of divine meditation.
• Salvation as the Ultimate Goal: The collection aims to aid seekers in their spiritual journey towards liberation (Moksha), highlighting that divine meditation is the supreme means to achieve this.
• Content Structure: The table of contents (Anukram) indicates that the book is divided into sections such as:
  • Chaityavandan Vidhi (Rituals of worshipping shrines)
  • Various Chaityavandans
  • Hymns by Yashovijayji
  • Hymns by Anandghanji
  • Hymns by Devchandji
  • Chovishi (collection of 24 hymns) by PadmVijayji
  • Hymns and devotional songs by other great souls.
• Examples of Hymns: The text includes numerous individual hymns dedicated to various Tirthankaras (Rishabhdev, Ajitnath, Sambhavnath, Abhinandanath, Sumatinath, Padmaprabh, Suparshvanath, Chandrapuprabh, Suvidhinath, Shitalnath, Shreyansnath, Vasupujya, Vimalnath, Anantnath, Dharmanath, Shantranath, Kunthunath, Arhanath, Mallinath, Munisuvrat, Naminath, Neminath, Parshvanath, Mahavir, and Simandhar Swami). It also includes Chaityavandans for specific pilgrimage sites like Shatrunjay (Shripal Nagari) and rituals like Namotthuṇam (Nemudhdhaṇam) and Arihantaṇam (Arahamt Stotra).
• No Price: Notably, the book is stated to have no price ("સ્તવનાવલીનું મૂલ્ય રાખેલ નથી") indicating it's offered as a spiritual contribution.

In essence, "Prachin Stavanavali" is a treasure trove of Jain devotional poetry, offering a rich tapestry of praise, philosophical insight, and guidance towards spiritual liberation, compiled and presented with the sincere intention of spiritual service by Rameshbhai Chimanlal Gandhi.