Prachin Stavanavli 01 Aadinath

This document is a collection of devotional songs (Stavans) and prayers dedicated to Lord Adinath (also known as Rishabhadeva), the first Tirthankara in Jainism. Here's a comprehensive summary:

Overall Purpose:

The book, "Prachin Stavanavali 01 Aadinath," compiled by Hasmukhbhai Chudgar, is a compilation of ancient Jain devotional hymns (Stavans) and prayers for Lord Adinath. The aim is to provide devotees with a collection of verses that can be recited or sung to express devotion, seek blessings, and meditate on the teachings and life of the first Tirthankara.

Key Content Sections:

1. Introduction and Homage:

   • Page 1: Features an image of Lord Adinath and the title.
   • Page 2: Praises the "Navkar Mahamantra," highlighting its significance as the essence of fourteen Purvas (ancient Jain scriptures) and its limitless glory and profound meaning. It emphasizes reciting the mantra day and night, in happiness and sorrow, by everyone from the rich to the poor, and by gods and demons alike. It also mentions the 68 letters of the mantra and its ability to grant eight types of wealth and eight siddhis (supernatural powers).
   • Page 3: Provides publication details, including the publisher, author, and place of purchase, along with a note about the value being faith and devotion.
   • Page 4: Includes a "Kinchid Kathan" (A Little Discourse) by Pandit Nandibhushanvijayji Maharaj, who emphasizes the power of devotion to the supreme soul (Paramatma) to merge with the divine. He beautifully contrasts speaking alone (which might be seen as madness) with singing alone (which is seen as joyous). He highlights the blend of classical Ragas and ancient compositions that immerse the devotee in devotional bliss. He expresses joy in presenting this collection of stavans from past revered figures, hoping for the divine to reside in his heart and to meet Him sooner in the next life.
   • Page 5-8: An extensive Index (Anukramanika) listing all the Stavans and their respective authors. This section is crucial for understanding the scope of the collection. It lists numerous Stavans like "Chaitya Vandan Sarvarth Siddhi," "Adi Dev Alavesaru," "Pratham Jisesar," "Mata Marudevina Nand," "Dada Adishwarji," "Pratham Jineshwar Pranamie," and many more, attributing each to various revered Jain scholars and saints like Shri Virvijayji, Shri Padmavijayji, Shri Anandghanji, Shri Yashovijayji, etc.

2. Chaitya Vandan Vidhi (Rituals for Worship):

   • Page 9-14: This section details the procedural steps and mantras for performing a Chaitya Vandan, a core Jain ritual of venerating the Tirthankaras and their images. It includes:
     • Ichhami Khama-Samana Sutra: A mantra for seeking forgiveness.
     • Iriyavahiy Sutra: A mantra to purify actions related to movement and the harm caused to living beings.
     • Tass Uttari Sutra: A mantra for further purification of sins.
     • Annatth Sutra: A mantra related to concentration and posture during meditation (Kaussagga).
     • Logassa Sutra: A hymn of praise for all 24 Tirthankaras.
     • Instructions on how to perform the Chaitya Vandan, including bowing, reciting "Sakala Kushal Valli," and then reciting Stavans from the book.
     • Jinkinchi Sutra: A mantra for bowing to all Jin-images in the three worlds.
     • Namuththane Sutra: A hymn detailing the glorious attributes of the Arhants.
     • Javant Cheiyai Sutra: A mantra for bowing to all Jin-images in the three worlds.
     • Javant Kevi Sahu Sutra: A mantra for paying respects to all ascetics in the three continents.
     • Namo Arhat Siddha Acharya Upadhyaya Sarva Sadhubhyah: A universal salutation to the Panch Parmeshthi (the five supreme beings).
     • Jaya Virayaray Sutra: A prayer for victory and seeking divine protection.
     • Arhant Cheiyanam Sutra: A mantra for making a Kaussagga (meditative stance) and bowing to the images in a temple.
     • The section concludes with instructions to recite another Annatth Sutra and a Kaussagga.

3. Collection of Stavans (Devotional Songs):

   • Page 15-64: This is the core of the book, containing a vast collection of Stavans dedicated to Lord Adinath. Each Stavan is attributed to a specific author (Karta). These Stavans are rich in devotional sentiment, describing:
     • Lord Adinath's Life and Attributes: His birth, parents (King Nabhi and Queen Marudevi), lifespan, physical characteristics (golden complexion, stature), symbols (bull), divine qualities (compassion, renunciation), and his role as the first Tirthankara who established the Jain path.
     • Devotional Expressions: The verses express deep love, longing, gratitude, and surrender to Lord Adinath. Devotees express their desire for His darshan (sight), their inability to find solace elsewhere, and their complete reliance on Him for liberation.
     • Spiritual Teachings: The Stavans often allude to core Jain principles like karma, detachment, renunciation, the path to liberation (Moksha), and the importance of right faith, knowledge, and conduct.
     • Various Moods and Themes: The Stavans are composed in different Ragas and meters, conveying various emotions from joy and praise to yearning and supplication. Some describe His cosmic significance, His role in establishing dharma, and the devotion of celestial beings and human followers.

4. Thoy (Short Biographical Praises):

   • Page 65-73: This section presents short, concise biographical praises of Lord Adinath, often summarizing key aspects of his life and teachings. These are like brief laudatory accounts.

5. Life Glimpse of Lord Adinath (Jivan Jhalak):

   • Page 75: A concluding section provides a concise biographical sketch of Lord Adinath, listing key details such as:
     • Father's name: Nabhiraja
     • Mother's name: Marudevi
     • Birthplace: Vinita territory
     • Birth constellation: Uttarashadha
     • Lifespan: 84 lakh Purva (an ancient unit of time)
     • Stature: 500 Dhanush (an ancient unit of length)
     • Body color: Golden
     • Number of disciples: 4000 monks, 1 lakh nuns, 3 lakh laymen.
     • Key events: Chyavana, Janma, Deeksha, Kevalgyan, and Moksha Kalyanakas (auspicious moments) and their dates.
     • Key figures associated with him: Gomukh Yaksha, Chakreshwari Devi, Pundarik (first Ganadhara).
     • Moksha place: Ashtapada.

6. Concluding Words:

   • Page 75: Features a quote attributed to Acharya Shri Bhuvanbhanusurishwarji Maharaj, emphasizing the inestimable value of devotion to Arhants and the importance of maintaining gratitude and a passionate pursuit of Jainism across lifetimes. It highlights the concept of "ekaikarita" (oneness) in devotion as a great yoga.

Significance and Value:

This book is a valuable resource for Jain devotees interested in:

• Devotion to Lord Adinath: It offers a rich collection of prayers and songs to connect with and venerate the first Tirthankara.
• Understanding Jain Rituals: The detailed explanation of Chaitya Vandan provides guidance for performing this important ritual.
• Jain Literature and History: It showcases a collection of ancient Stavans composed by respected Jain scholars, offering a glimpse into the devotional literature of the tradition.
• Spiritual Growth: The content aims to inspire faith, gratitude, and spiritual aspiration among readers.

In essence, "Prachin Stavanavali 01 Aadinath" is a treasury of devotional poetry and ritualistic guidance for those who seek to deepen their connection with Lord Adinath and the core principles of Jainism.