Prachin Stavanavli 08 Chandraprabhu Swami - Book Summary

This document is a collection of devotional songs (stavan) dedicated to Lord Chandraprabhu Swami, the eighth Tirthankara in Jainism. The book is titled "Prachin Stavanavli 08 Chandraprabhu Swami" and is authored by Hasmukhbhai Chudgar, published by Hasmukhbhai Chudgar.

Here's a comprehensive summary of its content:

Overall Purpose and Theme: The book aims to foster devotion and spiritual upliftment through a collection of ancient hymns in praise of Lord Chandraprabhu. The underlying message is that by sincerely engaging in devotion (bhakti), one can overcome worldly suffering and move closer to liberation (moksha). The introductory sections emphasize the importance of genuine spiritual connection with the divine rather than mere ritualistic practice.

Key Sections and Their Content:

Title Page (Page 1-3): Clearly states the title, author, publisher, and a catalog link. It also shows the image of Lord Chandraprabhu.
Namokar Mahamantra (Page 2): This section highlights the significance of the Namokar Mahamantra, describing it as the essence of the fourteen Purvas. It emphasizes reciting it in all circumstances, day and night, for overcoming all worldly sorrows and attaining the supreme soul's state.
Introduction/Preface (Prastavika) (Page 4-5):
- Page 4: Introduces the concept of attaining the supreme soul's state through devotion. It explains that the book compiles ancient and accessible stavan for each Tirthankara, including Lord Chandraprabhu. The aim is to provide a taste of the joy derived from devotion, which can lead to spiritual strength and liberation.
- Page 5: Discusses why people might not experience joy despite daily devotion. It attributes this to not truly recognizing the divine. It stresses that true devotion, even with a few tears of love, is more valuable than many tears shed for worldly matters. It concludes that such devotion brings one closer to liberation.
Table of Contents (Anukramanika) (Page 6-8): This extensive table of contents lists the various stavan, along with the names of the composers. This demonstrates the comprehensive nature of the collection, featuring stavan by numerous revered Jain monks and scholars. The composers include prominent figures like Shri Viravijayji, Shri Padmavijayji, Shri Jnanavimalji, Shri Mohanvijayji, Shri Anandghanji, Shri Yashovijayji, Shri Bhanvijayji, Shri Anandvardhanji, and many others. The page numbers indicate the extensive nature of these devotional songs.
Chaitravandana Vidhi (Ritual of Chaitravandana) (Page 9-15): This section provides detailed instructions for performing the Chaitravandana ritual, a common Jain practice of saluting the Tirthankaras and their symbols. It includes:
- The sequence of prayers and mantras like "Ichchhami khamasamanam sutra," "Iriyavahiyam sutra," "Tasya Uttari Sutra," "Annatth Sutra," "Logassa Sutra," and others.
- The meaning (Bhavarth) of each sutra, explaining its purpose in purification and devotion.
- Instructions on posture and recitation.
- The importance of visualizing the Tirthankaras.
- The "Javanta Cheiyai" and "Javanta kevi Sahu" sutras for universal salutations.
- The "Jaya Viyray Sutra" for requesting protection and blessings.
- The "Arihant Cheiyana Sutra" for venerating the Tirthankara images.
Stavan Collection for Lord Chandraprabhu Swami (Page 15-67): This is the core of the book, containing numerous stavan composed by various authors. Each stavan focuses on different aspects of Lord Chandraprabhu's life, qualities, and the devotees' feelings towards him. Common themes include:
- His physical appearance: Described as beautiful, luminous, and moon-like, with the crescent moon as his emblem.
- His parentage and birthplace: Mention of King Mahasen and Queen Lakshmana, and his birth in Chandrapuri.
- His life events: Birth, renunciation, attainment of Kevala Jnana (omniscience), and his liberation (moksha) at Sametshikhar.
- His divine qualities: Compassion, detachment, knowledge, and his ability to uplift beings.
- The devotee's feelings: Love, longing, surrender, and the desire for liberation through his grace.
- Specific hymns: Examples include:
  - Shri Virvijayji: Describes his birth in Chandravati and his parents.
  - Shri Padmavijayji: Highlights his birth, lineage, and the devotion he inspires.
  - Shri Jnanavimalji: Mentions his birth, attainment of Kevala Jnana, and liberation.
  - Shri Mohanvijayji: Focuses on "Chandprabhuni Chakari" (service to Chandraprabhu), emphasizing the benefits of his remembrance.
  - Shri Anandghanji: "Chandraprabh Mukh-Chandra" beautifully describes his moon-like face and the surpassing of worldly sorrows through devotion.
  - Shri Yashovijayji: Several stavan praising him as "Mora Swami! Chandraprabh Jinray" and "Shri Chandraprabh Jinraji-o."
  - And many more from various composers, each with unique lyrical and emotional expressions.
Shri Chandraprabhuswami ni Dhoy (Page 67-68): This section contains two short devotional pieces titled "Dhoy," also attributed to Shri Virvijayji and Shri Padmavijayji, further extolling the virtues and seeking the grace of Lord Chandraprabhu.
Amrut Kan (Nectar Drops) and Quotes (Page 68): This page contains inspirational quotes attributed to Acharya Shri Bhuvanbhanusurishwarji Maharaj. These quotes emphasize:
- The supreme efficacy of Jin-bhakti (devotion to the Tirthankaras) compared to other means.
- The importance of gratitude towards the Tirthankaras for spiritual progress.
- The need to be "mad" for the Tirthankaras to achieve ultimate liberation.
- The concept of oneness with the divine during worship as a great yoga.
Biographical Information (Page 69): This final page provides a concise summary of Lord Chandraprabhu Swami's life, including:
- His father (Mahasen Raja) and mother (Lakshmana Mata).
- Birthplace (Chandrapuri), birth star (Anuradha), and zodiac sign (Vrischika).
- Lifespan (10 lakh Purva) and physical height (150 Dhanush).
- Complexion (White).
- Marriage status (Married).
- Number of disciples (1,000 Sadhus).
- Period as an ascetic (3 months).
- Initiation tree (Nag tree).
- Number of Ganadharas (93).
- Number of Shravaks (2,50,000) and Shravikas (1,00,000).
- Guardian Yaksha (Vijay Yaksh).
- Diksha tree (Naga).
- Name of the chief Ganadhara (Din Jnana Nagari).
- Place of salvation (Sametshikhar).
- Number of lives (three).
- The auspicious events (Kalyanaks) of his life: Chyavan (Chaitra Vad 5), Janma (Posh Vad 12), Diksha (Posh Vad 3), Kevala Jnana (Phalguna Vad 7), and Moksha (Bhadarva Vad).

In essence, "Prachin Stavanavli 08 Chandraprabhu Swami" is a rich compilation of devotional poetry and ritualistic guidance, designed to immerse the reader in the life and teachings of Lord Chandraprabhu, fostering spiritual growth and the aspiration for liberation.