Prachin Stavanavli 11 Shreyansnath

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Prachin Stavanavli 11 Shreyansnath" by Hasmukhbhai Chudgar:

Overall Purpose and Theme:

This book is a collection of ancient stavan (devotional hymns) dedicated to Lord Shreyanshnath, the eleventh Tirthankara in Jainism. The underlying theme of the collection is the profound importance of devotion to the Tirthankaras as a path to liberation (moksha). It emphasizes that through heartfelt devotion, individuals can transcend worldly suffering and attain the state of the soul.

Key Content and Structure:

1. Introduction to Namokar Mahamantra (Page 2): The book begins with a hymn praising the Namokar Mahamantra, describing it as the essence of the fourteen purva (ancient Jain scriptures) and infinite in its meaning. It highlights that the mantra should be chanted constantly, in all circumstances (happiness or sorrow, life or death), and by all beings. Its 68 letters are associated with 68 sacred pilgrimage sites, and it is described as the giver of eight types of wealth and eight siddhis (spiritual powers). The mantra is said to grant the nine treasures of the nine pad (sacred syllables) and cut through the suffering of countless lifetimes, ultimately leading to the supreme state of the soul.

2. Publisher's Note and Author's Purpose (Pages 3-4): The book is published by Hasmukhbhai Chudgar, with its compilation and printing located in Ahmedabad. The "Prastavik" (Introduction) explains the book's objective: to provide a collection of ancient stavans dedicated to each Tirthankara, enabling readers to experience the devotion of the past masters and draw closer to liberation. It emphasizes that devotion to the soul (Paramatma Bhakti) helps in achieving the soul's true nature.

3. Words of Guidance (Page 5): This section offers further encouragement, stating that the lack of joy in daily worship stems from not truly recognizing the Paramatma (Supreme Soul). True recognition, rather than habitual practice, leads to bliss. It contrasts the tears shed for worldly objects (which are valueless) with the tears shed in devotion, which are immensely precious and bring one closer to liberation.

4. Index of Stavans (Pages 6-8): This is a crucial section that lists all the stavans included in the book, along with their respective page numbers and the names of their composers. This index serves as a table of contents for the devotional hymns, showcasing the diversity of poets and their contributions.

5. Chaitryavandan Vidhi (Rituals for Temple Worship) (Pages 9-14): This extensive section details the correct Jain rituals for worship in a temple (Chaitryavandan). It includes:

   • The Ichchhami khamasamanan sutra (for seeking forgiveness).
   • The Iriyavahiyam sutra (for purifying oneself from sins committed through movement).
   • The Tassa Uttari sutra (for further purification).
   • The Annatth sutra (describing the sixteen purifications for kāyotsarga - meditation).
   • The Logassa sutra (a hymn of praise to the twenty-four Tirthankaras).
   • Instructions for performing Chaitryavandan, including the Jankinchi sutra and Namuskurn sutra.
   • The Javantika Cheiyai sutra (salutation to all Jin statues).
   • The Javant Kevi Sahu sutra (salutation to all monks and nuns).
   • The Namo Arhatsiddha... mantra (salutation to the Panch Parmeshthi).
   • The Jay Viyaray sutra (a prayer for protection and fulfillment).
   • The Arihanta Cheiyana sutra (for bowing to the statues in the temple).
   • Concluding rituals.

6. Stavans Dedicated to Lord Shreyanshnath (Pages 15-66): This is the main body of the book, featuring a rich collection of stavans composed by various revered Jain monks and scholars. Each stavan is presented with its composer's name and often a brief description of the raag (melody) it should be sung in. These hymns praise Lord Shreyanshnath's life, virtues, and divine attributes. They describe his birth, his lineage, his renunciation, his attainment of omniscience, and his ultimate liberation. The stavans often express the poet's personal devotion, longing, and prayers for spiritual progress. Some notable composers mentioned include:

   • Shri Nayvijayji
   • Shri Veervijayji
   • Shri Padm Vijayji
   • Shri Anandghanji
   • Shri Yashovijayji
   • Shri Bhanvijayji
   • Shri Anandvardhanji
   • Shri Laxmi Vimalji
   • Shri Manvijayji
   • Shri Gyanvimal Suri
   • Shri Bhavvijayji
   • And many others, indicating a comprehensive compilation.

7. Glimpses of Lord Shreyanshnath's Life (Page 68): This final section provides a concise biographical sketch of Lord Shreyanshnath, including:

   • Lifespan: 84 lakh purva.
   • Birthplace: Sinhpuri.
   • Father: King Vishnu.
   • Mother: Vishnumata.
   • Birth Constellation: Shravan.
   • Birth Sign: Makar.
   • Body Height: 80 dhanush.
   • Complexion: Golden.
   • Marriage Status: Married.
   • Initiated with: 1,000 monks.
   • Period as a layman: 2 months.
   • Initiation Tree: Tuhun tree.
   • Number of Ganadhars: 6.
   • Number of Monks: 84,000.
   • Number of Nuns: 1,00,03,000.
   • Yaksha: Manuj.
   • First Ganadhar: Kachchha.
   • Liberation Place: Sametshikhar.
   • Number of Lives: Three.
   • Chyavan Kalyanak (Descent): Jeth Vadia 6.
   • Janma Kalyanak (Birth): Fagun Vadia 12.
   • Diksha Kalyanak (Initiation): Fagun Vadia 13.
   • Kevalgyan Kalyanak (Omniscience): Maha Vadia Amas.
   • Moksha Kalyanak (Liberation): Shravan Vadia 3.

Key Devotional and Philosophical Points:

• Importance of Devotion: The collection strongly emphasizes that devotion to the Tirthankaras is not merely ritualistic but a powerful means to spiritual purification and liberation.
• The Power of the Namokar Mantra: The opening hymn underscores the mantra's central role in Jain practice and spiritual upliftment.
• Internalization of Devotion: The text encourages a genuine, heartfelt devotion that goes beyond mere outward performance.
• The Nature of the Tirthankara: The stavans depict the Tirthankaras as divine beings who have transcended all worldly desires and attachments, possessing infinite knowledge, perception, power, and bliss.
• Eulogy of Lord Shreyanshnath: Specific details about Lord Shreyanshnath's life and attributes are highlighted, making him relatable and inspiring to the devotees.
• The Path to Moksha: The ultimate goal of all these devotional practices is to break free from the cycle of birth and death and attain the state of pure soul.

In essence, "Prachin Stavanavli 11 Shreyansnath" is a valuable resource for Jain devotees, offering a rich collection of hymns and guidance on devotional practices, all centered around venerating the divine qualities and life of Lord Shreyanshnath.