Prachin Stavanavli 13 Vimalnath - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Prachin Stavanavli 13 Vimalnath," authored by Hasmukhbhai Chudgar, based on the provided pages:

This booklet, "Prachin Stavanavli 13 Vimalnath," is a compilation of ancient devotional hymns (stanzas) dedicated to Lord Vimalnath, the 13th Tirthankar in Jainism. The publisher is Hasmukhbhai Chudgar.

Core Message and Purpose:

The central theme of the booklet is Bhakti (devotion) towards the Tirthankaras, specifically Lord Vimalnath. The introductory sections emphasize that true devotion leads to inner strength and ultimately to the state of Parmatma (supreme soul) and liberation (Mukti). It encourages readers to move beyond rote recitation and engage in a genuine understanding and heartfelt connection with the divine.

Key Sections and Content:

Namaskar Mahamantra Mahima (Glory of the Namaskar Mahamantra): This section (Page 2) highlights the significance and expansive power of the Navkar Mantra (Namaskar Mahamantra). It states that the mantra is the essence of fourteen Purvas, its meaning is boundless, and it should be chanted in all circumstances – in happiness and sorrow, day and night, by the living and the dying, by householders and ascetics, and even by celestial beings and demons. It bestows great wealth, nine types of treasures, and grants liberation through the blessings of "Chandra" (likely referring to a spiritual lineage or a specific verse).
Author and Publisher Information (Page 3): This page clearly states the title of the book, the author (Shri Hasmukhbhai Chudgar), and the contact information for obtaining the book, indicating it's a collection of ancient stanzas. It also mentions the print run (1000 copies) and the value being "Shraddha Bhakti" (faith and devotion).
Pravastvik (Preface) (Page 4): The preface explains that through devotion to Parmatma, a soul can transcend external conditions and attain the state of Parmatma. It emphasizes that this collection includes almost all available ancient stanzas dedicated to each of the Tirthankaras. The aim is to allow readers to savor the devotion of the composers and to awaken their own spiritual power, bringing them closer to liberation. It mentions the spiritual lineage of Jagachandrasuri, a devotee of Acharya Vijay Ramsurishwarji Maharaj.
Prabhubhakti (Devotion to the Lord) (Page 5): This section discusses the reason why some individuals might not experience joy despite daily worship – a lack of true recognition of the Parmatma. It urges readers to see the Parmatma not through blind imitation but through reality, which will lead to blissful devotion. It further contrasts the tears shed for worldly pursuits with the preciousness of tears shed in devotion, stating that even two tears of devotion can surpass all worldly tears and bring the soul closer to liberation. This section is also attributed to Acharya Vijay Ramsurishwarji Maharaj.
Anukramanika (Table of Contents) (Pages 6-8): This extensive table of contents lists a large number of stanzas dedicated to Lord Vimalnath. Each stanza is attributed to a specific author, indicating a rich tradition of devotional poetry. The authors include prominent Jain scholars and saints like Shri VeerVijayji, Shri Padmavijayji, Shri Gyanvimalji, Shri Yashovijayji, Shri Kantivijayji, Shri Anandghanji, and many others. The page numbers for each stanza are also provided, making it a comprehensive index.
Chaityavandan Vidhi (Ritual of Temple Worship) (Pages 9-14): This section provides a detailed step-by-step guide for performing Chaityavandan (worship of Tirthankar images in temples). It includes the recitation of specific mantras and sutras:
- Ichhami Khamasaman Sutra: Acknowledging bowing to the Tirthankaras and Sadhus.
- Irjyavahiyam Sutra: A prayer for absolution from unintentional harm to living beings while moving.
- Tassa Uttari Sutra: Further purification of sins.
- Annattha Sutra: Describing the proper posture and meditation during Kaussagga (a practice of self-absorption).
- Logassa Sutra: A hymn of praise for all 24 Tirthankaras.
- The process of bowing and reciting "Sakal Kushal."
- Jinkinchi Sutra: Salutations to all Jin images.
- Namutthune Sutra: Glorifying the attributes of Arihants.
- Javant Chaeiyaai Sutra: Salutations to all Jin images in the three realms.
- Javant Kevii Saahu Sutra: Salutations to all monks and nuns.
- Namo Arisiddhaacharyopadhyaaysarvasaadhubhyah: Salutations to the Panch Parmeshthis (five supreme beings).
- Jay Viyaraya Sutra: A prayer for auspiciousness and spiritual progress.
- Arihant Cheiyannu Sutra: Performing Kaussagga for the temple images.
- The text also provides the Bhavarth (meaning) for each sutra.
Stanzas dedicated to Lord Vimalnath (Pages 15-66): This is the main body of the work, featuring a vast collection of stanzas composed by various revered Jain saints and scholars. Each stanza is a beautiful expression of devotion, praising different aspects of Lord Vimalnath:
- His life story: birth, asceticism, omniscience, and liberation.
- His physical attributes: lotus-like eyes, serene countenance, golden complexion, and the boar symbol.
- His virtues: purity, compassion, knowledge, detachment, and liberation-granting nature.
- The devotional sentiment: expressing love, surrender, longing, and the desire for liberation through his grace.
- The authors' personal experiences and insights into devotion are woven into the verses.
Vimalnath Bhagwan ni Thoy (Thoy of Lord Vimalnath) (Page 67): This section contains short devotional pieces (Thoy) also attributed to Shri VeerVijayji and Shri Padmavijayji.
Life Glimpse of Lord Vimalnath (Page 68): This page provides a concise biographical summary of Lord Vimalnath, including:
- Parents: King Krutavarma and Shyama Mata
- Birthplace: Kampilpur
- Birth Nakshatra: Uttara Bhadrapada
- Zodiac Sign: Pisces
- Lifespan: 60 lakh years
- Height: 60 Dhanush
- Complexion: Golden
- Initiation: 1000 monks
- Ascetic period: 2 months
- Vriksha (Tree): Jambu
- Gana-dhara (chief disciples): 50
- Number of monks: 68,000
- Number of nuns: 100,800
- Number of lay disciples (male and female): 4,24,000
- Yaksh (Guardian deity): Vidita
- Kalyanakas (auspicious events): Chyavan (Vaisakha Shukla 12), Janma (Maha Shukla 3), Diksha (Maha Shukla 4), Kevalgyan (Posh Shukla 6), Moksha (Ashadha Krishna 7)
- Moksha Place: Sametshikhar

Overall Significance:

"Prachin Stavanavli 13 Vimalnath" serves as a valuable resource for Jains seeking to deepen their understanding and practice of devotion towards Lord Vimalnath and the Tirthankaras in general. It preserves and presents ancient devotional literature, offering guidance on rituals and inspiring heartfelt spiritual connection. The extensive collection of stanzas showcases the rich tradition of Jain devotional poetry and the profound spiritual insights of its composers.