Prachin Stavanavli 18 Arnath - Book Summary

This document is a collection of devotional hymns (Stavans) dedicated to Shri Aranath Bhagwan, the 18th Tirthankar in Jainism.

Here's a summary of its key components:

Title: Prachin Stavanavali - Shri Aranath Bhagwan (Ancient Collection of Devotional Hymns - Lord Aranath)
Author/Compiler: Hasmukhbhai Chudgar
Publisher: Hasmukhbhai Chudgar
Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/032241/1 (This link points to the Jain Archives, where this or similar texts might be found).
Purpose: The book aims to provide a collection of ancient hymns praising Lord Aranath, enabling devotees to connect with the divine through devotion and ultimately progress towards spiritual liberation (Moksha). The preface emphasizes that genuine devotion to the divine can free a soul from external attachments and lead to self-realization.
Content Overview:
- Introduction (Prastavik): The introduction highlights the power of divine devotion (Paramatma Bhakti) as a means to achieve spiritual liberation. It states that the book includes ancient hymns for each Tirthankar, with a focus on making these accessible to readers. The compilers hope that reading these hymns will provide a taste of the devotion experienced by the composers and help foster spiritual strength and progress.
- Message from Acharya Vijay Ramsurishwarji Maharaj: This section emphasizes that true joy in devotion comes from understanding the divine, not just following traditions. It suggests that tears shed in devotion to the Lord are far more valuable than tears shed for worldly pursuits.
- Navkar Mahamantra (Page 2): A hymn praising the Navkar Mahamantra, highlighting its significance as the essence of the fourteen Purvas, its infinite meaning, and its universal applicability across all beings and states.
- Chaitra Vandana (Pages 9-14): This section provides the scriptural procedures and mantras for performing Chaitra Vandana (a ritual of veneration). It includes:
  - Iriyavahiyam Sutra: For seeking forgiveness for any inadvertent harm caused to living beings while moving.
  - Uttari Sutra and Annatth Sutra: For purifying oneself and completing the ritual.
  - Logass Sutra: A praise of the 24 Tirthankaras.
  - Jankinchi Sutra and Namuthunam Sutra: For offering respects to all Jina images and praising the virtues of Arihantas.
  - Javanti Cheyiya Sutra and Javant Kevi Sahu Sutra: For universal salutations.
  - Jay Viyaray Sutra: A prayer for overall well-being and spiritual progress.
  - The section also details the performance of these rituals.
- Collection of Stavans for Shri Aranath Bhagwan (Pages 15-66): This is the core of the book, containing numerous hymns composed by various respected Jain monks and scholars. Each hymn is attributed to its composer. The hymns describe:
  - Lord Aranath's Life Events: Birthplace (Gajpur), parents (King Sudarshan and Queen Devi), lineage, lifespan (84,000 years), height (30 Dhanush), complexion (golden), the symbol (Nandavarta), and his journey to Moksha from Sammet Shikhar.
  - Lord Aranath's Virtues: His detachment, compassion, wisdom, and the impact of his teachings.
  - Devotional Expressions: The hymns express deep love, longing, and surrender to Lord Aranath, seeking his grace for spiritual progress, liberation from worldly suffering, and attainment of ultimate happiness.
  - Philosophical Teachings: Some hymns delve into Jain philosophical concepts like the distinction between the self (Shuddhatma) and the non-self (paradigm), the importance of right faith, knowledge, and conduct (Ratnatrayi), and the renunciation of worldly desires.
- Biographical and Statistical Information (Page 68): This final page provides a concise summary of Lord Aranath's life, including:
  - Father: King Sudarshan
  - Mother: Queen Devi
  - Birthplace: Gajpur
  - Birth Star: Revati
  - Zodiac Sign: Pisces
  - Lifespan: 84,000 years
  - Height: 30 Dhanush
  - Complexion: Golden
  - Marriage: To 64,000 women
  - Initiation with: 1000 monks
  - Period as layman: 3 years
  - Died under: Mango tree
  - Number of Ganadharas (chief disciples): 33
  - Number of Sadhus: 50,000
  - Number of Sadhvis (nuns): 60,000
  - Number of Shravakas (laymen): 3,72,000
  - Yaksha (attendant deity): Dharini
  - First Ganadhara: Rakshita
  - Kalyanaka (auspicious events): Chyavan (conception) in Phagun Sud 2, Birth in Magshar Sud 10, Initiation in Magshar Sud 11, Kevalgyan (omniscience) in Kartik Sud 12, Moksha (liberation) in Magshar Sud 10.
  - Place of Moksha: Sammet Shikhar.

In essence, this book serves as a guide to the devotion and teachings associated with Lord Aranath, offering a rich collection of hymns and rituals for spiritual seekers.