Prachin Stavanavli 20 Munisuvrat Swami

The provided text is a collection of devotional songs (stavan) and rituals dedicated to Munisuvrat Swami, the 20th Jain Tirthankara. Here's a comprehensive summary of its contents:

Overall Theme:

The book, "Prachin Stavanavli 20 Munisuvrat Swami," compiled by Hasmukhbhai Chudgar, is a compilation of ancient devotional songs and practices related to Lord Munisuvrat Swami. The primary purpose is to inspire devotion (bhakti) and provide a resource for Jain rituals and prayers. The text emphasizes the importance of remembering and meditating on the virtues of Munisuvrat Swami to attain spiritual liberation.

Key Sections and Content:

1. Title and Publisher: The book is titled "Prachin Stavanavli 20 Munisuvrat Swami," authored and published by Hasmukhbhai Chudgar.

2. Introduction/Foreword:

   • A foreword by Pandit Nandibhushanvijayji M. highlights that devotion to the Supreme Soul is a means for the soul to become one with the Supreme Soul. It mentions that the blend of classical ragas and ancient compositions deeply immersizes the devotee in devotional bliss. He expresses joy in publishing this collection of stanzas from various revered Tirthankaras for the Sangh's benefit and for fostering devotion.

3. Navkar Mahamantra:

   • The text begins with a powerful stanza glorifying the Navkar Mahamantra, describing it as the essence of the fourteen Purvas (ancient Jain scriptures). It emphasizes its boundless glory and infinite meaning.
   • It stresses the importance of reciting the mantra in times of happiness and sorrow, day and night, while living and even at the time of death, and with everyone.
   • It states that beings in all states of existence, from the wealthy to the poor, as well as gods and demons, remember and benefit from this mantra.
   • The stanza details the mantra's 68 letters, its connection to 68 sacred pilgrimage sites, and its ability to bestow eightfold prosperity and Siddhis (supernatural powers).
   • It concludes by stating that the five noble entities (Navpad) of the mantra provide nine types of wealth and alleviate suffering across lifetimes, filling the heart with the essence of the Tirthankara's teachings.

4. Table of Contents (Anukramanika):

   • The book lists various stanzas and their respective authors, indicating a rich collection of devotional poetry. The table of contents includes:
     • Chaitya Vandan: Rituals for revering the Jinalaya (temple).
     • Numerous stanzas (stavan) dedicated to Munisuvrat Swami, attributed to various Jain monks and scholars like Shri Padmavijayji, Shri Veer Vijayji, Shri Udayaratnajii, Shri Anandghanji, Shri Yashovijayji, Shri Bhanvijayji, and many others.
     • The stanzas cover various themes: expressing love and devotion, praising the Tirthankara's qualities, seeking his grace, and meditating on his life and teachings.

5. Rituals and Prayers (Chaitya Vandan Vidhi):

   • The text provides detailed instructions for performing Jain rituals, including:
     • Iriyavahiyam Sutra: A prayer to absolve oneself from unknowingly harming living beings while walking.
     • Kaussarg: A practice of meditation and self-purification, involving specific postures and mantras. It explains the principles and outlines the process, including reciting parts of the Loggasa Sutra or the Navkar mantra.
     • Loggasa Sutra: A prayer that enumerates and praises all 24 Tirthankaras, seeking their blessings for health and well-being.
     • Jankinchi Sutra: A prayer for revering all Jinabimbas (idol images of Tirthankaras) in the three worlds.
     • Namutthanam Sutra: A prayer that glorifies the attributes and virtues of the Arhants (Tirthankaras), often recited by Indra.
     • Javant Cheiyai Sutra: A prayer to venerate all Jain temples and images in the three worlds.
     • Javant Savesi Sahu Sutra: A prayer to honor all monks and nuns in the three realms (Bharat, Airavat, and Mahavideh).
     • Namo Arhat Siddha Acharya Upadhyay Sarva Sadhubhyah: A prayer to the five supreme beings (Panch Parmeshthi).
     • Jay Viyaray Sutra: A prayer expressing profound devotion and seeking spiritual progress.
     • Arihant Cheiyanam Sutra: A prayer for venerating all the Tirthankara images within a temple.

6. Life and Virtues of Munisuvrat Swami:

   • The stanzas and descriptive elements throughout the book highlight key aspects of Munisuvrat Swami's life and character:
     • Parentage: Son of King Sumitra and Queen Padmavati.
     • Birthplace: Rajagrihi city.
     • Emblem: Tortoise (Kachhapa).
     • Lifespan: 30,000 years.
     • Height: 20 dhanush (an ancient unit of measurement).
     • Color: Dark complexion (Shyamavarna).
     • Vow: Took the vow of asceticism at the age of 30,000 years.
     • Asceticism: Attained Kevala Jnana (omniscience) under the Champaka tree.
     • Disciples: Had 18 Ganadharas (chief disciples), 30,000 monks, and 50,000 nuns.
     • Messengers/Attendant Deities: Yaksha Varun and Goddess Nardatta.
     • Salvation: Achieved liberation (Moksha) at Samet Shikhar.
     • His devotion to the principles of Jainism, such as ahimsa (non-violence), truthfulness, celibacy, and non-possession, is praised.

7. Devotional Songs (Stavans):

   • The core of the book comprises numerous stanzas, each a unique expression of devotion, praise, and supplication to Munisuvrat Swami. These stanzas employ rich Gujarati poetic language, metaphors, and similes to convey:
     • Love and Yearning: Many stanzas express deep longing to see the Tirthankara and be in his presence.
     • Praise of Qualities: The poets praise his beauty, wisdom, compassion, and the essence of his teachings.
     • Seeking Grace: Devotees implore Munisuvrat Swami for guidance, protection, and the attainment of spiritual goals.
     • Life's Transience: Some stanzas reflect on the fleeting nature of worldly life and the importance of seeking refuge in the Tirthankara.
     • Philosophical Insights: A few stanzas touch upon Jain philosophical concepts like the nature of the soul, karma, and liberation.

In essence, "Prachin Stavanavli 20 Munisuvrat Swami" serves as a devotional anthology, offering a pathway for Jain followers to connect with Lord Munisuvrat Swami through prayer, ritual, and contemplative song, aiming to lead them towards spiritual enlightenment.