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Prachin Stavanavli 24 Mahavir Swami

Added to library: September 2, 2025

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First page of Prachin Stavanavli 24 Mahavir Swami

Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Prachin Stavanavli 24 Mahavir Swami":

Book Title: Prachin Stavanavli 24 Mahavir Swami (Ancient Collection of Devotional Songs for the 24 Tirthankaras, focusing on Lord Mahavir Swami)

Author: Hasmukhbhai Chudgar

Publisher: Hasmukhbhai Chudgar

Overview:

This book is a collection of devotional songs (stavan/stotra) dedicated to Lord Mahavir Swami, the 24th Tirthankara in Jainism. The text primarily consists of hymns, prayers, and descriptive verses praising the life, virtues, and teachings of Lord Mahavir. It also includes foundational Jain prayers and rituals. The collection aims to foster devotion and spiritual understanding among Jains.

Key Themes and Content:

  1. Devotion to Lord Mahavir: The central theme is the glorification of Lord Mahavir Swami. The stavan poems describe his divine qualities, his renunciation of worldly pleasures, his austere penance, and his attainment of omniscience (Keval Gyana) and liberation (Moksha).

  2. Life and Attributes of Lord Mahavir: The stavanas recount significant events from Mahavir Swami's life, such as his birth, his renunciation, the hardships he endured during penance (like nails being driven into his ears), his preaching, and his final liberation. His physical attributes (e.g., golden complexion, seven-cubit height, lion emblem) and the auspicious signs surrounding him are also mentioned.

  3. The Navkar Mantra: The book begins with a detailed explanation and praise of the Navkar Mantra (Page 2). It highlights the mantra's profound significance, stating it contains the essence of the fourteen Purvas and that its meaning is boundless. It emphasizes reciting the mantra at all times, in all circumstances, by all beings (gods, demons, kings, ascetics), and that it bestows wealth, spiritual powers, and ultimately, the state of the pure soul (Paramatma Pad).

  4. Chaitra Vandana (Ritual of Reverence): A significant portion of the book is dedicated to the detailed procedure and meaning of Chaitra Vandana, a fundamental Jain ritual performed to show respect and devotion to Tirthankaras and enlightened beings. This section includes:

    • Ichchhami Khama Samana: A prayer for forgiveness for any unknowingly committed faults.
    • Iriyavahiyam Sutra: A prayer to absolve oneself from any violence or harm caused to living beings while walking or moving.
    • Tass Uttari Sutra: A prayer for further purification of any remaining faults.
    • Annatth Sutra: A prayer related to performing a meditation (Kaussagga) with proper posture and mindfulness.
    • Logassa Sutra: A hymn praising all 24 Tirthankaras, their enlightened qualities, and seeking their blessings for health and well-being.
    • Namutthunam Sutra: A prayer enumerating the divine attributes of the Arhats (Tirthankaras).
    • Javant Cheiiai Sutra: A prayer of salutation to all Jinabimbas (images of Tirthankaras) in the universe.
    • Javant Kavi Sahu Sutra: A prayer of salutation to all monks and nuns in the three realms.
    • Namo Arihant Siddha Acharya Upadhyay Sarva Sadhubhyah: Salutations to the Panchepermeshthi (the five supreme beings in Jainism).
    • Jay Viraraya Sutra: A prayer seeking protection and divine grace from Lord Mahavir.
    • Arhant Cheiiaani Sutra: A prayer for invoking blessings from all Tirthankaras present in the temple.
    • Concluding Prayers: The text concludes with prayers for peace and auspiciousness, such as "Sarva Mangal Mangalyam..."

  5. Collection of Stavanas: The majority of the book comprises a wide array of stavanas composed by various revered Jain monks and scholars. Each stavan is attributed to its author and often begins with a specific phrase or melody (e.g., "Din Dukhiyano Tu Chhe Bedi," "Veer Vahela Aavo Re," "Girua Re Gun Tum-Tana"). These stavanas explore different facets of devotion, Mahavir's life, and Jain philosophy.

  6. Authorship and Lineage: The stavanas are attributed to prominent Jain Acharyas and scholars like Shri Veer Vijayji, Shri Gyanvimalji, Shri Yashovijayji, Shri Anandghanji, Shri Vinay Vijayji, and many others, indicating a rich tradition of devotional literature in Jainism.

  7. Emphasis on Devotional Practice: The book promotes the practice of singing and reciting these stavanas as a means to connect with the divine, purify the mind, overcome obstacles, and achieve spiritual progress. The intention is to immerse the devotee in the "nectar of devotion" (Bhakti Rasa).

Purpose and Target Audience:

The book is intended for the personal and private use of Jain devotees. Its primary purpose is to facilitate spiritual practice, deepen devotion to Lord Mahavir, and provide a repository of devotional songs and essential prayers for the Jain community.

Overall Significance:

"Prachin Stavanavli 24 Mahavir Swami" serves as a valuable resource for understanding and practicing Jain devotional traditions. It highlights the importance of the Navkar Mantra, the efficacy of rituals like Chaitra Vandana, and the profound spiritual and philosophical insights conveyed through the devotional poetry dedicated to Lord Mahavir Swami. The collection demonstrates the rich heritage of Jain devotional music and its role in spiritual upliftment.