Prem Stavana

This Jain text, titled "Prem Stavana," compiled by Muni Shri Bhaktiratna Vijayji, is a comprehensive collection of devotional songs, prayers, and hymns from ancient Jain traditions. The book is published by Shri 108 Parshwanath Bhaktivihar Mahaprasad Jain Trust and is dedicated to the memory of various significant events and spiritual figures within the Tapa Gaccha lineage of Jainism.

Key aspects of the text include:

• Content: The book is primarily a collection of Stavana (devotional songs), Chaitya Vandan (prayers for temples), Thoy (short devotional verses), and Sajhay (songs narrating religious stories or principles). It includes compositions by renowned Jain monks and spiritual leaders like Anandghanji, Yashovijayji, Padm vijayji, Mohanvijayji, Udayaratna, and Jnanvimalji.
• Purpose and Dedication: The compilation was inspired by and dedicated to specific significant occasions:
  • The ascension to the position of Tapagacchadhipati (leader of the Tapagaccha) by Param Pujya Acharya Shri Vijay Prem Surishwarji Maharaj.
  • The celebration of Param Pujya Gurudev's (likely referring to Vijay Prem Surishwarji Maharaj) long and dedicated ascetic life, marking a Diamond Jubilee.
  • The installation of Param Pujya Punyasur Shri Hemchand Vijayji Maharaj and Param Pujya Punyasur Shri Ratnashekhar Vijayji Maharaj as Acharyas.
  • The grand consecration ceremony (Anjalshala Pratishtha) of Shri Pavapuri Jalmandir and Shri Panchasar (Shri Guru-Prem Dham) in Vikram Samvat 2062 (May 29, 2006).
• Structure: The book is meticulously organized, with a detailed index guiding readers through various sections:
  • Chaitya Vandan Vibhag (Temple Prayer Section): Contains prayers and praises dedicated to specific Tirthankaras (like Adinath, Ajitnath, Sambhavnath, Abhinandan Swami, Sumatinath, Padamprabhu, Suparshvanath, Parshvanath, Neminath, Shantinath, Mahavir Swami, and Simandhar Swami), holy sites like Shatrunjay Mahatirth, and important Jain concepts like Navpadji and Siddhachakra. It also includes prayers for specific tithis (lunar days) and festivals like Paryushan.
  • Thoy Vibhag (Short Verses Section): Features concise devotional verses, often highlighting the virtues and miracles of Tirthankaras and important Jain rituals.
  • Stavana Vibhag (Hymn Section): This is the most extensive part, containing numerous devotional songs dedicated to each Tirthankara, praising their lives, virtues, and the significance of their teachings. The songs are often attributed to different spiritual masters, showcasing a rich tradition of Jain devotional poetry.
  • Sajhay Vibhag (Narrative Songs Section): This section comprises longer narrative songs recounting religious stories, historical events, and the lives of spiritual figures like Marudevi Mata, Gautam Swami, Bharat Chakravarti, Bahubali, Anath Muni, and others. It often highlights moral lessons and spiritual insights derived from these narratives.
• Inspiration and Guidance: The text acknowledges the inspiration and guidance received from Param Pujya Tapagacchadhipati Acharya Shri Vijay Prem Surishwarji Maharaj, along with Param Pujya Acharya Shri Vijay Bhanuchandrasuri, Param Pujya Nutan Acharya Shri Vijay Hemchandrasuri, and Param Pujya Nutan Ganivarya Shri Kulchandravijayji (K.C.). Several young monks (Balmunis) also provided support in the compilation.
• Acknowledgments: The publication acknowledges the support from individuals like Shri Virendra B. Shah from Ahmedabad and other donors, as well as the Shravika sisters from Shri Dharma Vidya Vihar, Ahmedabad, who contributed to the first edition.
• Overall Theme: The underlying theme throughout the text is deep devotion (Bhakti) to the Tirthankaras and the Jain Dharma. The language used is primarily Gujarati, with some Sanskrit and Prakrit verses, reflecting the rich linguistic heritage of Jain literature. The compilation aims to provide spiritual solace, guidance, and foster devotion among the readers.
• Second Edition: It is mentioned that this book is an expanded second edition of a previous publication called "Prem Jyot," which was released earlier.

In essence, "Prem Stavana" is a valuable repository of Jain devotional literature, serving as a guide for spiritual practice and a testament to the enduring faith and rich artistic tradition within Jainism.