Sajjan Sanmitra Yane Ekadash Mahanidhi - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Sajjan Sanmitra yani Ekadash Mahanidhi" by Popatlal Keshavji Doshi, based on the provided catalog link and page contents.

Book Title: Sajjan Sanmitra yane Ekadash Mahanidhi (સાજન સન્મિત્ર યાને એકાદશ મહાનિધિ) Author: Popatlal Keshavji Doshi Publisher: Popatlal Keshavji Doshi Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/004503/1

This extensive Jain text, "Sajjan Sanmitra yane Ekadash Mahanidhi," is a compilation of profound spiritual and devotional literature, primarily focused on Jain principles, prayers, hymns, and philosophical reflections. The book is structured into eleven "Mahanidhis" (Great Treasures), each offering a different facet of Jainism, aiming to guide the reader towards spiritual upliftment and liberation.

Key Themes and Content:

The book serves as a comprehensive guide for Jain followers, encompassing a wide range of spiritual practices and knowledge. It can be broadly categorized by its eleven "Mahanidhis," each focusing on a specific area of Jain philosophy and practice:

Mangal Praveshika (મંગલ પ્રવેશિકા - Pages 1-45): This introductory section sets a sacred and auspicious tone for the entire work. It includes various devotional prayers, stotras (hymns), and stavan (devotional songs) invoking deities like Shri Chintamani Parshwanath and Shri Padmavati Mata. It features verses dedicated to praising the Tirthankaras, the Navkar mantra, and general invocations for auspicious beginnings. The content here is rich with devotional poetry and mantras intended to create a pure and positive atmosphere for engaging with the subsequent sections.
Pratham Mahanidhi (પ્રથમ મહાનિધિ - Pages 47-101): This section, "Shri Panch Pratikramanaadi Sutra" (શ્રી પંચ પ્રતિક્રમણાદિ સૂત્ર), focuses on fundamental Jain rituals and practices. It details the core "Panch Pratikramana" (five acts of self-reflection and repentance) along with other essential daily practices for monks, nuns, and lay followers. This includes sections on various rituals, timings for specific observances (Kaalgyan Yantra), and vows (Panchkhamana).
Dwitiya Mahanidhi (દ્વિતીય મહાનિધિ - Pages 102-191): Titled "Smaran Stotra Stavadis Sangrah" (સ્મરણ-સ્તંત્ર-સ્તવાદિ સંગ્રહ - Collection of Remembrance, Stotras, and Stutis), this Mahanidhi is a vast repository of devotional hymns and praises dedicated to various Tirthankaras, divine beings (Shashan Devtas), and revered spiritual figures like Acharya Hemchandrasuri and Acharya Shri Shivasundar. It contains numerous stotras, Sahasranamas (names of deities), and stutis, often in poetic meters like chhandas and stotras, aimed at fostering deep devotion and remembrance of the divine.
Tritiya Mahanidhi (તૃતીય મહાનિધિ - Pages 162-267): This section, "Prakaranadi Sangrah" (પ્રકરણાદિ સંગ્રહ - Collection of Treatises and Principles), delves into Jain philosophical and ethical treatises. It includes works like "Jiv Vichar" (Analysis of the Soul), "Nav Tatva" (Nine Principles), "Dandak" (Cosmological Divisions), "Laghu Sangrahani," and works on renunciation and control of the senses ("Vairagya Shatak," "Indriya Parajaya Shatak"). This section provides a deeper understanding of Jain doctrines and practices.
Chaturth Mahanidhi (ચતુર્થ મહાનિધિ - Pages 268-634): This extensive section, "Chaityavandane ane Stuti" (ચૈત્યવંદને અને સ્તુતિ - Chaityavandanas and Stutis), is dedicated to the worship of Tirthankaras and sacred sites. It includes numerous chaityavandanas (prayers for venerating Jain temples and deities) for various Tirthas like Shri Simandhar Jin Chaityavandan, Shri Shatrunjay, Shri Ganapatshila, and Nopad, as well as stutis composed by revered saints and poets like Shri PadmVijayji, Upadhyay Shri Buddhisagarji, and Mahakavi Shri Shobhan Muni. It highlights the devotional aspect of Jainism.
Pancham Mahanidhi (પંચમ મહાનિધિ - Pages 354-634): Titled "Stavan Sangrah" (સ્તવન સંગ્રહ - Collection of Stanzas), this section is a collection of devotional songs and hymns sung in praise of the Tirthankaras, especially Lord Mahavir and Lord Parshwanath. It includes the works of prominent Jain saints and poets like Upadhyay Shri Yashovijayji, Shri Devchandji, Upadhyay Shri Maanavijayji, Shri Punyavijayji, Shri Jinavijayji, Shri Mohanvijayji, Shri Udayaratna, and Shri Budhishagarji, featuring their compositions like Hirak Jin Vani, etc. This section emphasizes the devotional and emotional aspects of faith.
Shashth Mahanidhi (ષષ્ઠ મહાનિધિ - Pages 635-819): This section, "Sajh-jays, Lavani, Sangrah" (સજ્ઝાય–પદ, લાવણી, સંગ્રહ - Sajjhays, Padas, Lavani, and Collections), presents a collection of devotional and narrative songs (Sajh-jays) and poems (Padas, Lavani) often used in Jain worship and spiritual discourse. It includes the works of esteemed acharyas like Upadhyay Shri Yashovijayji, showcasing their lyrical and narrative talents in conveying spiritual messages.
Saptam Mahanidhi (સપ્તમ મહાનિધિ - Pages 820-851): Titled "Vidhi Sangrah" (વિધિ સંગ્રહ - Collection of Rituals), this section focuses on the practical aspects of Jain rituals. It covers procedures for various ceremonies, including Pacchakhan (vows), Guru Vandana (obeisance to the Guru), Chaityavandan, and Tapa Vidhi (rituals for ascetic practices). It also includes useful information on various topics like Panch Parmesthi Anupapravi, Sutak Vichar (impurity rules), and Kalyan Tithi (auspicious dates).
Ashtam Mahanidhi (અષ્ટમ મહાનિધિ - Pages 921-1122): This section, "Yog Swadhyay Rog Vishayak" (યોગ સ્વાધ્યાય રોગ વિષયક - Yoga Study and Health), explores yogic practices and their relevance to physical and mental well-being. It compiles verses from various texts by great Maharshis, covering topics like meditation, different types of meditation, mantra sadhana (ritualistic practice of mantras), and their beneficial effects. It also touches upon concepts like 'Bhavna Nishad' and 'Matrika Prakaran'. The introduction highlights the purpose of this section is to awaken curiosity about the era and to provide guidance in the path of restraint.
Navam Mahanidhi (નવમ મહાનિધિ - Pages 1112-1132): Titled "Mantra Vibhag" (મંત્ર વિભાગ - Mantra Section), this part is dedicated to the study and practice of various mantras. It includes mantras related to Goddess Saraswati, mantras for acquiring knowledge, mantras for warding off obstacles, the Bhaktamar Stotra, and mantras related to prosperity and peace, all within the framework of Jain spiritual traditions.
Dasham Mahanidhi (દશમ મહાનિધિ - Pages 1133-1168): This section, "Antim Aradhana" (અંતિમ આરાધના - Final Devotion), focuses on the spiritual practices and contemplations related to death and liberation. It includes reflections on ideal death and meditation on the soul, featuring works like Shri Devchandraji's "Maatrapuna," Upadhyay Shri Yashovijayji's "Samata Shatak" and "Samadhi Shatak," and "Padmavati Aradhana." It emphasizes the path to final liberation and equanimity.
Ekadash Mahanidhi (એકાદશ મહાનિધિ - Pages 1169-1192): This final section is titled "Tish Saar Sangrah" (તિષ સાર સંગ્રહ - Collection of Astrological Essentials), dealing with astrological insights and their application in life. It covers general information about astrology, understanding horoscopes, and auspicious timings (Muhurta) for various activities, including charts for Panchang (almanac) and Nadi Shastra. It aims to provide guidance for practical aspects of life through astrological knowledge.

Overall Purpose and Significance:

"Sajjan Sanmitra yani Ekadash Mahanidhi" is more than just a book; it's a comprehensive spiritual repository designed to benefit the reader in their journey towards self-realization and adherence to Jain principles. The author, Popatlal Keshavji Doshi, has meticulously curated these eleven treasures, making them accessible to the Jain community for personal and private study. The book's emphasis on jnana (knowledge), bhakti (devotion), and vairagya (renunciation) aims to purify the soul, strengthen faith in the Jain tradition, and ultimately lead to moksha (liberation). The detailed index and the extensive collection of hymns, prayers, and philosophical treatises make it an invaluable resource for Jain scholars, practitioners, and anyone seeking spiritual enlightenment within the Jain tradition. The book is presented as a tool to foster adherence to Jain teachings and to find true wealth in spiritual remembrance rather than material possessions.