Sarva Mangal Manglyam - Book Summary

This Jain text, titled "Sarva Mangal Manglyam," is a compilation of prayers, hymns (stotras), and rituals intended to bring auspiciousness and well-being. Compiled and edited by Muni Shri Padmaratnasagarji, the book is published by Padmaratnasagarji and is dedicated to the spiritual guidance of Acharya Shri Buddhisagarsuri, Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuri, and Acharya Shri Padmasagarsuri.

Key Themes and Contents:

Invocation and Blessings: The book begins with divine blessings and invocations to the esteemed Jain monks and acharyas, setting a tone of reverence and spiritual dedication.
Purpose of the Compilation: The editor's note highlights the intention to create a short booklet containing "Maha Prabhavik Smaran Stotra" (highly potent remembrance hymns) that would be beneficial for monks, nuns, and lay followers (shravaks and shravikas). The desire was to provide daily recourse for spiritual practice.
Content Sources: The material is drawn from "Kailas-Padma Swadhyay Sagar, First Part" and other valuable stotras from the book "Maro Swadhyay."
Contributors: The publication acknowledges the inspiration from Muni Shri Prashantsagarji and the compilation efforts of Muni Shri Puneetpadmasagarji and Muni Shri Poornpadmasagarji. Pandit Shri Navinbhai V. Jain is credited for the arrangement of the stotras, and Shri Ketan Shah and Shri Sanjay Gujar for the computer work.
Table of Contents (अनुक्रमणिका): The book features an extensive table of contents, indicating a wide range of devotional content. This includes:
- Mantras and Stotras for Protection and Well-being:
  - Atm Raksha Navkar Mantra (Self-protection Navkar Mantra)
  - Various stotras dedicated to Tirthankaras like Shri Shantinath, Shri Jirawala Parshwanath, Shri Chintamani Parshwanath, Shri Mahavir Swami, and others.
  - Stotras for removing obstacles (Vighnahar Stotra), invoking divine protection (Jinvajra, Jinpanjar Stotra), and general well-being (Shantikara Stotra).
- Devotional Hymns for Deities: Stotras dedicated to various guardian deities and Yakshinis associated with Jainism, such as Chakreshwari Devi, Padmavati, Ambika Devi, Ghantakarna, Manibhadra, and Kshetrapala.
- Specific Rituals and Practices:
  - Vastupuja Vidhi (Ritual for consecration of a building)
  - Shatrujay Laghukalpa (A shorter ritual for overcoming enemies or obstacles related to Shatrunjay)
  - Grahashanti Stotra (Hymn for appeasing planetary influences)
  - Sarva Karya Siddhi Dayak Shri Shanti Dhara Path (A ritual for the accomplishment of all tasks and peace)
- Wisdom and Philosophy: Sections like "Char Sharan" (Four Refuges) and "Punyaprakash Stavan" (Praise of accumulating merit) suggest deeper philosophical and ethical teachings.
- Guidance from Acharyas: The inclusion of "Guru Guna Stuti" (Praise of Gurus) reflects the importance of spiritual lineage and guidance.

Overall Purpose:

"Sarva Mangal Manglyam" serves as a comprehensive guide for Jain devotees seeking spiritual solace, protection from negative influences, and the attainment of auspiciousness and well-being. It provides a rich collection of prayers and rituals intended for daily recitation and practice, fostering a deeper connection with the Tirthankaras and the Jain spiritual tradition. The emphasis on specific deities and mantras suggests their use for particular purposes, such as overcoming obstacles, achieving prosperity, and maintaining spiritual discipline.