Shatrunjay Bhakti

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shatrunjay Bhakti," based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Shatrunjay Bhakti Author(s): Dipratnasagar, Deepratnasagar Publisher: Abhinav Shrut Prakashan

Overall Purpose: "Shatrunjay Bhakti" is a devotional text designed to guide Jains in their worship and pilgrimage to the sacred Shatrunjay hill (also known as Palitana) in Gujarat, India. The book provides prayers, hymns (stavan), and ritualistic recitations (chaityavandan) for various stages and locations of the pilgrimage, particularly focusing on the ascent from the base (taleti) to the highest points. It aims to deepen the devotee's spiritual experience and understanding of the significance of Shatrunjay.

Key Content and Structure:

The book is structured to systematically cover the journey and associated prayers:

1. Introduction and Significance:

   • The book begins with auspicious salutations and praises for the authors and publishers.
   • Page 3 (Second Edition Preface): It highlights the popularity and demand for the first edition, indicating that the booklet was greatly appreciated for its utility in performing Shatrunjay bhakti (devotion), especially during Kartiki Purnima (a significant Jain festival). The preface emphasizes that the book contains specific chaityavandans and stavan for six key locations on the pilgrimage, from the base to the "Gheti Pagla" (footprints). The reprint was initiated due to the overwhelming positive response and the need to make the spiritual benefit of Shatrunjay bhakti accessible to more people.

2. Key Pilgrimage Locations and Associated Devotional Practices: The core of the book is dedicated to the spiritual recitations for specific points on Shatrunjay hill:

   • Taleti (Base): Prayers and hymns dedicated to the starting point of the pilgrimage, acknowledging the spiritual sanctity of the base of the hill. This includes stutis (praises), chaityavandans, and stavan.
   • Shri Shantınath: Devotional verses dedicated to the 16th Jain Tirthankar, Lord Shantınath.
   • Shri Adınath (Lord Rishabhnath): Hymns and prayers for the first Jain Tirthankar, Lord Rishabhnath, who is deeply revered at Shatrunjay.
   • Rayanh Pagla (Rayan Tree Footprints): Prayers associated with the footprints of Lord Rishabhnath found under the Rayan tree, a significant spot.
   • Shri Pundrik Swami: Devotional content dedicated to Pundrik Swami, the first ganadhar (chief disciple) of Lord Rishabhnath, who attained liberation from Shatrunjay.
   • Gheti Pagla (Footprints): Prayers and hymns for the sacred footprints, likely of Lord Rishabhnath, at this elevated location.

3. Ritualistic Components:

   • Pradakshina (Circumambulation): The text includes duhas (couplets) explaining the spiritual significance of performing three circumambulations, each representing the attainment of Right Faith (Samyak Darshan), Right Knowledge (Samyak Gyan), and Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra).
   • Khama Saman (Prostrations): The book frequently mentions and includes recitations of khama samana (a form of respectful bowing/prostration), including the specific practices of offering one, three, or 108 khama samana.
   • Navkar Mantra and Kayotsarga: The text incorporates the recitation of the Navkar Mantra (the fundamental prayer of Jainism) and Kayotsarga (a meditation/posture of equanimity).
   • Chaityavandan: Specific chaityavandans (veneration of the idol/temple) are provided for each significant location.
   • Stavan: Devotional songs and hymns (stavan) are included for each deity and location, expressing praise, devotion, and supplication.
   • Thaya (Praise): Specific thaya (a type of laudatory verse) are also included.

4. Significance of Shatrunjay:

   • The text consistently emphasizes the immense spiritual merit of visiting Shatrunjay. It describes the hill as a place where countless souls have attained liberation (moksha).
   • The sanctity of every pebble on the hill is mentioned, signifying the presence of deep spiritual energy.
   • The book highlights that even during difficult times or for those with past transgressions, visiting Shatrunjay can lead to purification and spiritual progress.
   • It mentions the tradition of performing bhaav yatra (mental pilgrimage) and the importance of Kartiki Purnima for worship and circumambulation.

5. Dedication and Authorship:

   • The book is dedicated to Sadhvi Shri Himatshriji and Sadhvi Shri Pradashriji, acknowledging their inspirational role in the spiritual path of the editor, Munishri Dipratnasagar.
   • The editor, Munishri Dipratnasagar (M.Com, M.Ed.), is also recognized as the creator of "Abhinav Laghu Prakriya" (a work on Sanskrit grammar).
   • The publisher, Abhinav Shrut Prakashan, is a significant contributor to Jain literature.

6. Specific Devotional Content (Illustrative examples from pages):

   • Taleti Stuti: Praises the vastness and spiritual power of Shatrunjay, noting that countless Siddhas have attained liberation there.
   • Shri Shantınath Stavan: Expresses devotion to Lord Shantınath, highlighting his qualities and seeking his blessings for peace.
   • Shri Adınath Stavan: Glorifies Lord Rishabhnath as the first Tirthankar, the creator of civilization, and the giver of right faith.
   • Rayanh Pagla Stavan: Reveres the footprints under the Rayan tree, acknowledging Lord Rishabhnath's presence and the purification offered by these sacred marks.
   • Pundrik Swami Stavan: Honors Pundrik Swami, the first ganadhar, and the spiritual significance of his liberation from Shatrunjay.
   • Gheti Pagla Stavan: Focuses on the footprints at a higher point, emphasizing their role in purifying the soul and fulfilling vows.
   • 21 Khama Saman: A detailed section listing 21 names or attributes associated with Shatrunjay, with the instruction to offer khama samana after each couplet, highlighting the multifaceted glory of the hill.
   • 108 Khama Saman: A comprehensive list of 108 names or attributes of Shatrunjay, each followed by a khama samana, providing an extensive devotional practice.

In essence, "Shatrunjay Bhakti" serves as a practical guide and spiritual companion for devotees undertaking the pilgrimage to Shatrunjay. It meticulously outlines the devotional path, providing the necessary prayers and hymns to connect with the divine presence and absorb the profound spiritual energy of this most sacred of Jain pilgrimage sites.