Shatrunjay Stavana - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shatrunjay Stavana" by Bhadrabahuvijay, published by Fulchand Zaverchand Nahar Parivar, based on the provided pages.

The text is a devotional compilation focused on the sacred Jain pilgrimage site of Shatrunjay, also known as Palitana. It includes prayers, hymns, rituals, and detailed information about the pilgrimage and its significance.

Here's a breakdown of the content:

1. Introduction and Salutations (Page 1-6):

The text begins with invocations to various revered Jain figures like Lord Mahavir, Gautam Swami, Sudharmaswami, and Acharya Kailassagarsuri, highlighting the lineage of spiritual masters.
It mentions the Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra and Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuri Gyanmandir as the organizing and publishing entities, emphasizing their dedication to Jainism.
The publication is associated with a "Shri Shatrunjay Maha Tirth Padayatra Sangh" (pilgrimage group) that commenced from Dadra on Kartik Vad 2, V.S. 2050 (November 1, 1993).
The book itself was compiled and edited by Bhadrabahuvijay and published by the Fulchand Zaverchand Nahar Parivar.
The introduction highlights the profound spiritual significance of Shatrunjay, stating that walking on its paths and touching its dust washes away sins and liberates the soul from karmic burdens. It emphasizes the blessedness of undertaking the pilgrimage under the guidance of spiritual leaders.

2. Prayers and Devotional Hymns (Page 7-20, 50-74):

Page 7: Contains prayers expressing devotion to the Jinas, seeking their grace for overcoming desires, achieving liberation, and removing karmic bonds. It includes verses about reaching Shatrunjay and remembering Lord Rishabhdev.
Page 8-9: Features "Ancient Prayers" (Prachin Prarthanao), including various stanzas (slokas) praising the Jinas, their auspicious attributes, and the significance of their teachings. These prayers often invoke specific Tirthankaras like Parshvanath, Viranath, Shantinath, and Neminath, and express a desire for devotion and surrender.
Page 10-16: Details the ritualistic procedures for "Chaityavandan" (worship of temples/idols). This includes the specific mantras and steps involved, such as the "Ichchhami khamasamano," "Kayotsarg," "Logassa Sutra," and various stanzas to be recited. It culminates in devotional songs ("Stavan") praising Shatrunjay and Lord Adinath.
- Page 14: A notable "Stavan" (song) describes the significance of visiting Shatrunjay, the blessings of performing the pilgrimage, and the merits gained. It mentions specific historical events related to the pilgrimage.
- Page 15-16: Continues with "Chaityavandan" procedures, including the "Namosthane Sutra" and "Javanti Cheiyai Sutra," along with more "Stavans" dedicated to Shatrunjay and its significance.
Page 17-20: Presents the "Shri Mantrajaraj Stotra," a lengthy hymn dedicated to Lord Parshvanath, elaborating on his divine qualities, powers, and the benefits of reciting his mantras.
Page 21-28: Contains the renowned "Bhaktamar Stotra," attributed to Acharya Manatunga. This extensive hymn praises Lord Adinath and the spiritual power of his name, highlighting its ability to overcome obstacles, sins, and worldly suffering.
Page 29-34: Presents "Ratnakar Pachchisi," a series of 25 devotional verses expressing deep remorse for past transgressions and seeking the Lord's forgiveness. The verses detail personal failings and a sincere desire for spiritual upliftment.
Page 35-44: This section focuses on "Shatrunjay na 21 Khamasaman Duha" (21 couplets related to Khamasaman for Shatrunjay) and "Shatrunjay Laghukalpa." These parts provide detailed accounts of the various names of Shatrunjay hill, the history of its liberation by numerous spiritual beings (including kings, princes, and ascetics), the merits of its worship, and specific rituals like fasting and making donations. The "Laghukalpa" details the origins of Shatrunjay's names and the spiritual benefits of its pilgrimage and worship in concise verses.
Page 44-55: This extensive section details the "Shri Snata-Puja" (Abhishekam or ritualistic bathing of the idol). It lists the necessary items and materials for the worship, the step-by-step ritualistic procedures, including various songs and prayers to be recited during the bathing and offering of various substances like milk, yogurt, ghee, honey, and water. It also describes the divine rituals performed by celestial beings during the birth of Tirthankaras.
Page 56-58: Details the "Brihad Shanti Path," a powerful prayer for peace and well-being, invoking the blessings of the Tirthankaras and celestial beings.
Page 59-74: Features a collection of devotional "Stavans" (songs) dedicated to Lord Adinath and other Tirthankaras, praising their divine qualities, the sanctity of Shatrunjay, and the spiritual benefits of the pilgrimage. These "Stavans" are often sung in various traditional melodies.

3. Information about Shatrunjay (Page 86-98):

Page 86-87: Lists 108 names of Shatrunjay and the names of 14 rivers associated with it. It also mentions the names of various Kunds (ponds/tanks) on the hill.
Page 90-91: Lists the individuals responsible for 16 "Uddhars" (renovations/re-establishments) of Shatrunjay, beginning with Lord Bharat. It also details the names of various important temples and structures on the hill, including the main idols of Tirthankaras.
Page 92-94: Provides information about the important festivals and events celebrated at Shatrunjay, the historical significance of different dates, and the immense number of monks and spiritual leaders who attained liberation ("Moksha") there. It also mentions the names of prominent Sanghapati (leaders of pilgrimage groups) throughout history.
Page 95-101: Lists various Jain organizations, libraries, schools ("Pathshalas"), and Dharamshalas (pilgrim rest houses) located in Palitana, highlighting the infrastructure and support system for pilgrims.

4. Ritualistic Practices (Page 103-105):

Page 103-105: Explains the "Pachchkhan" (vow-taking) rituals for different periods, such as morning and evening vows, single meal, two meals, fasting, and special vows like "Ayam bil." It provides the precise Gujarati and Prakrit verses for undertaking these vows.

Overall Purpose and Significance:

"Shatrunjay Stavana" serves as a guide and devotional resource for Jains, particularly those undertaking the pilgrimage to Shatrunjay. It aims to:

Inspire Devotion: Through prayers, hymns, and the detailed descriptions of the sacred sites and the lives of Tirthankaras.
Educate about Rituals: By providing clear instructions for various worship practices like Chaityavandan and Snata-Puja.
Highlight the Merits of Pilgrimage: Emphasizing the spiritual benefits of visiting Shatrunjay, including the purification of sins and attainment of liberation.
Preserve Jain Heritage: By documenting the history, names, and important figures associated with this paramount pilgrimage site.
Facilitate Spiritual Practice: Offering a collection of mantras, stotras, and stavans for daily devotion and meditation.

The text is a rich repository of Jain devotional literature, history, and ritualistic practices, specifically centered around the sacred Shatrunjay mountain.