Shiyal Vishe Sazzay Vagereno Sangraha

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shiyal Vishe Sazzay Vagereno Sangraha" by Kunvarji Anandji, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Shiyal Vishe Sazzay Vagereno Sangraha (Collection of Sazzays/Songs on Chastity and Other Matters) Author(s): Kunvarji Anandji Publisher: Kunvarji Anandji Compilation: The book is a compilation of various Jain devotional songs (sazzays), hymns, and teachings, brought together with the financial support of the women (shravika community) of Bhavnagar and under the guidance of Guruji Shree Labhshriji. It was published in Vikram Samvat 1988 (AD 1932).

Overview:

This collection appears to be a compendium of religious and ethical literature, with a strong emphasis on the virtue of chastity (shiyal) in both men and women. It also includes numerous other devotional pieces, prayers, and teachings relevant to Jain practice. The compiler, Kunvarji Anandji, aimed to gather useful but less commonly known material, making it accessible to the Jain community. The preface highlights that the proceeds from the sale of "laddu" (sweets) offered during a specific religious observance (Angvishuddhi Tap) were used to fund the printing of this book.

Key Themes and Content:

The table of contents (Anukramanika) reveals a wide range of topics covered in the book. Here's a breakdown of the significant themes and types of content:

1. Devotional Chants and Prayers:

   • Navkar Mantra Chhand (Page 6): The book begins with a devotional piece on the significance of the Navkar Mantra, highlighting its power and the importance of reciting it.
   • Mangalik (Auspicious Chants) (Page 8, 10): Various auspicious verses and songs for invoking blessings are included, such as "Mangalik Kavya" and "Shialvantenu Pratah Smaran" (Morning remembrance of chaste individuals).
   • Panch Parmesthi (The Five Supreme Beings) (Page 8): Songs dedicated to the five supreme beings of Jainism (Arihant, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyaya, Sadhu) are featured, emphasizing their qualities and the benefits of devotion.
   • Praise of Tirthankaras: Several stanzas are dedicated to praising specific Tirthankaras like Adinath (Page 10), Nemnath (Page 12), and Parsvanath (Page 13), highlighting their virtues and teachings.
   • Prabhu Prarthana (Prayer to the Lord) (Page 11): A prayer in the Harigeet meter expresses devotion and surrender to the Lord.
   • Samvatsaran Stavan (Hymn to the Samvatsaran) (Page 12): A detailed description and praise of the Samvatsaran (divine assembly) are provided, along with an explanation of its profound meaning.

2. Emphasis on Chastity (Shiyal): This is a prominent theme, with multiple sections dedicated to it.

   • "Shiyal Vishe Sazzay" (Songs on Chastity) (Page 4, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23): A significant portion of the book is devoted to various songs and teachings about chastity. These include:
     • "Shiyalvanta nu Pratah Smaran" (Morning Remembrance of the Chaste) (Page 10): Recounts the stories of five chaste individuals.
     • "Shiyal ni Navvad ni Sazzay" (Songs on the Nine Walls/Barriers of Chastity) (Page 4, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22): This section, attributed to Udayaratna, elaborates on the nine specific precautions and principles to maintain chastity, often using allegorical examples from Jain scripture.
     • "Shiyal Vishe Purush ne Shikhaman ni Sazzay" (Advice on Chastity for Men) (Page 4, 19, 20): Offers guidance to men on the importance of chastity and the pitfalls of straying.
     • "Shiyal Vishe Nari ne Shikhaman ni Sazzay" (Advice on Chastity for Women) (Page 4, 20, 21): Provides counsel to women on upholding chastity and the consequences of its breach.
     • "Shiyal Vishe Shikhaman ni Sazzay" (General Advice on Chastity) (Page 4, 23): More general teachings on the virtue.
     • "Strio na Avgun ni Sazzay" (Songs on Women's Faults) (Page 4, 35, 36): This section appears to highlight negative traits or actions of women that can lead to downfall, often in relation to breaches of chastity.
     • "Sol Satiyo ni Sazzay" (Songs of Sixteen Chaste Women) (Page 4, 41): Celebrates the exemplary lives of sixteen revered chaste women in Jain tradition.
     • "Shiyal ni Sazzay" (Songs on Chastity) (Page 4, 23, 24): Further songs elaborating on the importance and practice of chastity.

3. Ethical Teachings and Advice:

   • "Parstri Tyag Karva Vishe Sazzay" (Song on Renouncing Other Women) (Page 4, 24): Strong advice against lust and attachment to women other than one's spouse.
   • "Rutuvanthi Sambandhi Sazzay" (Songs related to Women in their Menstrual Cycle) (Page 4, 24, 25): These sections address the rules and considerations related to women during their menstrual period, particularly concerning purity and interaction in religious contexts. The term "Rutuvanti" refers to women during this phase.
   • "Ashaatan Vishe Sazzay" (Songs on Breaking Religious Purity/Rules) (Page 4, 41, 42, 43): This is a significant topic discussing various ways religious purity can be compromised, often related to interactions with women during their menstrual cycle or other impurity rules within the Jain monastic and lay traditions.
   • "Four Mangals and Jeev Yatan" (Page 4, 70): Discusses auspicious elements and the care for living beings.

4. Other Spiritual and Devotional Content:

   • "Udesh ni Lavani" (Songs of Advice) (Page 4, 14): Contains teachings and advice presented in a lyrical format.
   • "Siyala Vishe Sazzay" (Songs related to Chastity) (Page 4, 23, 24): Further songs focusing on the theme of chastity.
   • "Chau Mangel Ane Jivayatan Vishe Sazzay" (Songs on Four Auspicious Things and Protection of Life) (Page 4, 70): Addresses auspicious practices and the principle of ahimsa (non-violence).
   • "Shankheshwar Parsvanath Stavan" (Hymn to Shankheshwar Parsvanath) (Page 4, 71, 72): A hymn dedicated to the venerated Parsvanath deity at Shankheshwar.
   • "Vinayvijayji Krut Pad" (Verses composed by Vinayvijayji) (Page 4, 72): Includes poetic compositions by the renowned Jain scholar Vinayvijayji.
   • "Siddhachal nu Pandar Tithi" (Fifteen Tithis of Siddhachal) (Page 4, 47, 48): A composition related to the fifteen days of the lunar fortnight observed at the holy site of Siddhachal.
   • "Barmaas nu Geet" (Song of Twelve Months) (Page 4, 48): A poem describing the year month by month, likely with religious undertones.
   • "Mumbai Bhaykhala nu Stavan" (Hymn to Mumbai Bhaykhala) (Page 4, 49): A hymn associated with a specific location in Mumbai.
   • "Gundli" (A type of song) (Page 4, 50, 51): Contains songs in the Gundli meter.
   • "Tap Pad ni Puja" (Worship of Asceticism) (Page 4, 51, 52): A section dedicated to the importance and worship of ascetic practices (tapasya).
   • "Vairagya Sambandhi Stavan" (Hymn related to Detachment) (Page 4, 53, 54): Focuses on themes of renunciation and detachment from worldly pleasures.
   • "Mahavir Swami nu Geet" (Song of Mahavir Swami) (Page 4, 55): A song celebrating Lord Mahavir.
   • "Samavsaran nu Stavan" (Hymn to the Samvatsaran) (Page 4, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62): A detailed hymn describing the divine assembly of Lord Mahavir, including its structure, dimensions, and the celestial beings present.
   • "Samavsaran nu Stavan nu Bhavarth" (Explanation of the Hymn to the Samvatsaran) (Page 4, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62): A prose explanation providing details about the Samvatsaran.
   • "Shri Rishabhdev nu Stavan" (Hymn to Rishabhdev) (Page 4, 63, 64): A hymn dedicated to the first Tirthankara.
   • "Shri Neminath nu Stavan" (Hymn to Neminath) (Page 4, 64): A hymn dedicated to the 22nd Tirthankara.
   • "Shri Bhidbhanjan Parsvanath Jin Stavan" (Hymn to Parsvanath, the Remover of Troubles) (Page 4, 65): A hymn to Parsvanath, known for relieving distress.
   • "Shri Parshva Jin Stuti" (Praise of Lord Parsva) (Page 4, 65, 66): Praise for Lord Parsvanath.
   • "Mani Chnad Krut Atmaswarup Sazzay" (Songs on the True Nature of the Self by Mani Chand) (Page 4, 67, 68, 69): A section featuring spiritual songs by Mani Chand, focusing on self-realization.

Purpose and Significance:

The book serves as a valuable resource for Jain devotees, offering spiritual guidance, ethical teachings, and devotional literature. The emphasis on chastity reflects its importance in Jainism for spiritual progress and maintaining societal harmony. The inclusion of diverse hymns and explanations of religious concepts makes it a comprehensive collection for personal study and devotion. The fact that it was published with the support of the Bhavnagar shravika community signifies the community's commitment to religious education and preservation of Jain traditions.