Stavan Manjari

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Stavan Manjari" by Amrutlal Mohanlal Sanghvi, based on the provided pages:

Title: Stavan Manjari (First Part) Author: Pt. Amrutlal Mohanlal Sanghvi Publisher: Shri Sambhavnath Jain Pustakalay, Phalodi Year of Publication: Vikram Samvat 2464 (1938 CE)

Overview:

"Stavan Manjari" is a collection of devotional songs (stavan), prayers, and verses intended for worship and meditation within the Jain tradition. The book is primarily a compilation of hymns and chants, organized into different sections and focused on venerating the Tirthankaras and other revered figures in Jainism. It seems to be a practical guide for performing religious rituals and fostering spiritual devotion.

Key Content and Themes:

1. Veneration of Tirthankaras and Jain Principles:

   • The text begins with invocations and salutations to Shri Sambhavnath (page 2, 4) and the Tirthankaras in general.
   • It praises the Panch Parmeshthis (Arhants, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and Sadhus) as the highest beings (page 5).
   • There are specific verses dedicated to prominent Tirthankaras like Adinath (Rishabhdev) (pages 4, 11), Neminath (pages 4, 10, 22, 47, 63), Parshvanath (pages 6, 10, 26, 28, 50, 56), Mahavir Swami (pages 5, 6, 10, 18, 20, 21, 26, 27, 50, 61), Shantinath (pages 6, 10, 35, 44, 48), Vasupujya (pages 10, 37), Anantnath (pages 38), Kuntunath (pages 46, 57), Mallinath (pages 10, 46), Suvidhinath (pages 10, 42, 53), Chandraprabhu (page 10), Sheetalnath (pages 35, 49), Sumatinath (page 32), Padmaprabhu (page 10), Vimalnath (page 10), Dharmanath (page 45), Abhinandanaswami (page 38), and Shitalnath (page 35).
   • The core teachings of Jainism, such as Right Faith (Samyak Darshan), Right Knowledge (Samyak Gyan), and Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra) (collectively known as the Ratnatraya), are emphasized (pages 5, 8, 20, 25, 26).
   • The concept of Vitarag (one who is free from attachment and aversion) is a recurring theme, highlighting the ideal state of liberation (pages 18, 19, 45).

2. Rituals and Practices:

   • The book provides guidance on how to approach and worship in a Jain temple (page 12). This includes proper attire, bringing offerings, and the proper way to circumambulate and offer prayers.
   • There are specific stanzas for different types of worship (Puja), such as milk (Dudh) ablution, water (Jal) ablution, incense (Dhoop) ceremony, and flower (Pushpa) offering (page 7).
   • It details the method of performing 'Chaitya Vandan' (venerating temples/icons) and the associated recitations like "Ichchami khamusammeno" and "Namutthunam" (pages 13, 14).
   • The significance of 'Sathiya' (auspicious symbols) in worship is mentioned (page 9).
   • The importance of meditation (Dhyan) and remembering the Tirthankaras' names is highlighted as a means to overcome suffering and attain liberation (pages 20, 23, 25, 34, 48, 50, 53, 55, 57, 58).

3. Devotional Songs (Gayan/Stavan):

   • The majority of the book is filled with a vast collection of devotional songs (Gayans or Stavans), presented in various meters and ragas. These songs express fervent devotion, supplication, praise, and longing for liberation.
   • Themes within the songs include:
     • Seeking blessings for knowledge, virtuous conduct, and spiritual progress.
     • Expressing the pain of separation from the divine and the desire for union.
     • Praising the virtues and glory of the Tirthankaras.
     • Praying for the removal of obstacles, diseases, and sins.
     • Recalling past lives and the cycle of birth and death, and seeking release from it.
     • The importance of selfless devotion and surrender.
     • Specific songs are dedicated to particular Tirthankaras, often mentioning their key attributes, birthplace, or iconic symbols.

4. Sacred Places:

   • References are made to important Jain pilgrimage sites like Shatrunjaya (Palitana) and Girnar (pages 4, 11, 36, 40, 63).
   • Other mentioned locations include Ashtapad, Sametshikhar, Vaibhavagiri, Mandavgarh, Champanagari, Revagiri, and Kashi/Varanasi (pages 10, 11, 38).
   • The text also mentions Osiyan as a significant place associated with Jain devotion (pages 28, 35, 38, 39, 42, 46, 50, 52, 55, 56, 58, 60).

5. Spiritual Guidance and Philosophy:

   • The text implicitly conveys the Jain philosophy of karma and its consequences, emphasizing the need to overcome negative karmas through righteous actions and devotion.
   • It stresses the impermanence of worldly possessions and the importance of detachment.
   • The pursuit of liberation (Moksha) is presented as the ultimate goal of life.
   • The importance of good company (Satsang) and the guidance of Gurus is also alluded to (pages 19, 36, 39, 45, 51, 53, 55, 57, 58, 61, 62).

6. Compilation and Purpose:

   • The book is presented as a compilation to aid devotees in their spiritual practice.
   • The author, Pt. Amrutlal Mohanlal Sanghvi, is credited as the compiler and is noted for his expertise in grammar (Vyakaranta, Vaiyakarana Bhushan).
   • The publisher, Shri Sambhavnath Jain Pustakalay, aims to make Jain literature accessible, as evidenced by the publication of other books mentioned at the end of the provided text.

Overall Tone and Style:

The language used is devotional, reverent, and often poetic. The stavans are set to various traditional Indian meters and tunes, making them suitable for singing and congregational worship. The overall tone is one of earnest devotion, seeking divine grace, and striving for spiritual upliftment.

In essence, "Stavan Manjari" is a rich repository of Jain devotional literature, serving as a guide for worshippers to connect with the Tirthankaras, understand Jain principles, and progress on the path to spiritual liberation through prayer, song, and meditation.