Stuti Tarangini Part 01

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Stuti Tarangini Part 01," by Bhadrankarsuri, published by Labdhi Bhuvan Jain Sahitya Sadan:

Overall Purpose and Context:

"Stuti Tarangini Part 01" is a collection of hymns (stutis) and prayers composed by revered Jain Acharyas and Mahatmas from various traditions. The book aims to preserve and disseminate valuable Jain literature, specifically focusing on devotional verses that praise the virtues of Tirthankaras, their teachings, and significant spiritual concepts. The work is presented as a means to instill spiritual devotion and provide accessible religious guidance in the modern era, countering the prevalence of materialistic philosophies.

Key Themes and Content:

The "Stuti Tarangini" is structured into ten "tarangas" (waves), with each taranga focusing on different categories of stutis. Based on the provided text, the content of the first part (tarangas 1 to 10) includes:

• Praise of Tirthankaras: A significant portion of the collection is dedicated to praising the Tirthankaras, starting with Shri Adinath Bhagwan and extending to Shri Mahavir Swami Bhagwant. This includes hymns dedicated to specific Tirthankaras and groups of Tirthankaras (like the Chaubisi - twenty-four Tirthankaras).
• Praise of Spiritual Concepts and Events: The collection also features hymns related to:
  • Specific Tithis (Lunar Days): Prayers for days like Gyana Panchami, Mauna Ekadashi, Chaitri Purnima, Diwali, Rohini Tap, Shashtami, Vardhaman Tap, and Upadhan Tap.
  • Nava Tatvas (Nine Principles): Hymns dedicated to the core Jain principles.
  • Spiritual States (Gunasthanas): Verses reflecting on spiritual stages of development.
  • Samavasarana: Descriptions of the divine assemblies of the Tirthankaras.
  • Pancha Teerth and Nandi Iswardweepa: Praises of significant holy sites and celestial islands.
• Languages: The hymns are presented in various languages, including Gujarati, Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Paisachī.
• Preservation of Rare Literature: A significant aspect highlighted is the effort to collect and publish previously unpublished stutis found in handwritten manuscripts from various Jain Bhandars (libraries). This includes hymns with their commentaries (avchuri).
• Distinction between Stuti and Stotra: The text attempts to clarify the difference between "Stuti" (hymn, often recited after Kayotsarga - a form of meditation) and "Stotra" (praise, often recited while standing before an idol).
• Historical Context and Authorship: The collection acknowledges the contributions of various ancient Jain Acharyas and Rishis. It also mentions the specific guidance and contributions received from Acharya Shri Madh Vijaya Labdhisurishwarji Maharaj and Muniraj Shri Vikramvijayji Maharaj in the purification and compilation of the stutis.
• Encouragement for Future Work: The author expresses a desire to continue this work by publishing a second part of the "Stuti Tarangini" to include more collected stutis.

Editorial and Publishing Information:

• Book Title: Stuti Tarangini Part 01
• Author: Muniraj Shri Nemvijayji Maharaj (disciple of Acharya Dev Shrimad Vijay Labdhisurishwarji Maharaj)
• Assistance: Provided by some literature-loving individuals.
• Publisher: Shri Labdhisurishwar Jain Granthamala, Vadodara.
• Publication Year: Veer Samvat 2480, Vikram Samvat 2010 (1954 AD).
• Edition: First Edition.
• Printing: Sadhana Mudranalaya, Bhavnagar.
• Key Contributors/Supporters: The publication acknowledges the assistance of various individuals and institutions, including Shah Chandulal Jamnadas, Shah Chimanlal Thakerbhai Zaveri, and several Jain Gyan Bhandars.

Underlying Philosophy and Motivation:

The editor's preface (Sampadakiya Nivedan) reveals the motivation behind this extensive compilation. It laments the loss of precious Jain literature due to neglect and highlights the importance of preserving the remaining heritage for future generations. The editor expresses joy in undertaking this task, aiming to make the stutis accessible and beneficial to the Chaturvidh Sangh (four-fold Jain community). The editor emphasizes the value of these stutis in counteracting the materialistic scientific trends of the time, reaffirming the principles of spirituality and devotion in Jainism.

Significance:

"Stuti Tarangini Part 01" represents a significant effort to collate and publish devotional literature, ensuring its availability to the Jain community. It serves as a valuable resource for spiritual practice, study, and the preservation of Jain cultural heritage. The detailed index provided at the end of the text further illustrates the vast scope of the collection, covering numerous Tirthankaras, festivals, principles, and revered personalities.