Vande Viram

This document, titled "Vande Viram" (meaning "Salutations to the End/Cessation"), is a Jain text compiled by Pandit Shripadvijay Gani and Pansyas Shridanvijay Gani, and published by Shree Hemchandracharya Jain Sabha. It is primarily a collection of devotional songs (stavan), rituals, and narratives related to Jainism, particularly focusing on Lord Mahavir and key figures like Gautam Swami.

Here's a breakdown of its content:

Key Contents and Themes:

• "Vande Viram" Title: The title suggests a focus on liberation, final cessation (Nirvana), or perhaps a period of cessation from worldly suffering, all achieved through devotion to the Tirthankaras, especially Lord Mahavir.
• "Diwali Stavan" (Pages 4-13): This is a central piece, a hymn dedicated to Lord Mahavir, narrating his life, teachings, and journey towards liberation. It describes his charitable acts, his renunciation, the austerities he underwent, the obstacles (upasarga) he faced, and his attainment of Kevalgyan (omniscience) and Nirvana. The stavan is presented in various poetic meters and tunes (dhal).
• "Nava Padji ni Tapa ni Vidhi" (Rituals for Navpadji Fasting) and "Diwali nu Garanu" (Glimpse/Essence of Diwali): These sections likely outline the procedures and significance of specific Jain rituals, possibly related to the festival of Diwali and the worship of the Nine Sacred Ones (Navpadji).
• "Navpadji na Chaitya Vandane, Stavan, Stutio" (Chantings, Hymns, and Praises of Navpadji): This section comprises devotional verses and praises directed towards the Nine Sacred Ones, central figures in Jain worship.
• "Shree Gautam Swami ne Ras" (Ras of Gautam Swami): This is a significant narrative poem detailing the life, teachings, and spiritual journey of Gautam Swami, the chief disciple of Lord Mahavir. It highlights his intellectual prowess, his devotion, and his eventual attainment of omniscience. The "Ras" includes dialogues, events, and reflections on his spiritual transformation and his role in propagating Jainism.
• Saga of King Punyapal and his Dreams (Pages 13-21): A narrative concerning King Punyapal, who has significant dreams that are interpreted by Lord Mahavir. These dreams and their interpretations likely serve as allegories for the state of Jainism and the spiritual development of its followers in future times.
• Prophecies of Future Times (Pages 21-27): This section, likely narrated by Lord Mahavir to Gautam Swami, discusses the decline of Jain Dharma in subsequent eras (Kalpas), the loss of knowledge, the rise of different teachers, and the eventual resurgence of righteous paths.
• Devotion and the Attainment of Nirvana: The text emphasizes the importance of devotion, adherence to the teachings of the Tirthankaras, and the pursuit of liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
• Authorship and Patronage: The book is attributed to Pandit Shripadvijay Gani and Pansyas Shridanvijay Gani. It was published by Shree Hemchandracharya Jain Sabha. The publication was made possible by the financial support of Shah Manilal Hirachand, in memory of his father, Shah Hirachand Dolatchand of Patan, and with the blessings of Acharya Shri Vijaynitisurishwarji.
• Structure and Format: The text is written in Gujarati, using poetic verses and prose explanations. It is divided into chapters or sections, indicated by "Dhal" (a poetic form) and specific themes.

Key Figures:

• Lord Mahavir: The central figure, whose life, teachings, and liberation are celebrated.
• Gautam Swami: The chief disciple, whose devotion, intellect, and spiritual journey are highlighted, particularly his attainment of Kevalgyan and his role in guiding the Jain community.
• King Punyapal: A prominent character whose dreams and interpretations offer insights into spiritual matters.
• Hemchandracharya: The namesake of the publishing society, a renowned Jain scholar and reformer.
• Acharya Vijaynitisurishwarji: The spiritual inspiration for the compilation.

Overall Purpose:

"Vande Viram" appears to be a devotional and instructional text intended to inspire spiritual devotion, provide guidance on Jain rituals and philosophy, and recount the lives and teachings of important Jain figures. It aims to foster understanding and practice of Jain principles, particularly related to the life and legacy of Lord Mahavir and his chief disciple, Gautam Swami. The inclusion of stavan and ras suggests a tradition of devotional singing and storytelling within the Jain community.