Vruhhajain Vani Sangraha - Book Summary

Based on the provided text, here's a comprehensive summary of the "Vruhhajain Vani Sangraha" by Ajitvirya Shastri:

Book Title: Vruhhajain Vani Sangraha (वृहज्जैन वाणी संग्रह) Author: Ajitvirya Shastri (अजितवीरय शास्त्री) Publisher: Sharda Pustakalaya, Calcutta (शारदा पुस्तकालय, कलकत्ता) Publication Year: 1931 (Veer Nirvana Samvat 2457)

Overall Nature and Scope:

"Vruhhajain Vani Sangraha" is a substantial compilation of Jain devotional literature, primarily consisting of prayers, hymns, stotras (eulogies), and ritualistic texts. The book is intended to serve as a comprehensive guide for daily spiritual practice and worship within the Jain tradition. It covers a wide range of topics, from morning prayers and daily rituals to specific pujas (worship ceremonies) for festivals and important Jain figures and concepts. The text is presented in Hindi, with many Sanskrit verses and mantras also included.

Key Sections and Content:

The book is organized into several chapters, each focusing on a specific aspect of Jain devotional practice:

Chapter 1: Pratahkalin Kriya (प्रातःकालीन क्रिया - Morning Activities): This section details the essential morning rituals for Jain lay followers (Shravaks). It begins with the importance of waking up during Brahma Muhurta (early morning), followed by the recitation of the Namokar Mantra and its significance. It also includes instructions for performing Samayik (a practice of equanimity and meditation), including its methodology, posture, and recitations in both Sanskrit and vernacular languages. Various morning hymns (Prabhati) are also included, attributed to different poets.
Chapter 2: Stuti Vinati Sangraha (स्तुति विनती संग्रह - Collection of Praises and Supplications): This extensive chapter is dedicated to various hymns and prayers praising the Tirthankaras, Jinavani (Jain scriptures), spiritual guides (Gurus), and specific deities or principles. It features a wide array of stotras, many of which are in Sanskrit and praise the qualities of the Arhats, Tirthankaras, and the teachings of Jainism. Notable stotras include the Bhaktamar Stotra, Kalyanmandir Stotra, and Ekibhav Stotra.
Chapter 3: Arhant Stuti (अर्हंतस्तुति - Praise of the Arhats): This section continues the praise of the Tirthankaras and other important figures and concepts within Jainism, including praise for the Jinavani (Jain scriptures), and Guru Parampara. It includes numerous stotras in Sanskrit and Hindi, celebrating the virtues and powers of these revered entities.
Chapter 4: Nitya Puja Sangraha (नित्यपूजा संग्रह - Collection of Daily Puja): This chapter focuses on the practical aspects of daily worship. It includes detailed procedures for various pujas such as Panch Kalyanaka Puja (celebrating the five auspicious events in a Tirthankara's life), Abhishek (ritual bathing), and Gurupuja. It also covers pujas for specific elements like Nandiśvara Island, Siddhas, and the twenty-four Tirthankaras.
Chapter 5: Parva Puja Sangraha (पर्व पूजा संग्रह - Collection of Festival Pujas): This section is dedicated to pujas performed during Jain festivals and auspicious occasions. It includes specific pujas for various festivals and important dates in the Jain calendar, as well as pujas for significant places of pilgrimage (Siddha Kshetra).
Chapter 6: Miscellaneous Knowledge and Lists: This chapter seems to compile various lists and important information related to Jain cosmology, history, and philosophy. It includes lists of:
- Twelve Chakravartis (Universal Monarchs)
- Fourteen Chakravarti Ratnas (Jewels)
- Nine Nidhi (Treasures of Chakravartis)
- Twenty-four Tirthankaras of the past, present, and future
- Tirthankaras' parents, birthplaces, birth times, heights, and symbols
- Thirty-four Atishays (Supernatural powers)
- Eight Mahapratyaryas (Eight Great Auspicious Signs)
- Four Anantachatushtaya (Four Infinite Qualities)
- Four Ghati Karma (Destructive Karma)
- The eleven stages of Samavasharana (Divine Assembly Hall) and its twelve assemblies
- Eighteen Doshas (Faults) to be avoided
- Sixteen Bhavanas (Meditations)
- Ten types of Kalpavriksha (Wish-fulfilling trees)
- Various categories of celestial beings, mountains, rivers, and geographical divisions within Jain cosmology.
- Information on various types of ascetics, fasting rules, and other religious practices.
Chapter 7: Granth Sangraha (ग्रंथ संग्रह - Collection of Scriptures): This section likely refers to important Jain scriptures or texts, possibly including references to works like Moksha Shastra and Chhaḍālā.
Chapter 8: Aarti Sangraha (आरती संग्रह - Collection of Aartis): This chapter contains a collection of Aartis, which are devotional songs sung with lamps, typically performed at the end of a puja or worship. It includes Aartis for the Pancha Parameshthi (the five supreme beings in Jainism) and other deities.
Chapter 9: Bhavana Sangraha (भावना संग्रह - Collection of Meditations/Reflections): This section likely includes explanations or recitations related to the twelve reflections (Anupreksha) and sixteen Karan Bhavanas (meditations for achieving liberation).
Chapter 10: Paramarth Jakri Sangraha (परमार्थ जकडी संग्रह - Collection of Spiritual Songs/Couplets): This chapter contains spiritual songs and couplets that convey profound Jain philosophical and ethical teachings.
Chapter 11: Katha Sangraha (कथा संग्रह - Collection of Stories): This section comprises various Jain stories, likely illustrating moral principles, the lives of saints, or significant events from Jain tradition. It includes the story of Nishith Bhojan Janakatha and Ashtajinvar Katha.
Chapter 12: Upadesha Sangraha (उपदेश संग्रह - Collection of Teachings/Advice): This chapter likely includes moral and spiritual teachings and advice from Jain saints and scriptures.
Chapter 13: Pad... (पद...): This section seems to contain verses or poetic pieces, indicated by the page range.
Chapter 14: Chhama-vachana (क्षमा-वचन): This section contains prayers or verses seeking forgiveness.
Chapter 15: Varshamasaadi Sangraha (बारहमासादि संग्रह - Collection of Twelve-Month Songs/Poems): This section likely includes poetic compositions that follow the theme of the twelve months, possibly with a Jain spiritual or moral message. It mentions examples like Sita Ji and Rajul.

Key Themes and Significance:

The "Vruhhajain Vani Sangraha" serves as a practical manual for Jain devotees, aiming to foster a deep connection with the principles of Jainism through devotion, ritual, and knowledge. The book emphasizes:

Devotion to the Pancha Parameshthi: The text is rich with prayers and hymns dedicated to the Arhats, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and Sadhus, reflecting their central role in Jain practice.
Adherence to Jain Principles: The inclusion of Samayik procedures, descriptions of vows, and emphasis on ethical conduct highlights the importance of living a life aligned with Jain teachings.
Knowledge of Jain Lore: The compilation of Tirthankara lists, cosmic details, and historical narratives provides a foundational understanding of Jain tradition.
Ritualistic Purity: The detailed instructions for pujas, Aartis, and Abhishek underscore the importance of performing rituals with purity and devotion.
Spiritual Growth: The presence of contemplative verses, reflections (Bhavana), and spiritual songs suggests an aim to foster inner spiritual development alongside outward ritual.

In essence, the "Vruhhajain Vani Sangraha" is a valuable resource for understanding and practicing Jain devotionalism, offering a comprehensive collection of texts designed to guide the spiritual journey of its readers.