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The Bhaktamar Stotra is one of the most revered and significant Jain prayers. It is a hymn of praise to Lord Adinath, the first Tirthankara of Jainism. The hymn was composed by Acharya Manatunga in the 7th century AD. According to legend, the hymn was recited by Acharya Manatunga when he was imprisoned by King Bhoja of Malwa. The king was so impressed with the hymn that he released the Acharya from prison.
The Bhaktamar Stotra consists of 48 stanzas, each containing 27-32 syllables. Each stanza is composed in a unique metre, making it a masterpiece of Jain poetry. The hymn is also known for its intricate use of alliteration, metaphor, and simile, which add to its poetic beauty.
The Bhaktamar Stotra begins with the phrase "bhaktamara-pranata-mauli-maniprabha," which means "I bow to the Lord whose crown is adorned with the garland of devotion." The hymn goes on to describe the various virtues and qualities of Lord Adinath. The stanzas praise the Lord's compassion, knowledge, wisdom, and power. Each stanza ends with the phrase "namami jinavaram," which means "I bow to the supreme Lord."
The Bhaktamar Stotra is considered to be one of the most powerful Jain prayers. It is believed to have the power to remove negative energy and bring peace and harmony to the reciter's life. The hymn is often recited by Jains as a form of worship and meditation. It is also believed to have the power to cure physical ailments and bring prosperity and happiness to the reciter's life.
Apart from its spiritual significance, the Bhaktamar Stotra is also considered to be a masterpiece of Sanskrit literature. It is renowned for its intricate poetry and beautiful language, and it has inspired many poets and writers over the centuries.
One of the most famous stories associated with the Bhaktamar Stotra is the legend of Queen Solankini. According to the legend, Queen Solankini was a devout follower of Jainism who had lost her eyesight. She sought the help of the great Jain monk Acharya Hemachandra, who recited the Bhaktamar Stotra in her presence. The queen was miraculously cured of her blindness, and she became a devoted follower of Jainism.
The Bhaktamar Stotra is often recited during important Jain religious ceremonies and festivals, such as Paryushana, Mahavir Jayanti, and Diwali. It is also recited by Jains as a daily practice, as a form of meditation and devotion.
In conclusion, the Bhaktamar Stotra is a beautiful and powerful Jain prayer that is known for its spiritual significance and literary merit. It continues to inspire people of all religions, and it is considered to be one of the most important and revered Jain hymns.
The Bhaktamar Stotra is not only a devotional prayer but also a philosophical treatise. It is a hymn of praise to Lord Adinath, but it also explores the nature of reality and the path to enlightenment. The stanzas of the hymn are filled with philosophical concepts such as karma, rebirth, and the nature of the soul.
The Bhaktamar Stotra is often seen as a symbol of the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. According to legend, Acharya Manatunga composed the hymn while he was imprisoned by King Bhoja of Malwa. The king was so impressed with the hymn that he released the Acharya from prison. This story has inspired many people to see the Bhaktamar Stotra as a source of strength and hope in difficult times.
The Bhaktamar Stotra has been translated into many languages, including Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, Tamil, and English. It is widely read and recited by Jains all over the world. There are many recordings of the hymn available, and it is often played in Jain temples and homes.
In addition to its use in religious ceremonies and festivals, the Bhaktamar Stotra is also used in Jain healing practices. It is believed to have the power to cure physical ailments and bring peace and harmony to the reciter's life. The hymn is often recited in the presence of a person who is sick or suffering, with the hope that it will bring them healing and relief.
The Bhaktamar Stotra is also known for its aesthetic value. It is a masterpiece of Jain poetry, with each stanza carefully crafted to create a beautiful and powerful expression of devotion. The stanzas are filled with vivid imagery and metaphors, making the hymn a joy to read and recite.
The Bhaktamar Stotra is a source of pride and inspiration for Jains all over the world. It is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Jainism, and it continues to inspire people of all religions with its beauty, wisdom, and spirituality.
In conclusion, the Bhaktamar Stotra is a beautiful and powerful Jain prayer that is known for its spiritual significance, philosophical depth, and aesthetic value. It is a hymn of praise to Lord Adinath, but it is also a source of strength, hope, and healing for Jains all over the world. The Bhaktamar Stotra is a timeless masterpiece of Jain poetry and philosophy, and it continues to inspire and uplift people of all backgrounds and beliefs.
The Bhaktamar Stotra is often seen as a symbol of the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. According to legend, Acharya Manatunga composed the hymn while he was imprisoned by King Bhoja of Malwa. The king was so impressed with the hymn that he released the Acharya from prison. This story has inspired many people to see the Bhaktamar Stotra as a source of strength and hope in difficult times.
The Bhaktamar Stotra has been translated into many languages, including Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, Tamil, and English. It is widely read and recited by Jains all over the world. There are many recordings of the hymn available, and it is often played in Jain temples and homes.
In addition to its use in religious ceremonies and festivals, the Bhaktamar Stotra is also used in Jain healing practices. It is believed to have the power to cure physical ailments and bring peace and harmony to the reciter's life. The hymn is often recited in the presence of a person who is sick or suffering, with the hope that it will bring them healing and relief.
The Bhaktamar Stotra is also known for its aesthetic value. It is a masterpiece of Jain poetry, with each stanza carefully crafted to create a beautiful and powerful expression of devotion. The stanzas are filled with vivid imagery and metaphors, making the hymn a joy to read and recite.
The Bhaktamar Stotra is a source of pride and inspiration for Jains all over the world. It is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Jainism, and it continues to inspire people of all religions with its beauty, wisdom, and spirituality.
In conclusion, the Bhaktamar Stotra is a beautiful and powerful Jain prayer that is known for its spiritual significance, philosophical depth, and aesthetic value. It is a hymn of praise to Lord Adinath, but it is also a source of strength, hope, and healing for Jains all over the world. The Bhaktamar Stotra is a timeless masterpiece of Jain poetry and philosophy, and it continues to inspire and uplift people of all backgrounds and beliefs.
If you're interested in learning more about the Bhaktamar Stotra and Jainism, here are some books that you may find helpful:
"Bhaktamar Stotra: An Ode to Bahubali" by Ashok Kumar Chhajer and Pankaj Jain - This book provides a detailed analysis of the Bhaktamar Stotra, exploring its literary, philosophical, and cultural significance. It also includes a translation of the hymn and a commentary on each stanza.
"Bhaktamar Stotra: An Ode to Bahubali" by Ashok Kumar Chhajer and Pankaj Jain - This book provides a detailed analysis of the Bhaktamar Stotra, exploring its literary, philosophical, and cultural significance. It also includes a translation of the hymn and a commentary on each stanza.
"Jainism: An Introduction" by Jeffery D. Long - This book provides a comprehensive overview of Jainism, including its history, philosophy, and practices. It is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the religion.
"Jainism: A Guide for the Perplexed" by Sherry Fohr - This book provides an accessible introduction to Jainism, explaining its key concepts and beliefs in a clear and concise manner. It is a great resource for anyone who is new to Jainism.
"The Jains" by Paul Dundas - This book provides a comprehensive overview of Jainism, including its history, philosophy, and practices. It is a scholarly work that is suitable for academics and serious students of the religion.
"Jainism and Ecology: Nonviolence in the Web of Life" by Christopher Key Chapple - This book explores the relationship between Jainism and environmentalism, showing how Jain philosophy and practices can be applied to modern ecological issues.
These books are just a few examples of the many resources available on Jainism and the Bhaktamar Stotra. There are many other books, articles, and websites that can provide additional information and insights into this fascinating religion and its teachings.
Here are a few stanzas from the Bhaktamar Stotra with their English translations:
अभिनवज्ञानसारं जयपद्मनाभप्रभुम्। सहस्रभुजं शङ्खगदाधरमीडे दृशिभिः॥ Abhinavajnanasaranghripadmanabhaprabhum Sahasrabhujam sanka-dhara-meede drishibhih | Salutations to the Lord, whose knowledge is beyond measure, whose feet are beautiful, and whose navel is resplendent. The Lord has a thousand arms and holds a conch and a discus in His hands.
अभिनवज्ञानसारं जयपद्मनाभप्रभुम्। सहस्रभुजं शङ्खगदाधरमीडे दृशिभिः॥ Abhinavajnanasaranghripadmanabhaprabhum Sahasrabhujam sanka-dhara-meede drishibhih | Salutations to the Lord, whose knowledge is beyond measure, whose feet are beautiful, and whose navel is resplendent. The Lord has a thousand arms and holds a conch and a discus in His hands.
तव किमभिरम्बुधारिरम्बसि भीतिं वहि वीचिं नमन्ति ते यतिर्वृषभध्वजो निजशिष्यानुकम्पया। O Lord, why should the ocean of existence be afraid when You, the Supreme Being, hold it in the palm of Your hand? The great sages bow to You, who are like the bull among men, and who show mercy to Your disciples.
त्रिभुवनतापसारणं स्वर्णपद्मस्थभावगं। श्रवणतोत्रवर्णनातीतं ज्ञानमञ्जीरणं त्वम्।। O Lord, You are the protector of the three worlds, and Your feet are adorned with golden lotuses. Your nature is beyond description, and the sound of Your divine voice is like a chain of knowledge.
तत्त्वमुक्तः श्रुतिभिर्बहुभिर्यदयोपेतं स्तवैः जयत्येव जितं जन्तुभिरमितं ते भक्तिभाजाम्। O Lord, those who recite Your hymn, which is filled with the essence of truth and knowledge, are victorious over all their enemies. They are blessed with devotion and achieve eternal bliss in Your presence.
These stanzas are just a small sample of the beautiful poetry and devotional fervor that the Bhaktamar Stotra embodies. Each stanza is a beautiful expression of love, devotion, and reverence for Lord Adinath, and it inspires Jains all over the world to deepen their spiritual practice and connect with the divine.
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