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Akhand Bhaktamar Patha
Bhaktamar Stotra is a beautiful, devotional and poetic prayer composed by Jain Acharya Mantunga, in honour of the first Tirthankar, Lord Rishabha, when he was chained and imprisoned. When Acharya Mantunga chanted Bhaktamar Stotra, all locks broke down and he came out of prison. Every word of Bhaktamar Stotra reveals his enlightening devotion in the Lord. Even today, Jain followers have full belief in this Stotra. Every single stanza and letter is capable of evoking various effects. Hence, it has an important place in Jain follower’s hearts.
On 11 May 2008, on the auspicious occasion of Akshay Tritiya, a continuous 12-hour (7 am to 7pm) chanting of Bhaktamar Stotra in the presence of Samani Prasanna Pragya and Rohit Pragya took place at Jain Vishwa Bharati (JVB) London. About 60 members of Jain community London took part in this spiritual event. The program was started with the Hindi Stavan ‘RISHABHAAY NAMAH’ and followed by the continuous, slow and rhythmic recitation of Bhaktamar Stotra. The pictures showing the meaning of each stanza were also decorated in the form of Svastika on the wall so that participants can easily contemplate on the meaning of each word and get spiritual strength through the recitation of this divine prayer.
In this auspicious event students of JVB Gyanshala Rishi (7 years old) and Kewali (9 years old) also paid their devotion towards Bhagvan Rishabh by reciting Bhaktamar. It shows that not only adults but young and small children have also faith in this stotra and are eager to learn this Sacred prayer, written in ancient Prakrit language to pay their homage towards lord.
Sharing their experience, participants of this spiritual event said that this continuous Japa made them feel light and completely endowed in Jina bhakti. At the end of the program Samani Prasanna Pragya gave short introduction about the book ‘ARHAT VANDANA’ and inspired people to learn and recite it regularly. The chanting program was concluded with the recitation of ‘ARHAT VANDANA’ and Samanijis’ Mangal path.
