Meaning of stavan

In Jainism, stavan (स्तवन) means a hymn or praise. It refers to devotional chants or stotras that laud the Tirthankaras, their virtues, and the auspicious qualities of right conduct. Stavan is a form of bhakti (devotion) expressed through melodious praise and prayer.

Key points:

• Stavan = praise, eulogy, devotional song.
• Used to honor Jain teachers, Tirthankaras, and Jain virtues such as ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truth), and aparigraha (non-attachment).
• Both Digambar and Shwetambar traditions use stavan in their devotional practices; the basic idea remains the same, though specific stavan texts may differ between traditions.

If you’d like, I can share a simple example of a Jain stavan and its meaning.