Laghu Shanti Stotra (लघु शान्ति स्तोत्र / Laghu Shānti Stava)

1. What it is

- A Jain stotra (prayer) mainly used in the Śvetāmbara tradition. - Recited for shānti – peace, protection from calamities, removal of fear, and overall well‑being of all living beings. - Often called Laghu Shanti Pāṭh or Chhoti Shanti in day‑to‑day language.

1. Who composed it

- Traditionally attributed to Āchārya Maandevsūri (Māndeva Sūri / Maandevsuriji), a respected Śvetāmbara Jain ācārya. - It is said he composed it during a time of mahāmārī (epidemic) in Nadol/Nadlai (Rajasthan) and, by its recitation with deep faith, the fear and suffering of people reduced.

1. Main purpose & bhāva (feeling)

- Deep prārthanā (prayer) to Arihant Bhagwān and to divya śaktis (yakṣa–yakṣiṇīs like Sujaya, Vijaya, Ajitā, Aparājitā, Jaya, etc.) who protect dharma. - To ask for: - Shānti (inner and outer peace) - Kṣema, maṅgal (spiritual welfare and auspiciousness) - Protection from rog (diseases), upadrav (natural calamities), shatru‑ta (hostility), and other worldly troubles – without harming any living being. - The stotra ultimately reminds the soul that real safety is in right faith, right knowledge, right conduct, and in reducing karma.

1. When it is recited (Śvetāmbara practice)

- Often included in Pratikraman (especially Paryushan / Samvatsari), as a “shānti” stotra. - Also done: - During times of illness, fear, major problems, or disasters - In family or sangh shānti pāṭh, सामूहिक शांतिपाठ - On special days as a regular protective and peace‑giving recitation.

1. Sect note (Digambar / Śvetāmbara)

- Śvetāmbara: Laghu Shanti is well‑known and regularly used in pratikraman and shānti‑pāṭh. - Digambar: It is not as central; some families may know or use it, but it is mainly a Śvetāmbara text. The core Jain principles it is based on (non‑violence, universal peace, reliance on Tirthankars) are common to both traditions.

1. Text & detailed meaning

- The full Laghu Shanti Stotra is a Sanskrit/Prakrit‑based hymn with several verses. - Each verse: - Praises the Arihant, Siddha, and protective deities connected with Jain dharma. - Requests shānti and kalyāṇ for all beings. - Because accurate sutra text must match your own pāṭh book / sangh tradition, it is best to read or memorize it from a Jain Pratikraman book or your local upāśray/derāsar.

For a verse‑by‑verse explanation of Jain Laghu Shanti, you can read more here: