Which book to buy to learn Stuti?
Great that you want to learn Jain stuti. Start with simple, widely-used books that give correct text plus clear meaning (arth). Here are reliable, beginner-friendly choices.
If you follow Shwetambar tradition
- Shri Sudhāras Stavan Sangrah (Hindi/Gujarati) – a handy collection of popular stavans with basic puja/chaityavandan guidance.
- Chaityavandan Sutra book with meanings – helps you learn daily temple prayers step by step.
- Bhaktamar Stotra with word-by-word meaning and correct pronunciation guide. For background:
If you follow Digambar tradition
- Jain Stotra Sangrah / Stotra Pathavali (with meanings) – includes core stotras used in daily practice.
- Bhaktamar Stotra (48-verse Digambar path) with arth and chhanda-marking for proper recitation. Background:
- Uvasaggaharam Stotra (with meanings) – very helpful for daily stuti to Shri Parshvanath. Short intro:
Universal essentials (both traditions)
- Navkar Mantra/Chattari Mangalam with correct Prakrit text and simple translation, ideally in the same script you read daily (Devanagari/Gujarati). Helpful overview:
What to look for when buying
- Correct original text as per your tradition (Digambar/Shwetambar) and clear arth in your language.
- Big, readable font with line breaks by metre (chhanda) for easy recitation.
- Audio support or QR links are a plus so you can match tune and pronunciation.
- Prefer editions vetted by recognized Jain trusts or pathsalas.
Start with one stavan/stotra at a time (Navkar, then Bhaktamar or Uvasaggaharam), recite daily, and revise the meaning often so bhakti stays aligned with right understanding.