Adhar Abhishek Evam Dhwajaropan Vidhi

This Jain text, "Adhar Abhishek evam Dhwajaropan Vidhi" by Arvind K Mehta, is a detailed guide for performing the sacred rituals of "Abhishek" (ritualistic bathing of the deity) and "Dhwajaropan" (flag hoisting) in Jain temples.

Key components and procedures outlined in the book include:

• Adhar Abhishek Vidhi (Ritualistic Bathing):

  • Introduction and Preparations: The book begins with blessings and invocations to prominent Jain figures and deities. It emphasizes the importance of purity and devotion.
  • The Eighteen Abhishekas: The core of the text details eighteen distinct snanas (types of bathing). Each snana involves a specific substance or combination of substances to bathe the idol of the Tirthankara. These include:
    1. Suvarna Jala (Golden Water): Water mixed with gold powder.
    2. Panch Ratna Churna (Five Gem Powder): Water mixed with powders of pearl, gold, silver, coral, and copper.
    3. Kashaya Churna (Astringent Powder): Water mixed with various bark extracts.
    4. Mangala Mruttika (Auspicious Soil): Water mixed with soil from sacred places like rivers and lakes.
    5. Sad Oushadhi (Medicinal Herbs): Water mixed with powders of medicinal herbs.
    6. Prathama Ashtakvarga (First Eightfold Herbal Group): Water mixed with a specific set of herbal powders.
    7. Dwitiya Ashtakvarga (Second Eightfold Herbal Group): Water mixed with another set of herbal powders.
    8. Sarva Oushadhi (All Herbs): Water mixed with a comprehensive blend of herbs.
    9. Panchamrita (Five Nectars): A combination of ghee, milk, yogurt, sugarcane juice, and medicinal herbs (though the text lists this as the ninth in one section and later as a separate "Panchamrita Abhishek").
    10. Sugandhi Oushadhi (Fragrant Herbs): Water mixed with aromatic substances.
    11. Pushpa (Flowers): Water infused with various flowers.
    12. Gandha (Fragrance): Water mixed with saffron, camphor, musk, agar, and sandalwood.
    13. Vasa (Fragrance/Scent): Water mixed with various fragrant substances.
    14. Chandana Dugdha (Sandalwood Milk): Water mixed with milk and sandalwood paste.
    15. Keshara Sakara (Saffron Sugar): Water mixed with saffron and sugar.
    16. Tirthodaka (Sacred Water): Water from 108 holy sites.
    17. Karpura (Camphor): Water mixed with camphor.
    18. Keshara-Chandana-Pushpa (Saffron-Sandalwood-Flower): Water mixed with these fragrant items.
  • Mantras and Rituals: For each snana, specific mantras are provided to be recited. The text also describes the process of consecrating the water and offerings, performing the bathing, offering tilak (forehead mark), flowers, incense, and light.
  • Invocation (Aahvaan): After certain stages of the Abhishek, the deity is invoked using specific mudras (hand gestures) and mantras.
  • Vajra Panjara Stotra: This protective hymn is included and recited for safeguarding the performer and the ritual.
  • Chandra-Surya Darshan (Moon-Sun Vision): The text specifies showing a mirror to the idol if direct moon and sun imagery is not possible. Specific mantras for each are given.
  • Post-Abhishek Rituals: After the eighteen snanas, the idol is cleaned, anointed with sandalwood paste, decorated with flowers, and then Aarti, Mangal Deep, and Shanti Kalash are performed.
  • Materials List: A comprehensive list of materials required for the Abhishek is provided, including various herbs, metals, precious stones, grains, fruits, sweets, incense, flowers, and ritualistic items.

• Dhwajaropan Vidhi (Flag Hoisting Ceremony):

  • Purpose: This section describes the procedure for hoisting a flag on the temple spire, typically during the temple's anniversary or other auspicious occasions.
  • auspicious Timing: It specifies auspicious constellations and times for the ceremony.
  • Flag Design and Materials: Guidance is given on the size, shape, and colors of the flag, including symbolic motifs like the Sun, Moon, Om, and Swastika.
  • Ritualistic Steps:
    • The ceremony begins with a snana for the flag and its pole.
    • The flag is consecrated with mantras and vasakshep (colored powder).
    • The flag is carried around the temple (or the central altar) three times, accompanied by music.
    • The flag pole is prepared, and offerings are made to the directional deities (Dikpalas) by throwing rice and making other offerings in each cardinal direction.
    • The old flag is removed, and the new flag is hoisted with prayers and auspicious sounds.
    • The new flag is consecrated with saffron, flowers, and offerings.
    • A grand peace ceremony (Brihat Shanti) is performed, including prayers for goodwill and the appeasement of any adverse influences.
    • The ceremony concludes with prayers for forgiveness, temple cleansing rituals, and other devotional practices like Aarti and Mangal Deep.
  • Songs and Chants: Several devotional songs (geeto) are included to be sung during the Abhishek and flag hoisting ceremonies, enhancing the devotional atmosphere.

In essence, the book provides a comprehensive, step-by-step manual for priests and devotees to conduct the significant religious ceremonies of Abhishek and Dhwajaropan with proper rituals, mantras, and devotional fervor, ensuring the sanctity and auspiciousness of the Jain temple.