Adhar Abhishek Vidhi

This document, titled "Shri Adhar Abhishek Vidhi," authored by Arvindsagar and published by Sanjaybhai Pipewala, outlines the procedure for an 18-step Abhishek (ritual bath) of Jain idols. The text is attributed to Shri Sakalchandra Gani and compiled by Pujya Muni Shri Arvindsagarji M.Sa., a disciple of Pujya Pannyas Shri Arunodayasagarji M.Sa., who is a disciple of Acharya Shri Padmasagarsurisvarji M.Sa. The publication year is Vikram Samvat 2057, and the price is 1500.

Purpose of Adhar Abhishek: The "Adhar Abhishek" is a special Jain ritual frequently performed for purifying Jinbimbas (idols of Jinas) and sacred images. It is particularly useful when consecrated idols have been moved, ancient idols have been re-anointed, idols have remained un-worshipped for some reason, an act of disrespect (ashatana) has occurred, or new sacred images (tirth pato) have been commissioned. This ritual removes impurities and faults and enhances purity. When performed correctly, it is said to create an atmosphere of unique brilliance and energy, making the idols radiant and exceptionally attractive. This is stated to be a reasoned effect, not merely a matter of faith, due to the specific medicinal and valuable substances used.

Preparation and General Procedure: The ritual involves using specific plant-based and other substances, which should be properly collected and powdered for use. It is emphasized that merely putting a packet of powder into water is insufficient; the substances must be used in adequate quantities so that their essence properly mixes with the water, especially for idols to be bathed. Some steps involve "Udvartan," which means cleansing the idol with the powdered substances before bathing.

The "Adhar Abhishek" procedure begins with a "Snātra" (ritual bath) with specific Ragas and Raginis, followed by Aarti, Mangaldivo, and Shantikalash after the Abhishek is complete. All materials for the Abhishek must be systematically prepared and consecrated by a knowledgeable guru or ritual performer using "vasakshep" (scattering of consecrated rice/grains). The community (sakal sangh samuday) first recites a hymn to the Mulnayak Bhagwan, then the "Vajrapanjar Stotra" for self-protection before starting the Abhishek.

For each "Snātra," pure water is placed in a new container, and a small amount of consecrated substances like vas, sandalwood, and flowers are added, along with the specific Snātra powder. Four kalashas (water pots) are filled with this water. Standing before the idol in the Jinmudra posture, the specific verses and mantras provided for each Snātra are recited with accompanying songs, musical instruments (Panchashabd Vajintras), and then the consecrated water is used for the Abhishek. After each Snātra, the idol is worshipped with tilak, flowers, and vas.

List of Materials (Pages 3-4): The document provides a detailed list of materials for the "Adhar Abhishek" and "Snātra," including:

• For Snātra: 5 coconuts, 50g kumkum, 5 betel nuts, 5 whole almonds, 11 miḍhaḷ muraḍāśīṅgh (tied), 5 pranasa, 1kg mixed dry fruits (bhakshya), 250g buru-khand (powdered sugar), 500g vasakshep (consecrated rice), 250g dashang dhup (incense), 2 packets of agarbatti, 5 bundles of silver leaf, 1 bundle of gold leaf, 10g gold and silver flowers, 5 packets of pancharatna (five jewels), 5 sets of medicinal packets, 1 bottle of sacred water (tīrthajaḷ).
• For Devasara (temple): 1 Simhasan with Trigachh, 3 balls of red nadachhadi, 1 standing deep with Trigada, 1 arti tray with 108 diyas, 1 mangal divo, 1 Ashtmangal no ho, 10 German plates, 7 German bowls, 7 German pots, 7 German buckets, water connection and drainage system, 2 dhupdhanu-phanas (incense burners with glass), 1 plate-rolling pin, 1 chamar (fly-whisk), 1 mirror, 1 fan, 1 bell, 1 pat (seat), 5 patla (low stools).
• Flowers and Fragrances: 10g golden cut "badalu," 5 bottles of good quality attar (different types), 300 roses, 2 bottles of rosewater, 50 hibiscus flowers, 5g saffron, 250g dumro, 20g baras, 500g small white flowers, 1 large flower, 3 garlands, 5 meters of muslin cloth, 2.5 meters of red kasumbo, 1 khadi pothi, 0.5 meters of green silk cloth, 2 napkins, 5kg rice, 1 matchbox, 1 bundle of string, 25 boiya.
• Offerings: 25 rupees, 25 pavali, 10 notes of Rs. 10, 18-18 pieces of five types of fruits, 18-18 pieces of five types of naivedya (food offerings), 3 large fruits of each type, 25 betel leaves, 5 liters of cow's milk, 500g curd.
• Note: The quantity of materials for Abhishek may vary based on the number of idols, and clarification should be sought from the ritual performer. The list is a general estimate. The medicinal sets for Abhishek are available at Vidhyashala, Ahmedabad.

The Eighteen Abhishek Snātras (pages 11-25):

1. Hiraṇyodak Snātra (Gold Water): Bathed with water mixed with gold powder (gold leaf).

2. PancharAtna Chūrṇa Snātra (Five Jewels Powder): Bathed with water mixed with powder of pearl, gold, silver, coral, and copper.

3. Kaṣāya Chūrṇa Snātra (Astringent Powder): Bathed with water mixed with powders of sixteen astringent plants: Pippali, Pipali, Shirish, Umbar, Vad, Champak, Ashok, Amra, Jambu, Bakul, Arjun, Patal, Bili, Dadama, Kesuḍa, and Naring.

4. Mangala Mṛttikā Snātra (Auspicious Earth): Bathed with water mixed with powder from eight types of earth: elephant tusks, bull horns, mountains, termite mounds, riverbanks, river confluences, lakes, and sacred pilgrimage sites (tirthas).

5. Sadauṣadhi Snātra (Good Herbs): Bathed with water mixed with powder of twenty-one good herbs: Sahadevi, Satavari, Kunvar, Valo, Moti Nani Ringani, Morshikha, Ankol, Shankhavali, Lakshmana, Ajokajo, Thor, Tulasi, Marvo, Kumbhi, Gali, Sarapankho, Rajahansi, Pithavani, Shalavani, Gandhanoli, Mahaneeli.

6. Prathamāṣṭakavarga Snātra (First Octet of Herbs): Bathed with water mixed with powder of eight herbs: Uplot, Vaj, Lodra, Hiravani roots, Devdar, Jethimadh, Durva, Riddhi-Vriddhi.

7. Dvitīyāṣṭakavarga Snātra (Second Octet of Herbs): Bathed with water mixed with powder of eight herbs: Patanjari, Vidarikand, Kachuro, Kapoorakachali, Nakhala, Kakodi, Khirakand, Musali (black and white).

8. Sarvauṣadhi Snātra (All Herbs): Bathed with water mixed with powder of thirty-three herbs: Priyangu, Haladar, Vajra, Sucha, Valo, Moth, Atikali, Muramansi, Jatamansi, Uplot, Elachi, Lavang, Taj, Tamalpatra, Nagakesar, Jayphal, Javintri, Kankol, Selaras, Chandan, Agar, Patraj, Chhad, Nakhala, Ghadala, Kachuro, Virahali, Chhadoli, Marchakankol, Vardharo, Asandhi, Vadi Aushadhi, and Sahasramuli.

   • After these eight Snātras, the Bhagwan is invoked three times using specific mudras (Perameṣṭhi, Garuda, Muktaśukti) and the mantra: "Om Namo Arhat-Parameśvarāya Chaturmukhāya Parameṣṭine Trailokyanatāya Aṣṭadigbhāgakumārī-Paripūjitāya Devendramahitāya Devādhidevāya Divyaśarīrāya (Trailokyamahitāya) Bhagavantō’rhantah Shri (Rishabhadevadi) Svāminaḥ Atra Āgacchantu Āgacchantu Svāhā."

9. Pan̄cagavya athavā Pan̄cāmṛta Snātra (Five Cow Products or Five Nectars): Bathed with water mixed with Panchamrita (five nectars).

10. Sugandhauṣadhi Snātra (Fragrant Herbs): Bathed with water mixed with powder of seventeen fragrant herbs: Ambar, Valo, Uplot, Kuṣṭha, Devadar, Muramansi, Vas, Chandan, Agar, Kasturi, Karpur, Elachi, Laving, Jayphal, Javintri, Gorochan, Kesar.

11. Puṣpa Snātra (Flowers): Bathed with water mixed with five types of flowers: Sevantra, Chameli, Mogara, Gulab, Jui.

12. Gandha Snātra (Fragrance): Bathed with water mixed with ground substances: Kesar, Kapoor, Kasturi, Agar, Chandan.

13. Vās Snātra (Fragrant Substance): Bathed with water mixed with powder of Chandan, Kesar, and Kapoor.

14. Chandan-Dugdha Snātra (Sandalwood-Milk): Bathed with water mixed with milk and sandalwood.

15. Kesar-Sakar Snātra (Saffron-Sugar): Bathed with water mixed with saffron and sugar.

    • After the fifteen Snātras, a special ritual of Chandradarshan (moon viewing) and Suryadarshan (sun viewing) is performed, especially during Anjanshalaka ceremonies. For general Adhar Abhishek, it is done as convenient. If actual dreams are not available, a mirror is shown. Specific mantras are recited for Chandradarshan and Suryadarshan by married women.

16. Tīrthodak Snātra (Sacred Water): Bathed with water from 108 Tirthas (pilgrimage sites).

17. Karpūr Snātra (Camphor): Bathed with water mixed with camphor.

18. Kesar-Chandan-Pushya Snātra (Saffron-Sandalwood-Flowers): Bathed with water mixed with saffron, sandalwood, and flowers.

    • After this, Tilak is applied, and a Pushpanjali (flower offering) is made while reciting a specific verse and mantra.

Finally, the idol is bathed with pure water, cleansed with an "angaluchana" (body cloth), and then the Ashtaprakari Puja, Chaityavandan, Aarti-Mangaldivo, and Rojantikalash are performed.

The document also acknowledges individuals who have sponsored the publication of this booklet and "Bhaktamar Mahapujan" booklet for Rs. 1,111, listing 24 names and their associated events or inspirations. It concludes with a message from the editor/publisher Sanjaybhai Pipewala, expressing the hope that this book will enable pure rituals of Abhishek, leading all souls to become pure and attain liberation in nearby future births.