Adhar Abhishek Vidhi - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Adhar Abhishek Vidhi" by Arvindsagar, based on the provided pages:

The book "Adhar Abhishek Vidhi" (also referred to as "Shri Adhar Abhishek Vidhi") is a Jain ritual text detailing a specific consecration and purification ceremony involving eighteen different types of ablutions (snan) performed on sacred images (bimba) of Tirthankaras or other revered deities. The text is compiled by Muni Shri Arvind Sagarji, disciple of Pt. Arunoday Sagarji, who is a disciple of Acharya Shri Padmasagarsurishwarji. The publisher is Shah Sanjaybhai Somabhai Pipewala.

Purpose and Significance of Adhar Abhishek Vidhi:

Purification and Restoration: The primary purpose of this ritual is to purify and restore the sanctity of Jina images. It is performed when images are moved, have undergone repairs or relacquering, have been inaccessible for a period, or if any unintentional disrespect (ashatana) has occurred. The ritual aims to remove impurities and enhance purity, creating a special radiance and attraction in the images.
Spiritual Merit: The practice is considered highly beneficial for both the performer and the observer, contributing to the auspiciousness of the Jain tradition and aiding spiritual progress.
Traditional Basis: The ritual's methodology is based on ancient Jain scriptures like "Achar Dinkar," "Nirvan Kalika," and "Kalyan Kalika."

Materials Required (Abridged List from Page 3-4):

The text lists an extensive array of materials needed for the ritual, categorized for clarity. These include:

Offerings: Coconuts, betel nuts, almonds, grains, sweets (burfi-sugar), ghee, dried fruits, fresh fruits, flowers (roses, hibiscus, etc.), incense, lamps, decorative items (colored threads, auspicious symbols), cloth (silk, cotton), money (coins, notes).
Ablution Ingredients: Various powders and mixtures for the eighteen snans, including gold and silver leaf, jewel powders, medicinal herbs, special clays, fruit decoctions, and fragrant substances.
Ritual Utensils: Pots (kalash), plates, bowls, ghee lamps, artistic lamps, incense burners, trays, spatulas, fans, bells, mirrors, etc.
Other: Pure water, camphor, saffron, perfumes, different types of oils, and essential medicinal powders.

The Eighteen Ablutions (Snans):

The core of the text describes eighteen distinct ablutions, each using a specific mixture and accompanied by relevant verses and mantras. The materials for each snan are detailed:

Hiranyodak Snan (Golden Water Ablution): Water mixed with gold powder or leaf.
Panchratna Churna Snan (Five Jewel Powder Ablution): Water mixed with powders of pearl, gold, silver, coral, and copper.
Kashaya Churna Snan (Decoction Powder Ablution): Water mixed with decoctions of various barks and plants (e.g., peepal, banyan, ashoka).
Mangala Mrittika Snan (Auspicious Earth Ablution): Water mixed with powders of eight types of auspicious earths (e.g., from mountains, rivers, holy places).
Sadaushadhi Snan (Medicinal Herbs Ablution): Water mixed with powders of numerous beneficial medicinal herbs.
Prathama Ashtakavarga Snan (First Ashtakavarga Ablution): Water mixed with powders of the first set of eight medicinal ingredients.
Dwitiya Ashtakavarga Snan (Second Ashtakavarga Ablution): Water mixed with powders of the second set of eight medicinal ingredients.
Sarvaushadhi Snan (All Herbs Ablution): Water mixed with powders of a comprehensive list of thirty-three aromatic and medicinal herbs.
Panchagavya or Panchamrita Snan (Five Cow Products or Five Nectars Ablution): Water mixed with milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar.
Sugandhauṣadhi Snan (Fragrant Herbs Ablution): Water mixed with powders of various fragrant herbs and substances.
Pushpa Snan (Flower Ablution): Water mixed with powders or essences of five types of flowers.
Gandha Snan (Fragrance Ablution): Water mixed with pastes or powders of fragrant substances like saffron, camphor, musk, agar, and sandalwood.
Vasa Snan (Aromatic Paste Ablution): Water mixed with aromatic pastes, typically sandalwood, saffron, and camphor.
Chandana Dugdha Snan (Sandalwood Milk Ablution): Water mixed with milk and sandalwood paste.
Keshaar-Shakkar Snan (Saffron Sugar Ablution): Water mixed with saffron and sugar.
- Special Ritual after Snan 15: This section details a specific ritual involving Chandra Darshan (Moon Viewing) and Surya Darshan (Sun Viewing), particularly performed during the Anjanshalaka ceremony. If actual dreams or visions are not present, a mirror is used. Mantras are provided for invoking the blessings of the moon and sun for prosperity and well-being.
Tirthodaka Snan (Holy Water Ablution): Water collected from 108 holy places.
Karpur Snan (Camphor Ablution): Water mixed with camphor.
Keshaar-Chandana-Pushya Snan (Saffron-Sandalwood-Flower Ablution): Water mixed with saffron, sandalwood paste, and flowers.

Ritual Execution:

Preparation: All materials are to be meticulously prepared and consecrated by a Guru or qualified ritual officiator (vidhikarak).
Invocation and Protection: The ceremony begins with the collective chanting of prayers and stotras, including the "Vajrapanjar Stotra" for self-protection before starting the main ablutions.
Ablution Process: For each of the eighteen snans, pure water is placed in pots, mixed with the prescribed ingredients, and then poured over the deity image while chanting specific verses and mantras. This is followed by applying tilak (forehead mark), flowers, and performing aarti and other worship.
Post-Ablution Rituals: After all eighteen ablutions are completed, the deity is cleaned with pure water, dried, and then offered eight types of worship (Ashta Prakari Puja), Chaityavandan, Aarti, Mangaldeep, and other concluding rituals.
Emphasis on Purity: The text stresses the importance of performing the ritual with utmost purity, proper intention, and adherence to the correct procedures to achieve the desired purification and spiritual benefits. It warns against superficial performance, which can lead to negative outcomes.

The book concludes with acknowledgments of individuals who sponsored or supported the publication of the "Adhar Abhishek Vidhi" and other related ritual books. The overall intent is to facilitate the correct performance of this significant Jain ritual for the benefit of all beings and the propagation of the Jain faith.