Anantnath Charitra Dudhrutam Pujashtakam

This Jain text, "Anantnath Charitra Dudhrutam Pujashtakam" by Nemichandrasuri, is a collection of eight hymns (Pujashtakam) extracted from the life story of Lord Anantnath. The text was compiled by Acharya Vijaykshamabhadra Suri and published in Vikram Samvat 1997 (2466 Veer Samvat / 1940 AD).

The core of the text is an exposition of the significance and benefits of performing worship (puja) to Jinas (Jain Tirthankaras) using eight specific offerings. The author elaborates on each offering, explaining its spiritual merit and the auspicious results it yields.

Here's a breakdown of the content:

• The Eight Offerings (Pujas): The text details the puja using:

  1. Flowers (Kusum Puja): Illustrated with the story of Kusum Shekhara, who achieved great prosperity through flower worship.
  2. Unbroken Rice (Akshata Puja): Narrated through the story of Akshata Kirti, highlighting the power of unbroken rice in gaining merit.
  3. Fruits (Phala Puja): Presented with the tale of Phala Sara, emphasizing the rewards of offering fruits.
  4. Water (Jala Puja): Told through the story of Jala Sara, detailing how water offerings purify the soul.
  5. Fragrant Substances/Incense (Gandha/Dhoopa Puja): Illustrated by the story of Gandhabandhura (or Dhoop Sundar), explaining the benefits of using fragrant materials.
  6. Lamp (Deepa Puja): Narrated through the story of Bhuvanapradeepa, highlighting the enlightenment gained from lamp offerings.
  7. Food Offerings (Naivedya Puja): Presented with the story of Bhuvanapramoda, demonstrating the spiritual merit of food offerings.
  8. Fragrant Substances (Vasa/Gandha): (While listed as an offering, the text seems to consolidate fragrance under 'Gandha' or 'Dhoopa' and the specific eighth offering seems to be more about the overall fragrance and its spiritual implications, as seen in the story of Gandhabandhura again.)

• The Narratives (Charitras): Each puja is accompanied by a story (Katha) from the lives of celestial beings, kings, or noble individuals. These stories serve as exemplary tales demonstrating the spiritual and material benefits derived from performing the respective pujas with devotion. The stories often involve karma, rebirth, and the attainment of heavenly pleasures or liberation.

• Underlying Philosophy: The text strongly emphasizes the Jain principles of karma and its fruits. It illustrates how sincere devotion and adherence to prescribed rituals, even with simple offerings, can lead to immense positive outcomes. The stories highlight the importance of right faith (Samyak Darshan), right knowledge (Samyak Gyan), and right conduct (Samyak Charitra), with puja being a key aspect of right conduct.

• Lord Anantnath: The hymns are specifically dedicated to Lord Anantnath, the 14th Tirthankara, emphasizing his virtues and the auspiciousness associated with his worship.

In essence, "Anantnath Charitra Dudhrutam Pujashtakam" is a devotional text that uses engaging narratives to teach the profound significance of performing the eight types of puja to Jain Tirthankaras, illustrating how such practices lead to spiritual advancement and the fulfillment of desires, ultimately paving the path to liberation.