Antim Aradhana Vidhi Tatha Sadhu Sadhvi Kaldharm Vidhi

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Antim Aradhana Vidhi tatha Sadhu Sadhvi Kaldharm Vidhi" (Final Devotion Ritual and Ascetic/Ascetic Female Death Ritual), authored by Munishri Deepratnasagar, published by Abhinav Shrut Prakashan:

This book is a detailed guide outlining the prescribed rituals and procedures for Jain ascetics (Sadhus and Sadhvis) during their final moments and after their passing (Kaldharm). It emphasizes the importance of maintaining composure, devotion, and adherence to Jain principles even at the end of life.

Key Sections and Concepts:

• Invocation and Dedication: The book begins with invocations to Lord Neminath, signifying the importance of spiritual guidance. It also acknowledges patrons and benefactors who supported its publication.

• Praise for Samadhi Maran (Peaceful Death): A significant portion of the initial pages consists of devotional verses (stutis) composed by Muni Shri Sudharmasagarji, praising Lord Neminath and elaborating on the ten aspects of achieving a peaceful and spiritually beneficial death (Samadhi Maran). These verses highlight seeking the Lord's grace for a virtuous end, confessing past transgressions, upholding vows, seeking forgiveness, renouncing worldly attachments, and embracing the four refuges (Arhant, Siddha, Sadhu, Dharma).

• Antim Aradhana Vidhi (Final Devotion Ritual for Ascetics): This section details a specific ritual to be performed for an ailing or critically ill Sadhu or Sadhvi, particularly when they are conscious. The ritual involves:

  • Application of Sacred Paste: The Guru sprinkles a sacred paste on the forehead of the afflicted ascetic.
  • Chaityavandan (Temple Salutation): The Sadhu/Sadhvi, along with the Chaturvidh Sangha (fourfold Jain community), performs Chaityavandan before a Jina idol, offering prayers and hymns.
  • Kausarg (Meditative Posture): A series of Kausarg practices are prescribed, including:
    • Shantinath Kausarg: For peace and tranquility.
    • Shasan Devta Kausarg: For the protection and grace of the guardian deities of Jainism.
    • Kshetra Devta Kausarg: For the blessings of the deities of the specific region.
    • Bhavan Devta Kausarg: For the welfare and spiritual progress of all ascetics.
    • Vaiyavachchya (Service) Kausarg: For the well-being of the Sangha and the efficacy of their service.
  • Recitation of Stotras: After the Kausargs, specific hymns like "Namosthanam" and "Ajit Shanti Stava" are recited.
  • Aaradhana Devi Kausarg: A Kausarg dedicated to the Goddess of Devotion is performed.
  • Concluding Rituals: The idol used in the ritual is then respectfully immersed (Visarjan), followed by the "Antsamay ni Aaradhana" (Final Moment Devotion).

• Antsamay ni Aaradhana (Final Moment Devotion): This is a crucial part of the ritual and involves:

  • Atichar Aloncha (Confession of Transgressions): The ascetic is guided to confess any minor transgressions (Atichar) committed throughout their life, either in detail or through specific verses provided in the text. This emphasizes the importance of purification before death. The verses used are from the Jain Agamas, focusing on acknowledging mistakes, seeking forgiveness, and purifying the mind and actions.
  • Khamna (Seeking Forgiveness): The ascetic is instructed to seek forgiveness from the Sangha and all living beings. This includes forgiving others and being forgiven, fostering a sense of universal amity.
  • Samayik and Vrat Renewal: The ascetic is guided to reaffirm their Samayik (periodical religious observance) and their vows. This involves reciting the Panch Namaskara Mantra and specific verses that reaffirm their commitment to right faith (Samyaktva) and the highest principles of Jain conduct.
  • Five Mahavratas and Sixth Vrata: The text details the process of reaffirming the five Mahavratas (non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, chastity, non-possession) and the sixth vow of abstaining from night meals. This is done by reciting the Panch Namaskara Mantra and specific verses for each vow, emphasizing their unwavering adherence and renunciation.
  • Renunciation of Eighteen Pap Sthanak (Sinful Activities): The ascetic is guided to renounce all eighteen types of sinful activities.
  • Anashan (Fasting/Voluntary Cessation of Food): The text discusses the practice of Anashan as a means to attain a virtuous death. It mentions the need for practical considerations if full fasting is not possible.
  • Continuous Recitation of Namaskara Mantra: The continuous recitation of the Panch Namaskara Mantra is emphasized until the end.
  • Remembrance of Virtues: The ascetic is encouraged to remember the virtues of the deceased, reflect on impermanence, and strive for continued spiritual effort.

• Antim Sadhana Vidhi for Shravak-Shravika (Lay Disciples): The book also provides guidance for lay Jains (Shravaks and Shravikas) who are facing their final moments. The ritual for them is similar to that for ascetics but with some adaptations:

  • Seeking Guru's Guidance: Lay disciples are advised to invite their Guru and seek guidance on their final spiritual practices.
  • Simplified Rituals: While the core principles of confession, forgiveness, and reaffirming vows apply, certain practices like "Karemi Bhante" (specific ascetic vows) are omitted.
  • Focus on Vows and Renunciation: Lay disciples are encouraged to confess their Atichars, seek forgiveness, renounce their worldly possessions and attachments, and focus on the principles of Jainism. They are also advised to take on new vows and commitments if possible.
  • Emphasis on Namaskara Mantra: The Namaskara Mantra remains a central focus for their final meditation and remembrance.

• Kaldharm Vidhi (Death Rituals for Ascetics): This extensive section deals with the procedures following the demise of an ascetic:

  • Preparation and Purification: It details the steps to be taken immediately after an ascetic's death, including the removal of the "Sthapanaacharya" (symbolic representation of the Guru) from the vicinity of the deceased.
  • Purification of Belongings: Instructions are given on how to purify the ascetic's belongings, such as clothing and bedding, using Gomutra (cow urine) or purified water.
  • Post-Mortem Rituals: The text outlines the customs related to the deceased's body, including the shaving of hair, cutting of fingertips, tying of limbs, bathing, anointing with sandalwood paste, and dressing the body in new clothes.
  • Procession and Cremation/Burial: Detailed instructions are provided for the procession, including the decoration of the palanquin or bier, the use of incense, the distribution of sweets and money, and the ceremonial procession with musical instruments. It also describes the respectful handling and purification of the cremation site and the final rites, including the disposal of ashes.
  • Post-Funeral Observances: After the cremation or burial, the community is advised to perform purification rituals, engage in devotional practices, listen to sermons on impermanence and virtues, and then observe certain customary rites.
  • Specific Rituals for Ascetics: There are specific details on how to dress the deceased ascetic, including the use of specific garments, belts, and head coverings.
  • Nirvana and Symbolism: The text touches upon symbolic elements like placing specific items (like a ladle with a broken pot) near the deceased, depending on the constellation at the time of death.
  • Community Devotional Practices: It outlines the collective devotional practices the Sangha should undertake, including purification of the premises, inverted devotional practices (Avle Devavandan), and the performance of specific Kausargs and hymns.
  • Essential Items List: A comprehensive list of essential items required for the funeral rites is provided, covering everything from materials for the palanquin to offerings for the poor.

Overall Significance:

"Antim Aradhana Vidhi tatha Sadhu Sadhvi Kaldharm Vidhi" serves as a vital religious manual for the Jain monastic order and its followers. It provides a structured framework for approaching the end of life with spiritual equanimity, performing necessary rites with reverence, and ensuring the continuation of Jain traditions with purity and devotion. The book underscores the Jain emphasis on karma, detachment, spiritual purification, and the ultimate goal of liberation.