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Aradhanasar

Added to library: September 1, 2025

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First page of Aradhanasar

Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Aradhanasar" based on the provided information.

Book Title: Aradhanasar (The Essence of Devotion/Worship) Author(s): Devsen Acharya, Ratnakirtidev (Sanskrit Commentator), Suparshvamati Mataji (Hindi Translator and Commentator) Publisher: Digambar Jain Madhyalok Shodh Sansthan, Sammed Shikhar Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/090057/1

Overview:

"Aradhanasar" is a spiritual text composed in Prakrit by Acharya Devsen. It contains 115 verses (Gathas) that encapsulate the essence of four types of devotion or worship (Aradhana): Darshan-aradhana (devotion through right perception), Gyan-aradhana (devotion through right knowledge), Charitra-aradhana (devotion through right conduct), and Tapa-aradhana (devotion through ascetic practices). The text further elaborates on the concept of 'Shravak-samadhi' (the state of equanimity for a lay follower) and 'Sallékhana' (the practice of gradual fasting and spiritual preparation for death).

Key Themes and Concepts:

  1. Chaturvidha Aradhana (Four Types of Devotion): The core of the text revolves around these four fundamental practices for spiritual progress in Jainism.

    • Darshan-aradhana: Cultivating right faith and perception.
    • Gyan-aradhana: Acquiring right knowledge about the nature of reality.
    • Charitra-aradhana: Practicing right conduct and ethical living.
    • Tapa-aradhana: Engaging in ascetic practices for purification. The text notes that Tapa-aradhana is often considered integral to Charitra-aradhana or as a means to purify conduct.

  2. Twofold Nature of Aradhana: The text distinguishes between two aspects of Aradhana:

    • Vyavahar Aradhana (Conventional/Instrumental Devotion): This refers to the outward practices of Darshan, Gyan, Charitra, and Tap. It is considered the means or cause.
    • Nischay Aradhana (Ultimate/Essential Devotion): This refers to the inner absorption in the pure soul, detachment from worldly pleasures, and the state of equanimity. It is considered the result or effect. The text emphasizes that Nischay Aradhana is the ultimate goal.

  3. The Purpose of Aradhana: The ultimate aim of Aradhana is to attain the pure soul, to achieve liberation from the cycle of birth and death (Samsara), and to reach the state of eternal bliss and omniscience (Moksha).

  4. The Ideal Aspirant (Aradhak): Acharya Devsen describes the qualities of an ideal aspirant, particularly in the context of Sallékhana. This includes being worthy (Arha), renouncing attachments (Sangatyag), weakening passions (Kashaya Sallékhana), conquering hardships (Parishahajaya), enduring difficulties (Upsarga Sahana), controlling senses (Indriya Vijaya), and conquering the mind (Manovijaya).

  5. Sallékhana (Samadhi-maran): The text provides a detailed explanation of Sallékhana, classifying it into three types: Prayopagamana, Ingini, and Bhakta-pratyakhyana. It outlines 40 specific principles or steps related to the practice, emphasizing the importance of internal purity, detachment, and equanimity in the face of death. The initial chapters of the Hindi commentary by Mataji also highlight the nature of Chaturvidha Aradhana and the concept of Sallékhana based on the 'Bhagavati Aradhana'.

  6. The Role of Acharya Devsen and Commentators:

    • Acharya Devsen: The original author, known for his scholarly works in Prakrit, including 'Bhavasangraha', 'Darshansar', 'Tattvasar', 'Nayachakra', and 'Alap Paddhati'. His time is estimated between the 9th and 10th centuries CE.
    1. Pandita Acharya Ratnakirtidev: The Sanskrit commentator, whose commentary clarifies the Prakrit verses and provides valuable context.
    2. Ganini Arya 105 Shri Suparshvamati Mataji: The Hindi translator and commentator, who provides a detailed explanation of the text, elaborating on concepts and narratives. Her commentary is noted for clarifying complex points and expanding on the stories mentioned.

Structure and Content of the Edition:

  • The presented edition is a first edition published in December 2002, with 1000 copies.
  • It features the original Prakrit Gathas, their Sanskrit "shadow" or translation, and the Sanskrit commentary by Ratnakirtidev on each page.
  • The remaining half of each page contains the Hindi translation and commentary by Arya Suparshvamati Mataji.
  • The Hindi commentary is based on the Sanskrit commentary, elaborating on the meaning and context.
  • The introductory sections by Dr. Pramila Jain provide a detailed overview of the author, commentators, and the book's subject matter.
  • The appendix includes lists of the original Gathas and the verses/shlokas cited in the Sanskrit commentary.

Significance and Purpose:

"Aradhanasar" is a concise yet profound text that serves as a guide for spiritual practice in Jainism. It emphasizes the systematic approach to spiritual development through the fourfold devotion, leading ultimately to self-realization and liberation. The commentary by Arya Suparshvamati Mataji makes this ancient wisdom accessible to a wider audience through its detailed Hindi explanation. The current edition aims to make this important text available to readers, as previous published versions were out of print.

This summary covers the main aspects of the text and its context as presented in the provided information.