Atmaramji Maharajnu Puja Sahitya

This document, "Atmaramji Maharajnu Puja Sahitya" by Dr. Kavin Shah, is a comprehensive study of the devotional literature (Puja Sahitya) composed by Acharya Shri Atmaramji Maharaj. The book focuses on the contribution of Atmaramji Maharaj to Jain devotional practices and literature, highlighting his role as a scholar and proponent of Jain teachings in the early 20th century.

Key Aspects of the Summary:

• Atmaramji Maharaj's Significance: The text introduces Acharya Shri Atmaramji Maharaj as a prominent figure of the 20th century, deeply devoted to the study of scriptures (Shrutgyan) and the Jain faith. His life exemplified the principle of "yatha naam tatha guna" (as the name, so the qualities), dedicating his life to the propagation of Jain knowledge. The author notes the current neglect of the path of knowledge and emphasizes the importance of remembering such great souls.

• Jain Sadhus and Devotional Literature: The summary explains that Jain ascetics, in addition to their own spiritual practices (Ratnatrayi), engage in the dissemination of Jain scriptures to lay followers (Shravaks and Shravikas) to foster steadfast faith. Atmaramji Maharaj, like other monks, contributed significantly to Jain literature by authoring eleven scholarly books that delve into Jainism and its philosophy.

• Evolution of Puja Sahitya: The book traces the development of Puja Sahitya, noting its rise in the 18th century as a part of the Bhakti Marg (path of devotion). It mentions earlier works, such as the "Mahavir Janmabhishek Kalash" in Old Apabhramsha in the 13th century, Depal's "Snatra Puja" in the 16th century, and the "Navpad Puja" and "Snatra Puja" by Yashovijayji and Devchandji in the 18th century. Pandit Virvijayji in the 19th century further enriched this literature.

• Atmaramji Maharaj's Specific Contributions: The text highlights Atmaramji Maharaj's valuable contributions to Puja Sahitya, specifically mentioning his compositions of:

  • Snatra Puja (1939 Vikrami): A ritualistic bath performed in imitation of the divine anointing of Tirthankaras at their birth.
  • Sattar Bhedi Puja (1940 Vikrami): A puja with seventeen categories of offerings.
  • Vis Sthanak Puja (1943 Vikrami): A puja dedicated to the twenty places of spiritual significance, linked to the attainment of Tirthankara karma.
  • Ashta Prakari Puja: A puja performed with eight types of offerings (water, sandalwood, flowers, incense, lamp, unbroken rice, food offering, and fruit).
  • Navpad Puja: A puja dedicated to the nine supreme entities in Jainism (Arihant, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyay, Sadhu, Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct, and Austerity).

• Detailed Analysis of Ashta Prakari Puja:

  • Structure: Divided into four sections: Puja, Doha, Dhal (couplets), and Geet Kavya (songs).
  • Themes: Includes a brief mention of the eight offerings and traditional praise of the deity, specifically Shankheshwar Parshvanath.
  • Musicality: Atmaramji Maharaj, being knowledgeable in classical music, incorporated various classical ragas (melodies) like Malkosh, Jai Jai Vanti, Dhanyashri, etc.
  • Praise and Examples: The puja often ends with a "kalash" (dedicatory verse) mentioning the fruit of the puja, guru lineage, year of composition, and place. The text provides examples of illustrative narratives for each offering.
  • Language and Style: The author notes the blend of Hindi in his compositions and his skill in using alliteration (anyanupras).

• Detailed Analysis of Navpad Puja:

  • Purpose: Composed in 1941 Vikrami, it explains the nine foundational elements of Jain worship.
  • Accessibility: Atmaramji Maharaj used popular folk tunes (deshi chaal) to make complex philosophical concepts accessible to the common people.
  • Illustrative Examples: The puja includes references to the stories of Shripal and Mayana's penance to illustrate the benefits of worshipping the Navpads.
  • Spiritual Guidance: It emphasizes the importance of worshipping the Navpads to make human life meaningful and attain spiritual liberation.
  • Philosophical Depth: The puja provides a glimpse into Jain philosophy, serving as an entry point to understanding the path of knowledge. It contrasts with the devotional focus of Ashta Prakari Puja, engaging the intellect more than the heart.

• Detailed Analysis of Vis Sthanak Puja:

  • Significance: This puja is related to the Viss Sthanak Tap, by which one can earn Tirthankara nama-karma. Lord Mahavir himself attained this after practicing this penance.
  • Content: It describes the worship of the Lord with great reverence, dedicating each "pad" (place/entity) to the act of devotion. The twenty places are listed, including Arihant, Siddha, Suri, Sthavir, Pathak Sadhu, Knowledge, Faith, Humility, Conduct, Celibacy, Action, Penance, Charity, Service, Samadhi, New Knowledge, Scripture, and Tirtha.
  • Spiritual Journey: Each pad is presented as a guiding light towards becoming liberated from the cycle of birth and death and realizing the soul's true nature.
  • Integration: It describes the puja as a beautiful synthesis of knowledge and devotion, representing the threefold path of liberation (Ratnatrayi).
  • Musicality and Language: The puja utilizes various deshis (folk tunes) and musical styles, creating a blend of music and poetry. The author highlights the descriptive power and lyrical quality of the verses.
  • Spiritual Realization: The central theme is the attainment of the soul's true nature, with verses encouraging spiritual introspection and connection with the divine.

• Detailed Analysis of Sattar Bhedi Puja:

  • Uniqueness: This puja is noted for its distinctiveness in the variety of devotional themes it explores.
  • Historical Context: It follows the tradition established by Sakalchandra Upadhyayji in the 17th century.
  • Seventeen Offerings: As the name suggests, the puja involves seventeen distinct types of offerings, including bathing, sandalwood, fragrance, flower offerings, garlands, adornment, powders, flags, ornaments, flower houses, flower showers, eight auspicious symbols, incense, song, dance, and musical instruments.
  • Scriptural Basis: The author cites ancient Jain texts like Gnyata Dharma Kathanga and Rayapaseni Upananga as references for the puja.
  • Emotional Appeal: The puja is described as evoking deep devotion and a spiritual immersion, with verses expressing the devotee's longing for divine connection and requests for salvation.
  • Artistic Expression: The text highlights the painterly descriptions, especially in the flag offering (dhwaj puja), and the melodious verses in the song puja (geet puja), which depict celestial beings singing praises of the Lord. The devotional sentiment is compared to the 'premalakshana' (love-bound devotion) of Narsinh Mehta.

• Detailed Analysis of Snatra Puja:

  • Purpose: This puja commemorates the anointment of Tirthankaras at their birth, as performed by the gods on Mount Meru.
  • Themes: It describes the auspicious birth of Lord Mahavir, the fourteen dreams of his mother, the arrival of celestial beings, and their ritualistic bathing of the newborn Tirthankara with fragrant substances and milk.
  • Artistic Merit: The composition is likened to a dramatic play due to its narrative quality.
  • Musicality: It uses various folk tunes and ragas, making it a melodious and devotional experience.
  • Structure: Divided into six sections (dhals), each detailing different aspects of the birth ceremony and the worship.
  • Captivating Verses: The concluding sections, particularly the sixth dhal, showcase the poet's imaginative power and the beauty of his lyrical expression.

• Overall Conclusion: The book concludes by summarizing that Atmaramji Maharaj's Puja Sahitya effectively synthesizes knowledge (Jnana) and devotion (Bhakti). His choice of themes like Snatra Puja, Ashta Prakari Puja, and Sattar Bhedi Puja indicates a strong focus on idol worship. The author speculates that Atmaramji Maharaj may have initially followed the Sthanakavasi tradition before embracing the Shvetambara sect, leading him to study the scriptural basis of idol worship and contribute to this area with dedication. His compositions of Navpad and Vis Sthanak Pujas aimed to simplify the path of knowledge. The skillful use of various folk tunes and classical ragas created a rich blend of poetry, music, and devotion. The author emphasizes that Atmaramji Maharaj's works, despite some technical terminologies making them challenging to fully grasp, are a valuable heritage in Jain poetry and have found a place in the hearts of people as expressions of devotion. The praise of Shankheshwar Parshvanath and the mention of the guru lineage, time, and place of composition follow the tradition of medieval Jain poets. While Sattar Bhedi Puja is deemed more successful as a devotional poem, Navpad and Vis Sthanak Pujas lean more towards knowledge, challenging the intellect. Ultimately, Atmaramji Maharaj's Puja Sahitya serves as a testament to his profound understanding of Jain philosophy and his devotion, enriching the Jain literary tradition.