Bhairav Padmavati Kalp

This document is the second edition of "Bhairav Padmavati Kalp" by Mallishenacharya, with a Hindi translation and commentary by Pt. Chandrashekhar Shastri. It was published by Mulchand Kisandas Kapadia. The book focuses on the worship and rituals related to Goddess Padmavati, a prominent Yakshi in Jainism, particularly associated with the Tirthankara Parshvanatha.

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Introduction and Publisher's Note:

• Significance: The publisher highlights the importance of mantra shastra (science of incantations) in Jain scriptures, mentioning works like "Bhairav Padmavati Kalp," "Jwalamalini Kalp," "Ambika Kalp," and "Chakreshwari Kalp." They note that these texts were not previously widely available, especially with commentaries.
• Discovery and Compilation: The publisher recounts how Pandit Chandrashekhar Shastri, a scholar of poetry, literature, and ancient studies, discovered and compiled these texts. He collaborated with the publisher, Mulchand Kisandas Kapadia, to bring them to light.
• Challenges and Concerns: The publisher admits that during the printing process, they discovered some rituals and practices described in the mantra shastra that seemed impure or even violent. This caused hesitation, and the printing was halted for several years. After consulting with various scholars, they decided to publish it, with a clear disclaimer that users should exercise discretion and understanding when performing the rituals, as some mantra shastras do contain such elements.
• Additional Content: Along with the main text, the book includes the "Padmavati Sahasranam" (Thousand Names of Padmavati), "Padmavati Stotra" (hymn), "Padmavati Kavach Stotra" (protective hymn), "Padmavati Dandaak Stotra" (a specific type of hymn), "Padmavati Puja" (worship ritual), and "Padmavati Chhand" (poetic verses).
• Visuals: The book includes an ancient image of Goddess Padmavati, found through research, which showcases the rich iconography of the goddess in South Indian Jain temples.
• Second Edition: The second edition is a reprint due to the demand for the first edition. It includes corrections of errors from the first edition, with diagrams (yantras) placed alongside the relevant verses. It also mentions the passing of the translator, Pt. Chandrashekhar Shastri, and expresses the publisher's intention to publish other Kalpa texts.

Translator's Preface (Pandit Chandrashekhar Shastri):

• Ancient Origins: The translator emphasizes that mantra shastra is as old as the twelve Angas of Jain scripture. The Namokar Mantra itself is considered a mantra with profound benefits.
• Jain Mantras vs. Vedic Mantras: The text contrasts Jain mantras with Vedic ones, stating that while Vedic mantras might be considered "sealed" or less effective in the current era, Jain mantras can be Siddha (accomplished) easily.
• Decline of Knowledge: It's explained that after the Nirvana of the last Tirthankara, the knowledge of the twelve Angas and the subsequent Puranas gradually declined. However, the knowledge of "Vidyanuvaad" (related to yantras, mantras, and tantras) persisted for a longer time.
• "Vidyanushasan": The text clarifies that what is currently found in Jaipur and Ajmer as "Vidyanuvasd Purana" is actually a compilation of contemporary mantras, named "Vidyanushasan" by Muni Sukumarasen.
• Mallishenacharya's Works: The translator identifies Mallishenacharya as the author of "Bhairav Padmavati Kalp." He also lists other works attributed to Mallishenacharya, including "Mahapurana," "Nagakumar Charitra," "Jwalamalini Kalp," "Saraswati Mantra Kalp," and "Balmini Kalp."
• Attribution of Jwalamalini Kalp: The text clarifies that the "Jwalamalini Kalp" mentioned is different from another one authored by Indranandi Acharya.
• Mallishenacharya's Time: Based on his works, Mallishenacharya is placed in the late 11th or early 12th century CE. The text mentions his completion of the "Mahapurana" in the city of Mudugund.
• Foundation of Mantra Shastras: Mantra shastras are stated to be based on "Beejkosh" (repository of seed syllables) and "Mantra Vyakarana" (grammar of mantras). The translator mentions his own work in creating these based on comparative studies.
• Internal Examination of the Text: The "Bhairav Padmavati Kalp" is described as being composed of around 400 verses divided into ten chapters: Mantri Lakshana (characteristics of the practitioner), Sakalikaran Kriya (purification rituals), Devyupasana Vidhi (worship of the Goddess), Dwadash Ranjika Yantra Vidhan (diagrams of twelve types of yantras), Stambhan Yantra (diagrams for paralysis/stoppage), Stri Akarshan Yantra (diagrams for attracting women), Vasya Yantra (diagrams for subjugation), Nimittadhikara (omens and divinations), Tantradhikara (tantric practices), and Garudadhikara (mantras related to Garuda and serpents).
• The Cautionary Note: The translator reiterates the publisher's concern about the use of impure substances like blood and bones in some rituals, stating that while the text doesn't describe violence, the mention of contact with impure substances is explicit. He asserts that contact with impure substances does not invalidate a tantra and that practitioners are not obligated to perform all rituals.
• Personal Experience: The translator mentions completing the Hindi commentary in 1927 and submitting it for publication in 1928, leading to the initial halt in printing. He expresses hope for its wider dissemination.

Table of Contents (Vishay Suchi):

This detailed table of contents outlines the structure of the book, listing the ten chapters and the specific topics covered within each, along with the associated shlokas (verses) and pages. It provides a comprehensive overview of the rituals, yantras, and practices described.

First Chapter: Mantri (Practitioner) Lakshana:

• This chapter describes the ideal qualities of a practitioner who wishes to perform these rituals successfully. These include self-control, absence of anger, purity, devotion to Jain Tirthankaras, skill in mantra recitation, seriousness, adherence to gurus, limited diet, and the subjugation of senses and passions.

Second Chapter: Sakalikaran Kriya (Purification Rituals):

• This chapter details various purification and protective rituals, including Nyasa (placement of divine syllables on the body), Diksbandhan (binding of directions), and the visualization of protective circles and water. It emphasizes the importance of these practices before commencing any ritual.

Third Chapter: Devyupasana Vidhi (Worship of the Goddess):

• This chapter focuses on the worship of Goddess Padmavati, including methods for chanting mantras, general procedures for mantra sadhana, specific rituals for invoking and appeasing the Goddess, and various mantras (root, six-syllable, etc.). It also includes rituals for invoking other deities like Parshvanatha's Yaksha.

Fourth Chapter: Dwadash Ranjika Yantra Vidhan (Twelve Yantras for Attraction and Subjugation):

• This chapter introduces twelve specific yantras (diagrams) designed for various purposes related to attraction and influence, such as Mohana (enchantment), Akarshana (attraction), Prathibandha (obstruction), Vidveshana (creating enmity), Ucchatan (driving away), and Vasikaran (subjugation).

Fifth Chapter: Stambhan Yantra (Yantras for Stoppage/Paralysis):

• This chapter details yantras for stopping or paralyzing various elements, including fire, speech, water, scales, serpents, birds, anger, armies, and even divine objects.

Sixth Chapter: Stri Akarshan Yantra (Yantras for Attracting Women):

• This chapter provides detailed instructions and yantras for attracting women, including specific diagrams for various levels of attraction, and the materials and rituals required for their creation and use.

Seventh Chapter: Vasya Yantra (Yantras for Subjugation):

• This chapter presents yantras for achieving subjugation and control over others, including remedies for fevers, general subjugation, and also includes a mantra for inducing sleep and the process for achieving success with the "Randrayakshini."

Eighth Chapter: Nimittadhikara (Omens and Divinations):

• This chapter covers methods for foretelling future events and understanding omens through practices like mirror divination (Darpan Nimitta), thumb divination (Angushtha Nimitta), and lamp divination (Deepak Nimitta). It also includes practices for determining the sex of an unborn child and predicting death.

Ninth Chapter: Tantradhikara (Tantric Practices):

• This chapter delves into various tantric practices, including the preparation of tilak (forehead marks) for enchantment, powders for subjugation, yantras for attracting and controlling women, methods for causing fear in enemies, making oneself invisible, and enhancing virility. It also includes rituals for causing illness and death to enemies, as well as methods for protection against various influences.

Tenth Chapter: Garudadhikara (Mantras related to Garuda and Serpents):

• This chapter focuses on the powerful mantras and rituals associated with Garuda and serpents, including methods for identifying the condition of a snakebite victim, performing anganyasa (placement of divine syllables on the body), offering protection, stopping movements, neutralizing poisons, and even controlling serpents. It describes the types of serpents and their poisons and provides detailed rituals for dealing with snake venom.

Padmavati Sahasranam Stotram (Thousand Names of Padmavati):

• This section lists the thousand names of Goddess Padmavati, categorised into several sets (e.g., Padmavati Shatam, Mahajyoti Shatam, Jinmata Shatam, Vajrahasta Shatam, Kamada Shatam, Saraswati Shatam, Bhuvaneshwari Shatam, Lilavati Shatam, Trinetra Shatam, Chakreshwari Shatam). Each name is a descriptor of the Goddess, highlighting her various aspects and powers.

Overall:

"Bhairav Padmavati Kalp" is a significant work in Jain tantric literature. It provides a detailed guide to rituals, mantras, and yantras for invoking and propitiating Goddess Padmavati and achieving various worldly and spiritual goals. The book also includes a translation and commentary, making it accessible to a wider audience. However, the presence of certain potentially controversial practices necessitates a note of caution and responsible engagement from the reader.