Bhairava Padmavati Kalpa - Book Summary

This document is a summary of the Jain text "Bhairava Padmavati Kalpa" (श्री भैरव पद्मावती कल्पः), compiled and annotated by Mallishenacharya and Shantikumar Gangwal, published by the Digambar Jain Kunthu Vijay Granthamala Samiti. The provided text includes pages from the book, featuring introductions, commentaries, and chapters detailing various aspects of the "Bhairava Padmavati Kalpa."

Here's a comprehensive summary in English, broken down by the key components and themes presented in the pages:

Overall Purpose and Context:

Subject Matter: The text is a manual of mantra, tantra, and yantra practices, specifically focused on the deity Padmavati, a Yakshini associated with the Jain Tirthankara Parshvanatha. It aims to preserve and explain these esoteric aspects of Jainism, which are considered part of the ancient Jain Agama (scriptures).
Commentary: The primary commentary is by Paramapujya Shri 108 Ganadharacharya Kunthusagarji Maharaj, who provided a Hindi translation and explanation titled "Vijaya Teeka" (विजया टीका). His extensive introduction emphasizes the importance of preserving Jain scriptures, lamenting the decline in adherence to scriptural principles in the current era, and advocating for the acceptance of these practices as a legitimate part of Jainism, despite criticism.
Publisher: The Digambar Jain Kunthu Vijay Granthamala Samiti is dedicated to publishing Jain religious and philosophical works.

Key Themes and Content:

Introduction by the Commentator (Kunthusagarji Maharaj):
- Preservation of Agama: He stresses the critical need to protect the Jain scriptures (Agama), which are gradually deteriorating due to neglect and misinterpretation.
- Modern Decline: He observes a degradation in people's behavior and adherence to scriptural teachings, with many prioritizing their own opinions over established Jain principles.
- Defense of Mantra Shastras: He strongly defends the inclusion of mantra, tantra, and yantra in Jain scriptures, citing the "Vidyanuvada Purva" (विद्यानुवाद पूर्व) which describes numerous vidyas (powers) and their applications. He clarifies that he is a compiler and not the author of these texts, and that such practices have been documented by earlier Jain Acharyas (e.g., Mallishenacharya, Indranandi).
- Analogy of the Well-Digger: He uses an analogy of a well-digger to explain that the intent of creating a well (or, in this case, a mantra text) is not for people to fall into it and die, but for beneficial use. If an unwise person misuses it, the creator is not at fault.
- Positive and Negative Aspects: He acknowledges that mantra texts, like any knowledge, have both beneficial and potentially harmful applications, but argues that the majority of mantras are beneficial and life-enhancing. He criticizes those who focus only on the negative aspects.
- Call for Acceptance: He urges scholars and the community to either provide better preservation methods for these texts or accept his compilations. He expresses his intention to continue working on other mantra scriptures.
- Personal Faith and Fearlessness: He states his lack of fear regarding criticism and his commitment to his spiritual path.
Preface (Prastavana - प्रस्तावना):
- Meaning of Bhairava and Padmavati: Explains "Bhairava" as the resonant, all-pervading sound (Ananta Akash) and "Padmavati" referring to lotus-like energy centers (Koshas) within the human body, drawing parallels with yoga, tantra, and kundalini practices.
- Tantra, Mantra, Yantra: Defines these terms in a context that aligns with their beneficial effects on the body and mind, leading to spiritual liberation. "Tantra" nourishes the body, "Mantra" elevates the mind, and "Yantra" guides towards goals.
- Jain Scriptural Resources: Mentions the vast, unpublished material on these topics within Jain scriptural repositories, including "Vidyanuvada Purva," "Chakreshwari Kalpa," "Jvalamalini Kalpa," and others in both Shvetambara and Digambara traditions.
- Scientific and Esoteric Connections: Draws parallels between the effects of celestial bodies (moon phases), natural phenomena, and ancient Indian sciences (like Ayurveda, Jyotisha) with mantra and tantra powers, suggesting that modern science is beginning to validate some of these ancient principles.
- Rejection of Criticism: Addresses critics who fault mantra literature for impurities, arguing that purity is often relative to time, place, and context, and that many ancient practices (even involving animal products) have been scientifically validated for healing purposes.
Structure of the "Bhairava Padmavati Kalpa":
- The book is organized into ten chapters (Adhikaras - अधिकार):
  1. Mantra Lakshanaadhikara (मंत्र लक्षणाधिकारः - Characteristics of Mantras/Mantra Sadhaks)
  2. Sakalikaran Parichchhed (सकलीकरण परिच्छेदः - Purification/Protection Rituals)
  3. Devyarchana Kram Parichchhed (देव्यर्चना क्रम परिच्छेदः - Worship Rituals of the Goddess)
  4. Dvadasha Ranjika Mantrauddhara Parichchhed (द्वादश रञ्जिका मन्त्रोद्धार परिच्छेदः - Details of Twelve Enchanting Mantras)
  5. Krodhadi Stambhana Yantra Parichchhed (क्रोधादिस्तम्भन यंत्र परिच्छेदः - Yantras for Subduing Anger, etc.)
  6. Anganakarsana Parichchhed (अङ्गनाकर्षण परिच्छेदः - Attraction of Women)
  7. Vashikarana Yantra Parichchhed (वशीकरण यंत्र परिच्छेदः - Yantras for Subjugation/Control)
  8. Darpanaadi Nimitta Parichchhed (दर्पणादि निमित्त परिच्छेदः - Divination using Mirrors, etc.)
  9. Syadivashyoushadha Parichchhed (स्यादि वश्यौषध परिच्छेदः - Herbs and Remedies for Control)
  10. Garuda Tantraadhikara (गारुड तन्त्राधिकारः - Garuda Tantra Practices, likely for snakebite/poison)
Key Rituals and Practices Detailed (Examples from Chapters):
- Mantra Sadhak Qualifications: Emphasis on purity, discipline, devotion to Jain Tirthankaras and Gurus, control over senses and emotions, and non-violence.
- Protection Rituals (Sakalikaran): Includes practices like Anga Nyas (आङ्ग न्यास - placing divine syllables on body parts), Disha Bandhana (दिशा बन्धन - sealing directions), and visualization of protective fortresses and moats.
- Deity Worship: Describes the invocation, installation, worship, and dismissal of the deity Padmavati, including specific mantras and offerings.
- Yantra Creation: Detailed instructions for drawing complex geometric diagrams (yantras) for various purposes, often involving specific colors, materials, and directional orientations.
- Six Karmas (Shadkarma): Explains procedures related to Shantika (peace), Poustika (nourishment), Vashikarana (subjugation), Akarshana (attraction), Vidveshana (creating enmity), Ucchattana (driving away), and Stambhana (immobilization/blocking).
- Divination (Nimitta): Methods using mirrors, oil, and other reflective surfaces to gain knowledge.
- Herbal and Alchemical Practices: Descriptions of using specific herbs, minerals, and animal products (sometimes controversially, according to modern ethical standards) for various effects.
- Garuda Tantra: Practices related to counteracting snake venom and other poisons.
Editorial and Publishing Notes:
- Acknowledgements: Thanks are extended to various donors and contributors who supported the publication.
- Praise for the Commentator: Kunthusagarji Maharaj is highly lauded for his immense effort in translating and commenting on this complex text, especially considering his large monastic community (Sangh) and spiritual activities.
- Appreciation for Other Contributors: Gratitude is expressed to Professor Akshaykumar Jain for writing the preface and to the artist for designing the yantras.

Critique and Defense of Mantra Practices:

The commentator (Kunthusagarji) dedicates a significant portion of his introduction and commentary to preemptively address potential criticism. He argues that these practices are integral to Jain scriptures and that their misuse does not invalidate their existence or potential benefits. He contrasts the spiritual goal of these practices with their misuse, much like how a knife can be used for cooking or for violence. He emphasizes that the current era's lack of faith is the root of skepticism towards these ancient arts.

In essence, the "Bhairava Padmavati Kalpa" as presented is a detailed guide to specific spiritual and ritualistic practices within Jainism, believed to harness the powers of mantras, tantras, and yantras for various purposes, under the guidance of the commentary provided by a respected contemporary Jain monk. The text champions these practices as a legitimate, albeit sometimes misunderstood, aspect of the Jain tradition, emphasizing their scriptural basis and potential for both spiritual and worldly benefits when practiced correctly and with the right intentions.