Bruhat Pooja Sangraha

This is a comprehensive Jain devotional text titled "Bruhat Pooja Sangraha" (Grand Collection of Worship), compiled by Vichakshanashreeji and published by Gyanchand Lunavat. The book is a collection of various pujas (devotional worship rituals) prescribed in Jainism, aimed at facilitating the spiritual practice of devotees.

Here's a breakdown of its key aspects based on the provided pages:

1. Title and Author:

• Title: Bruhat Pooja Sangraha (वृहत् पूजा-संग्रह) - meaning a comprehensive collection of worship rituals.
• Author/Inspiration: Propagated by "Vishva Prem Pracharika, Jain Kokila, Pravartini Shri Vichakshanashreeji Maharaj Sahab" (विश्व- प्रेम प्रचारिका, जैन कोकिला, प्रार्तिनी श्री विचक्षणश्रीजी महाराज साहब), indicating that the compilation was inspired or guided by her discourses.
• Publisher: Gyanchand Lunavat (ज्ञानचन्द लूनावत).
• Publication Year: Vikram Samvat 2037 (विक्रम संवत् २०३७), which corresponds to 1980 CE.

2. Content - Table of Contents (Anukramanika): The book contains a wide array of pujas, each dedicated to specific deities, principles, or aspects of Jain practice. This demonstrates the richness and diversity of Jain worship. The following are some of the pujas included:

• Snan Pooja Vidhi (स्नान पूजा विधि) and Snan Pooja (स्नान पूजा): Rituals for bathing and worshipping.
• Ashtaprakari Pooja (अष्टप्रकारी पूजा): Worship with eight types of offerings.
• Navapad Badi Pooja (नवपद बड़ी पूजा): Worship of the 'Nine Attributes' (Navapada).
• Satarah Bhedi Pooja (सतरहभेदी पूजा): Worship with seventeen types of rituals.
• Panch Parmeshthi Pooja (पंचपरमेष्ठी पूजा): Worship of the Five Supreme Beings (Arhats, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, Sadhus).
• Veas Sthanak Pooja (वीस स्थानक पूजा): Worship of the Twenty Virtues or Stages.
• Panchkalyanak Pooja (पंच कल्याणक पूजा): Worship related to the five auspicious events in the life of Tirthankaras (Descent, Birth, Renunciation, Enlightenment, Nirvana). The collection includes pujas for Rishabhdev (Adishwar), Shantinath, and Parshvanath.
• Panch Gyan Pooja (पंच ज्ञान पूजा): Worship of the five types of knowledge.
• Rishimandal Pooja (ऋषि मण्डल पूजा): Worship of the council of enlightened beings.
• Barah Vrat Pooja (बारह व्रत पूजा): Worship dedicated to the twelve vows of Jainism.
• Karma Nivaran Pujas (कर्म निवारण पूजा): Pujas specifically aimed at overcoming different types of karma:
  • Jnanavaraniya Karma Nivaran Pooja (ज्ञानावरणीय कर्म निवारण पूजा) - Removing karma obstructing knowledge.
  • Darshanavaraniya Karma Nivaran Pooja (दर्शनावरणीय कर्म निवारण पूजा) - Removing karma obstructing perception.
  • Vedaniya Karma Nivaran Pooja (वेदनीय कर्म निवारण पूजा) - Removing karma related to feelings.
  • Mohaniya Karma Nivaran Pooja (मोहनीय कर्म निवारण पूजा) - Removing karma related to delusion and attachment.
  • Ayushya Karma Nivaran Pooja (आयुष्य कर्म निवारण पूजा) - Removing karma related to lifespan.
  • Naam Karma Nivaran Pooja (नाम कर्म निवारण पूजा) - Removing karma related to the body's characteristics.
  • Gothra Karma Nivaran Pooja (गौत्र कर्म निवारण पूजा) - Removing karma related to lineage or social standing.
  • Antaraya Karma Nivaran Pooja (अन्तराय कर्म निवारण पूजा) - Removing karma obstructing spiritual or material benefits.

3. Introduction (Prastavana): The introduction emphasizes the importance of Jina Pratima (images of the Jinas) in Jain worship, citing scriptures that validate their reverence. It clarifies that while Sadhus (monks) primarily engage in bhava puja (mental worship), Shravakas (householders) are permitted and encouraged to perform dravya puja (worship with material offerings) as well. The introduction highlights the role of devotion (bhakti) in achieving spiritual liberation, stating that mere dry knowledge or rituals without devotion are insufficient. It traces the evolution of puja literature from Prakrit and Sanskrit to local languages like Hindi and Gujarati over the centuries, praising the scholarly and devotional content of these pujas. The compilation itself is a result of the inspiration provided by Shri Vichakshanashreeji.

4. Biography of Shri Vichakshanashreeji Maharaj: The book includes a detailed and respectful biography of Shri Vichakshanashreeji. It recounts her birth, early life, initiation into the Jain monastic order at a very young age, her exceptional qualities like patience, seriousness, intelligence, and profound devotion. It highlights her significant contributions to the Jain community, including spreading Jain teachings, building and renovating temples, establishing institutions, and eradicating social malpractices. Her influence led many young women to dedicate their lives to spirituality. The biography also touches upon her final days, characterized by immense courage, equanimity, and spiritual strength even while suffering from a serious illness, ultimately attaining samadhi (peaceful death).

5. Biographies of other Sadhvis: The text also includes biographical sketches of other revered Sadhvis, such as Arya Shri Pushpashreeji Maharaj, detailing their spiritual journeys and contributions.

6. Detailed Puja Procedures: The latter part of the book provides detailed, step-by-step instructions for various pujas, such as the Snan Pooja Vidhi and the Ashtaprakari Pooja. These instructions cover the preparation of materials, the recitation of mantras, the sequence of actions, and important ethical considerations like purity and non-violence during the ritual.

Overall Significance: "Bruhat Pooja Sangraha" serves as a vital resource for Jain devotees, offering a structured and comprehensive guide to various forms of worship. It reflects the deep philosophical underpinnings of Jainism, emphasizing the integration of knowledge, devotion, and righteous conduct (samya-gjnana-kriya) for spiritual progress and ultimate liberation. The inclusion of biographies of spiritual luminaries like Shri Vichakshanashreeji adds a personal and inspirational dimension to the text.