Chaityavandan Bhashya Prashnottari

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Chaityavandan Bhashya Prashnottari" by Sadhvi Vignanjanashreeji, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Chaityavandan Bhashya Prashnottari Author: Sadhvi Vignanjanashreeji Publisher: Jinkantisagarsuri Smarak Trust Publication Year: 2013

This book is a question-and-answer (Prashnottari) commentary on the "Chaityavandan Bhashya," a significant Jain text. It aims to comprehensively address all queries related to Chaityavandan (veneration of Jain temples and idols).

Key Themes and Content Summary:

The book is structured as a detailed exploration of Chaityavandan, covering its theological basis, practical procedures, and philosophical underpinnings within Jainism. It does so by answering a series of questions, providing thorough explanations based on ancient Jain scriptures (Agamas) and commentaries.

Core Concepts Covered:

• The Significance of Chaityavandan: The text emphasizes that venerating Jin idols and the Jin Vani (scriptures) are crucial aids in the soul's journey towards liberation (Siddhatva). The idol is seen not just as an object but as a conduit to connect with the Vitaraga (passionless) qualities of the Tirthankaras. The book argues that focusing the mind on the idol helps in cultivating inner Vitaraga sentiments.
• Karma Puranification through Chaityavandan: A detailed explanation is provided on how different aspects of Chaityavandan lead to the shedding of specific karmas. For example:
  • Veneration, praise, and glorification of the Tirthankaras helps in shedding knowledge-obscuring karma.
  • Vision of the Tirthankara idol helps in shedding vision-obscuring karma.
  • Proper worship leads to shedding of unpleasant feeling-producing karma.
  • Contemplation of the Tirthankara's virtues helps in shedding delusion-producing karma and achieving right-faith.
  • Worshipping the immortal Arihants helps in shedding lifespan-determining karma.
  • Remembering the Tirthankara's name helps in shedding name-karma.
  • Bowing to the Tirthankara helps in shedding low-lineage karma.
  • Donating wealth and effort in devotion helps in shedding obstruction-causing karma.
• The Equivalence of Jinbimba and Jin: The text asserts that Jin idols are considered equal to the Jin (Tirthankaras themselves), citing the example of the Samavasarana where replicas are venerated as the original.
• Proper Conduct in the Temple: The book addresses how to approach and venerate Jin in the temple, emphasizing the importance of reverence and correct procedure.
• Mangatvacharan (Mangal + Acharan): The concept of auspicious conduct (Mangalacharan) is thoroughly explained, including its meaning, types (general, specific, material, spiritual, etc.), and the reasons for its significance in Jain practices. It distinguishes between worldly (Laukik) and transcendental (Lokottar) auspiciousness.
• The "Bhashya Trayam": It clarifies that "Bhashya Trayam" includes Chaityavandan Bhashya, Guruvandan Bhashya, and Pachchakkhan Bhashya, with Chaityavandan Bhashya being placed first due to its connection with "Sudeve" (the Tirthankara) being the primary of the Tattvas.
• Agamas and their Classification: The book provides extensive details on the classification of Jain scriptures (Agamas), including the historical context of their compilation, different classification systems (e.g., by Samvayanga, Nandi Sutra, Aryarakshita Suri, and current divisions), and the specific texts within each category (Anga, Upanga, Prakirnaka, Cheda Sutras, Mula Sutras, Chulika).
• The Twenty-Four Doors of Chaityavandan: A significant portion of the book is dedicated to explaining the twenty-four "doors" or aspects of Chaityavandan, which are systematically detailed through question-and-answer format. These include:
  • Trik Dwar (Three Sets): Nisihi Trik, Pradakshina Trik, and Pranama Trik, followed by further triks like Puja, Avastha, Disha, Pramarjana, Alamban, Mudra, and Pranidhana.
  • Other Doors: Abhigam Dwar, Disha Dwar, Avagraha Dwar, Vandan Dwar, Pranipaat Dwar, Namaskar Dwar, Varna Dwar, Pada Dwar, Sampada Dwar, Dandaka Dwar, Adhikara Dwar, Vandaniya Dwar, Smaraniya Dwar, Jin Dwar, Stuti Dwar, Nimitta Dwar, Hetu Dwar, Aagar Dwar, Kayotsarga Dwar, Kayotsarga Praman Dwar, Stavana Dwar, Chaityavandan Dwar, and Ashatana Dwar.
  • Each of these doors is explained in detail, covering their meaning, purpose, rules of conduct, and scriptural references.
• Detailed Procedures of Worship: The book meticulously outlines the procedures for various acts of worship, including:
  • Nisihi: The ritualistic renunciation of worldly thoughts and actions upon entering the temple.
  • Pradakshina: The circumambulation of the idol, its significance and proper method.
  • Pranam/Namaskar: Different forms of bowing and salutations.
  • Puja: The distinction between Dravyapoja (material worship) and Bhavapoja (mental worship), including various types of material offerings like Anga Puja and Agara Puja. It also elaborates on Panchopachari and Ashtopachari pujas and the symbolic meanings behind them.
  • Kayotsarga: The practice of complete detachment from the body and its activities, with detailed explanations of its purpose, types, prohibited actions, and prescribed durations.
  • Stuti and Stavana: The art and science of praising the Tirthankaras, including the types of stutis and their significance.
  • Nimitta and Hetu: The reasons and underlying causes for performing specific actions like Kayotsarga.
  • Aagar: The concept of exceptions or concessions allowed during certain practices like Kayotsarga.
  • Pranidhan: The act of focused devotion and earnest prayer, including the specific requests made in prayers like "Jai Veeray".
• Ethical Conduct and Reverence: The text consistently emphasizes the importance of maintaining sanctity within the temple, respecting the Tirthankaras, scriptures, and the monastic community. It highlights actions that constitute reverence and those that are considered offenses (Ashatana).
• Specific Traditions: The book also touches upon the practices of different Jain traditions, such as the Kharatragachha and Tapa Gachha traditions, regarding Deva-vandan rituals.
• Digambara Tradition: A section is dedicated to the Digambara perspective on worship, explaining different types of Pujas.
• The Navakar Mantra: The profound significance, numerical analysis (letters, verses), and devotional power of the Navakar Mahamantra are extensively discussed.
• Asta Pratiharyas: The eight auspicious signs that adorn a Tirthankara during their Samavasarana are explained in detail.
• Samavasarana: The celestial assembly of the Tirthankaras is described, including its structure, gatekeepers, divine arrangements, and the hierarchy of beings present.
• The Role of Devotion: The text underscores that true worship lies not just in the outward performance of rituals but in the inner devotional attitude (Bhavapoja) and the sincere intention behind the actions.

Overall Purpose:

The "Chaityavandan Bhashya Prashnottari" serves as a comprehensive guide for Jain practitioners, aiming to deepen their understanding and enhance their practice of Chaityavandan. It provides clear, scripturally-backed answers to a wide range of questions, ensuring that devotees can perform their rituals with correct knowledge, devotion, and reverence, thereby deriving maximum spiritual benefit. The book is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand the intricate details and profound significance of Jain temple worship.