Chaityavandan Samayik - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Chaityavandan Samayik" by Atmanandji Jain Pustak Pracharak Mandal, based on the provided content:

Overall Purpose:

The book "Chaityavandan Samayik" is a Jain religious text that outlines the prescribed rituals and prayers for worshipping in a Jin Mandir (temple of Jina) and performing Samayik (a period of spiritual discipline). It provides detailed step-by-step instructions in Hindi with explanations, aiming to guide Jain followers in their daily devotional practices. The text emphasizes the importance of devotion, mindfulness, and adherence to Jain principles.

Key Sections and Their Content:

Introduction and Publisher Information (Pages 1-2):
- The book is titled "Chaityavandan Samayik."
- It is published by "Shri Atmanand Jain Pustak Pracharak Mandal" in Agra City.
- The publication year is mentioned as 1918 AD (Vikram Samvat 1975).
- It includes a Hindi translation.
Chaityavandan Samayik Vidhi (Method of Temple Worship and Samayik) (Page 3):
- This section introduces the purpose of the text, which is to provide the method of temple worship and the daily duties of a layman (Shravak).
- Navkar Mantra: It begins with the fundamental Navkar Mantra (Namokar Mantra) with a detailed Hindi explanation. Each line of the mantra is explained, highlighting the virtues of the Arihants, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and Sadhus. The mantra is described as the destroyer of all sins and the foremost of all auspicious things.
Method of Material and Mental Worship in a Jin Mandir (Page 4):
- Entering the Temple: Upon entering the temple, one should first say "Nimissahi" (renouncing worldly activities).
- Temple Cleanliness: The text advises on cleaning the temple, either personally or by arranging for others to do it.
- Pradakshina (Circumambulation): After the second "Nimissahi," three circumambulations should be performed clockwise, symbolizing the worship of Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct.
- Anga Puja (Worship of the Idol's Body Parts): If "Anga Puja" is to be performed, the devotee must purify themselves by bathing with pure water and wearing clean clothes. They should tie a cloth around their waist. Then, three circumambulations are to be done as described.
- Idol Cleaning and Adornment: The idol should be cleaned with a peacock feather. Incense should be offered to the left of the idol, and a lamp should be lit on the right.
- Panchamrit Bath and Puja: The idol is to be washed with "Panchamrit" (milk, curd, ghee, sugar, water), then bathed with pure water. After this, nine "anga pujan" are to be performed using auspicious paste like saffron and sandalwood. Finally, flowers of five colors, garlands, crowns, earrings, and other ornaments are to be offered.
Worship with Ashtdravya and Aarti (Page 5):
- Ashtdravya (Eight Offerings): Worship is to be performed with "Ashtdravya" which includes water, sandalwood paste, flowers, incense, lamp, unbroken rice (akshat), offering of food (naivedya), and fruit.
- Aarti: The "Aarti" (a ritual of waving a lamp) is to be performed.
- Swastika and Siddha Shila: A rice swastika (symbolizing the four destinations of life) is to be made. Above it, three mounds representing Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct are to be placed. A crescent-shaped "Siddha Shila" (Abode of Siddhas) is placed on top, followed by the representation of a Siddha, and then fruit is offered.
- Bhav Puja (Mental Worship): After the third "Nimissahi," "Bhav Puja" (mental worship) is to be performed, involving offerings through mind, speech, and body.
- Khama Saman (Request for Forgiveness): The "Khama Saman" prayer is presented with its method and meaning. This involves bowing with folded hands, touching the ground with five limbs (hands, knees, forehead), and requesting forgiveness.
Jaggachintamani Chaityavandan (Worship of the Temple- Jewel of the World) (Pages 6-8):
- This section introduces a specific hymn for temple worship, "Jaggachintamani Jagannath."
- Meaning of the Hymn: The hymn extols the Jina as the protector, guide, and savior of the world. It describes the Jinas' virtues, their role in guiding beings towards liberation, and their omniscient nature.
- Praise of Tirthankaras: The verses praise the 24 Tirthankaras, mentioning their characteristics, the number of Kevalis and Sadhus during their times, and their achievements.
- Vandan of Temples and Idols: The text specifies numbers of temples and eternal (Shashwati) idols in the three lokas (worlds) that are to be revered.
Jinkiñchi (Whatever Temples) (Page 8):
- This is a prayer to all temples of Jina, wherever they may be – in heaven, hell, or the human realm.
Namuththunam (Shak Stotra) (Pages 9-10):
- This is another significant praise of the Arihant Bhagwan.
- Attributes of Arihants: The prayer enumerates numerous divine attributes of the Arihants, describing them as the originators of Dharma, establishers of Tirthas, self-enlightened beings, foremost among men, lamps of the world, givers of fearlessness, knowledge, and liberation.
- Praise of Siddhas: It praises those who have achieved the state of liberation (Siddhi), free from all impurities, suffering, and rebirth.
- Vandan to Past, Present, and Future Siddhas: The devotee offers respect to all Siddhas, whether they have attained liberation in the past, will attain it in the future, or are currently liberated in the Mahavideh region.
Javanti Cheia (Whatever Temples) (Page 10):
- A prayer offering reverence to all temples and idols of the Jinas across all lokas.
Javant kevi Sahu (Whatever Sadhus) (Page 11):
- A prayer offering respect to all Sadhus residing in the fifteen Karma Bhumis (five Bharat, five Airavat, and five Mahavideh regions), who are free from the three types of misconduct (mind, speech, body).
Parameshthi Namaskar (Salutation to the Five Supreme Beings) (Page 11):
- A concise salutation to Arihant, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyaya, and all Sadhus.
- Note for Women: It notes that women should recite only "Namo Arihant."
Upsargahar (Stotra) (Pages 11-12):
- This is a hymn dedicated to Lord Parshvanath, known for removing obstacles.
- Benefits of Devotion to Parshvanath: The hymn describes Lord Parshvanath as the remover of afflictions, the destroyer of poisonous effects, and the abode of auspiciousness. It mentions the benefits of chanting a specific mantra associated with him, which alleviates planetary influences, diseases, and epidemics. The prayer emphasizes that even bowing to him is highly beneficial.
- Seeking Bodhi: The devotee expresses devotion and asks for the seed of enlightenment (Bodhi) in every birth.
Jay Viryara (Pages 12-13):
- This is a prayer of victory and praise, likely for Lord Mahavir.
- Praise and Blessings: The verses praise the Lord as the Guru of the world and express a desire to follow his teachings. They speak of renouncing worldly desires, performing good deeds, and seeking the Lord's grace for liberation and the destruction of karma.
- Jain Dharma's Victory: The text includes the famous verse: "Sarva mangal mangalyam, sarva kalyan karanam, pradhanam sarva dharmam, Jainam jayati shasanam" (The greatest of all auspicious things, the cause of all welfare, the chief of all religions, the Jain tradition is victorious).
Arahanta Cheiyanam (Pages 13-14):
- This section describes the practice of "Kayotsarga" (standing still as if renouncing the body) in devotion to the idols of Arihants.
- Purpose of Kayotsarga: It is performed for the sake of worship, respect, gaining spiritual insight, and reaching the state of liberation free from worldly troubles.
- Mindfulness during Kayotsarga: The text instructs on maintaining concentration and stillness during Kayotsarga.
Annathya Usasienam (Pages 14-15 & 27):
- This is a prayer that is to be recited during Kayotsarga, acknowledging and seeking forgiveness for any minor distractions or bodily actions that might occur unintentionally, such as breathing, sneezing, yawning, passing wind, dizziness, or minor movements.
- Continuing Devotion: The prayer states that as long as the devotee cannot complete the Namaskar to the Arihants, they will remain in stillness and meditation.
Kallan Kandam Stuti (Page 15):
- A devotional hymn praising specific Tirthankaras: the first Jina (Rishabhdev), Shantinath, Neminath, Parshvanath, and Vardhamana.
Pachakkhan (Vow Taking) (Pages 15-17):
- Pachakkhan after Aarti: The text details how to take vows (Pachakkhan) after the Aarti.
- Navkarasi, Mundisi, Chaivihar: It explains different types of vows, including fasting until sunrise with the recitation of Navkar, fasting until noon, and the four-fold fasting (Chauvihar).
- The Four Types of Food: The vows pertain to abstaining from the four types of food: Ashan (solid food), Pan (liquids), Khadim (chewable), and Sayim (lickable).
- Four Types of Agar (Permitted Breakages): The text outlines four types of acceptable exceptions to the vows: Annathana Bhogen (accidental consumption), Sahasa Garen (unintentional occurrence), Mahattara Garen (due to greater obligations), and Sattvasamadhi Vittiyagaren (due to illness).
- Concluding the Vow: After taking the vow, one can recite other stotras as desired.
Guru Vandan Vidhi (Method of Greeting the Guru) (Pages 18-19):
- Seeking Permission to Greet: After temple worship, if a Guru is present, the devotee should seek permission to approach them.
- Greeting and Inquiring: The text provides the exact words for greeting the Guru and inquiring about their well-being and health. This includes asking about their comfort, their practice of austerity, and their well-being.
- Asking for Forgiveness (Abhutio): After greeting, the devotee asks for forgiveness for any inadvertent offenses committed during the day. This is done by asking for the Guru's order and then reciting the "Abhutio" prayer.
Samayik (Spiritual Discipline) (Pages 21-35):
- Importance of Samayik: The text explains that Samayik is prescribed by the Jinas for all beings, as many people cannot undertake rigorous asceticism. It is a practice for a minimum of 18 minutes (2 Ghadi) daily. By performing Samayik, a layperson becomes like a monk and purifies their soul through good thoughts, leading to liberation.
- Samayik Taking Procedure:
  - Preparation: Wear clean clothes, clean the floor, and sit on a clean mat at a respectful distance from religious texts.
  - Starting the Ritual: Hold the "muhapaṭṭi" (mouth cloth) in the left hand and place the right hand on the religious text. Recite one Navkar mantra and then the "Panchindiya Sanvarano" prayer.
  - Kayotsarga: Perform Kayotsarga for one "Lokassa" or four "Navkars."
  - Purification and Prayer: After Kayotsarga, recite "Namo Arihantanam" and then "Pagal Logassa."
  - Seeking Permission for Muhapaṭṭi: Ask for permission to examine the muhapaṭṭi.
  - Muhapaṭṭi Examination: Perform the examination of the muhapaṭṭi (which involves reciting 50 "bols" or statements, with specific verses for men and women).
  - Seeking Permission for Samayik: Ask for permission to commence Samayik.
  - Commencing Samayik: After receiving permission, stand with folded hands, recite one Navkar, and ask the Guru (or an elder) to recite the "Samayik Dandak."
  - Dharma Dhyana/Swadhyaya: Engage in spiritual contemplation or study for 48 minutes (2 Ghadi).
- Samayik Vows: The text reiterates the vows taken during Samayik, emphasizing the restraint of the five senses and the practice of the eighteen virtues.
- Parihara: The process of taking vows and seeking forgiveness for any lapses during the practice is detailed, including the role of the Guru.
- Samayik Parne (Concluding Samayik):
  - Procedure: After the allotted time, recite "Eriamvahi," "Tass Uttari," "Annathya Usasienam," and "Pagal Logassa."
  - Muhapaṭṭi Examination Again: Examine the muhapaṭṭi again.
  - Seeking Permission to Conclude: Ask for permission to conclude Samayik.
  - Concluding the Vow: Announce the conclusion of the vow.
  - Final Prayers: Recite a Navkar and the "Samayik Vayajutto" prayer.
- Meaning of Samayik: The verses explain that by being united with the Samayik vow, one breaks inauspicious karma, and a Shravak becomes like a monk during this period, emphasizing the importance of performing it frequently.

Overall Message and Significance:

"Chaityavandan Samayik" is a practical guide for Jain devotees to perform their daily religious duties with devotion and understanding. It covers the core elements of Jain worship, including the reverence for Tirthankaras, the importance of purity, the performance of rituals, and the practice of self-discipline through Samayik. The text emphasizes the role of seeking forgiveness and adhering to the teachings of the Jinas and their followers (Gurus). The detailed explanations in Hindi aim to make these practices accessible and meaningful to the common follower.