Chaiyavandana Mahabhasam

This document is the colophon and preface of the Jain text "Chaiyavandana Mahabhasam" (चेइयवंदण महाभास), authored by Acharya Shantishuriji (श्री शांतिसूरिजी). The publisher is Jinshasan Aradhana Trust (श्री जिनशासन आराधना ट्रस्ट), Mumbai. The book was published in Samvat 2043 (1987 AD). The catalog link provided is https://jainqq.org/explore/002734/1.

Here's a breakdown of the key information from the provided pages:

Book Details:

• Title: Chaiyavandana Mahabhasam (चेइयवंदण महाभास) - Meaning a great commentary or discourse on Chaitya Vandana (worship of temples/idols).
• Author: Acharya Shantishuriji (आचार्य शांतिसूरिजी). The text specifically mentions "सिरिसंतिसूरिविरइअं चेइयवंदणमहाभासं" (Shrishantishurivirachitam Chaityavandanamahabhasam).
• Publisher: Jinshasan Aradhana Trust (श्री जिनशासन आराधना ट्रस्ट), Mumbai.
• Price: Rs. 30.
• Publication Year: Samvat 2043 (1987 AD).
• Dravya Sahayak (Financial Sponsor): Shri Sudhi-Nath Bhagwan Temple Trust - Yerwada (Shri Sudhi-Nath Bhagwan Temple Trust - यरवडा) (Gyan Khata - ज्ञानखातु).
• Prakasha Karyalayi (Editorial Office): Shri Jinshasan Aradhana Trust, Mumbai.

Content and Purpose:

The text emphasizes the significance of Chaitya Vandana (चैत्यवंदन) as a fundamental practice in Jainism. The preface highlights the following:

• Spiritual Benefit: Chaitya Vandana generates auspicious thoughts (शुभ भाव), leading to the destruction of karmas (कर्मक्षय) and ultimately to universal well-being and liberation (कल्याण).
• Overcoming Karmic Bondage: The soul is entangled in the cycle of birth and death (संसार) due to the connection with karmas (कर्म). Separation from karmas is the path to moksha (liberation).
• Path to Shubha Bhava: Chaitya Vandana is presented as a primary and effective method to cultivate auspicious thoughts and overcome inauspicious ones (अशुभ भाव).
• Role of Arihants: The text extols the virtues and powers of Arihants (अरिहंत), who are seen as benefactors of all beings and whose worship leads to immense spiritual benefits. The description includes the divine attributes and auspicious events that accompany an Arihant's presence.
• Comparison to Divine Attributes: The text states that venerating the Arihants is superior to possessing the wish-fulfilling gem (Chintamani - चिंतामणि) or the wish-fulfilling tree (Kalpa-vriksha - कल्पवृक्ष).
• Importance of the Text: This book, compiled from various Jain scriptures (जिनागम), elaborates on the methodology and meaning of Chaitya Vandana. It aims to provide a deep understanding of the mantras and prayers involved (e.g., Namostu, Logassa, etc.) and to foster immense respect and devotion towards the Tirthankaras.
• Impact of Study: Studying, reading, listening to, and contemplating this text cultivates profound respect for the divine and clarifies the procedures of Chaitya Vandana. This leads to the destruction of false beliefs (मिथ्यात्व), the attainment or purification of right faith (सम्यक्त्व), and ultimately, progression towards liberation.
• Poetic Nature: The text is in a poetic (पद्यात्मक) form and concisely describes Chaitya Vandana. There's an intention to translate it into Gujarati for those who study Sanskrit and Prakrit.
• Gratitude and Dedication: The publication is dedicated to the spiritual guidance of Acharya Shrimad Vijay Prem-surishwarji Maharaj and Acharya Shrimad Vijay Bhuvan-bhanu-surishwarji Maharaj, and inspired by Muni Shri Vishwa-kalyan-vijayji Maharaj.

Reprint Information: The preface mentions that this is a re-publication. The original publication was by the Atmānand Jain Sabha (आत्मानंद जैन सभा) in Samvat 1977 (1920 AD), with 250 copies printed. Due to the book being old, in poor condition, and unavailable, the Jinshasan Aradhana Trust has undertaken this re-publication to make this highly useful text accessible to the Jain community.

Significance of Chaitya Vandana: The book reiterates that Chaitya Vandana is an essential daily duty for both monks (साधु) and lay followers (श्रावक). Monks are prescribed to perform it twice a day, and lay followers three times. The text aims to remove incorrect practices (अविधि) and ensure proper execution, leading to purification of right perception and significant karma shedding (कर्म निर्जरा).

The later pages (12-60) contain detailed verses and their explanations in Prakrit (likely a commentary on the original verses) discussing various aspects of Chaitya Vandana, including:

• How to perform it.
• How many times it should be performed.
• The importance of devotion and understanding the underlying principles.
• Various types and classifications of Chaitya Vandana.
• The significance of images (bimba) and proper veneration.
• The meaning and etymology of terms related to Tirthankaras and Jain cosmology.
• The process and benefits of reciting mantras and performing austerities.

In essence, "Chaiyavandana Mahabhasam" is a comprehensive guide and devotional text explaining the profound spiritual significance and practical application of Chaitya Vandana in Jainism, rooted in ancient Jain scriptures and traditions.