Charitra Puja Panchtirth Puja Panch Parmeshthi Puja Sangraha

This document is a collection of Jain devotional texts compiled under the title "Charitra Puja - Panchtirth Puja - Panch Parmeshthi Puja Sangraha" (Collection of Pujas for Conduct, Five Sacred Sites, and Five Supreme Beings).

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

1. Title and Authorship:

• Book Title: Charitra Puja - Panchtirth Puja - Panch Parmeshthi Puja Sangraha
• Author: Acharya Shrimad Vijaya Vallabh Suri (also mentioned as a successor to Acharya Shrimad Vijayananda Suri, also known as Shri Atmaramji Maharaj).
• Publisher: Shree Jain Atmanand Sabha, Bhavnagar.
• Catalog Link: jainqq.org/explore/035218/1

2. Content Overview: The book is a compilation of three main types of Jain pujas (devotional worship):

• Charitra Puja (also referred to as Brahmacharya Vrat Puja): This puja focuses on the principles of "Charitra" (conduct) and "Brahmacharya" (celibacy or chastity). The text extensively elaborates on the importance and virtues of Brahmacharya, citing various Jain scriptures and philosophical concepts. It describes different aspects and renunciations required for practicing Brahmacharya.
• Panchtirth Puja: This puja is dedicated to five sacred pilgrimage sites in Jainism:
  1. Shri Ashtapad Tirth
  2. Shri Siddhachal Tirth (Shatrunjaya)
  3. Shri Abu Tirth (Arbudachal)
  4. Shri Girnar Tirth (Ujjayant Tirth)
  5. Shri Sammetshikhar Tirth The text provides detailed verses and prayers for each of these sacred locations.
• Panch Parmeshthi Puja: This puja is devoted to the five supreme beings in Jainism, the Panch Parmeshthi:
  1. Arihant (Liberated beings who have conquered all passions)
  2. Siddha (Completely liberated souls)
  3. Acharya (Monastic leaders)
  4. Upadhyaya (Monastic teachers)
  5. Sadhu (Monks) The text offers prayers and praises for each of these revered entities, highlighting their virtues and significance.

3. Key Themes and Emphasis:

• Brahmacharya: A significant portion of the text is dedicated to glorifying Brahmacharya as a supreme virtue, essential for spiritual progress and liberation. It emphasizes its role in purity, strength, overcoming obstacles, and achieving ultimate bliss.
• Devotion and Worship: The book is primarily a devotional work, providing structured prayers and verses for worship. The intention is to foster devotion and spiritual upliftment among the readers.
• Scriptural Authority: The text frequently references Jain scriptures and the teachings of revered Acharyas to support its content and emphasize the validity of the pujas.
• Accessibility: The preface mentions that the compilation was made in Gujarati script to make these pujas accessible to a wider audience, particularly those who might find it difficult to read other scripts.
• Praise for Acharyas: There is a clear reverence for the authors and their gurus, highlighting their contributions to Jain literature and practice. The text also addresses the importance of following authentic teachings and warns against misinterpretations or plagiarism of devotional works.
• Moral and Ethical Guidance: Through the pujas, particularly the Charitra Puja, the text implicitly provides guidance on righteous conduct, self-discipline, and ethical living.

4. Publication Details:

• First Edition: Published in Vikram Samvat 1992 (approx. 1936 CE).
• Price: Two Annas (a small denomination of currency at the time).
• Print Run: 5000 copies.
• Printing Press: Shri Mahoday Printing Press, Danapith, Bhavnagar.
• Editor: Muni Charana Vijaya.

5. Special Mentions:

• The "Nivedan" (Preface) highlights the enthusiasm of the Kot Jain Mitra Sabha (Mumbai) in promoting these pujas.
• It acknowledges the contribution of Seth Sakarchand Motilal Mulji of Radhanpur for financial support in publishing the book.
• The "Vaktavya" (Foreword) extensively discusses the significance of Brahmacharya, citing numerous analogies from scriptures like Shri Prashna Vyakarana Sutra to illustrate its paramount importance.

In essence, this book is a valuable resource for Jain devotees, offering a collection of traditional pujas that focus on the core principles of Jainism, particularly the virtues of conduct, the sanctity of pilgrimage sites, and the reverence for the Panch Parmeshthi. It serves as both a devotional guide and a repository of Jain spiritual knowledge.