Chaturdash Purv Pujao

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Chaturdash Purv Pujao" by Shilchandrasuri, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Chaturdash Purv Pujao (Worship of the Fourteen Purvas) Author: Mahopadhyay Charitranandi (often referred to as Shilchandrasuri in the context of this work, possibly a title or lineage) Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan (as per the catalog link)

Overall Purpose and Context:

This text is a puja (devotional hymn or worship composition) dedicated to the Fourteen Purvas, which are considered a crucial part of the Jain Agamas (scriptures). The puja aims to honor and explain the significance of these Purvas, recognizing them alongside the idols of Jin (Tirthankaras) as the most revered entities in Jainism. The composition follows the tradition of medieval Jain poets who translated scriptural knowledge into lyrical, musical forms.

Authorship and Lineage:

The puja is attributed to Charitranandi, a follower of the Kharatara Gachha (a lineage within Jainism). The text mentions a lineage of influential monks leading up to Charitranandi: Jinraj Suri, Ramavijay, Sukh Harsh, Padmash Harsh, Kanak Harsh, Mahim Harsh, Chitra Kumar, and Nidhi Uday, finally culminating in Charitranandi. The composition was created in Samvat 1895 (1838 CE).

Structure and Content:

The puja is structured into 21 dhal (stanzas or lyrical sections) and follows a specific format:

1. Introduction (Page 1-2):

   • It begins with a dedication to "Charitra Parshvajinebhyo Namah" (Salutations to the Jin of the nature of conduct) and the author's name is implied in the introductory phrases like "Pranamu Samyam Pas Jin" (I bow to the Jin of restraint).
   • The text explains that the Fourteen Purvas are the core components of the fifth and final Anga (limb) of the Dwadashangi (the twelve limbs of Jain scripture), which is called Drishtivada.
   • Drishtivada itself has five main divisions: Parikarma, Sutra, Purva, Chulika, and Anuyoga. The puja will elaborate on these.
   • The author acknowledges that the technical terminology used might make the text appear complex, but emphasizes that understanding these terms is key to grasping their meaning.
   • The composition is praised for its ability to present these complex philosophical ideas in a poetic and lyrical form.

2. Kusumanjali (Flower Offering) Section (Pages 2-6):

   • The first five dhal are presented as a Kusumanjali, a symbolic offering of flowers.
   • These initial sections describe the five main divisions of Drishtivada:
     • Parikarma (Pages 3-4): Described as having seven types, with a total of seven vedas (divisions). The puja offers kusumanjali to it.
     • Sutrani (Pages 4-5): Encompasses 22 sutras (aphorisms) which branch out into 88 sub-divisions based on different philosophical viewpoints.
     • Purva-gata (Pages 5-6): This section details the Fourteen Purvas, which are the central theme of the puja. It mentions that each Purva has sub-classifications like Vastu, Pahud, Pahudia.
     • Anuyoga (Pages 6-7): This division has two types: Prathmanuyoga (narrative discourse) and Gandikanuyoga (analytical discourse).
     • Chulika (Page 7): This is a specific subdivision that is associated with the first four Purvas. The text mentions that Chulika is found in the first four of the fourteen Purvas.

3. Worship of the Fourteen Purvas (Pages 7-16):

   • After the introductory Kusumanjali section, the puja proceeds to dedicate specific stanzas to each of the Fourteen Purvas.
   • Each Purva is presented with its name, a brief description of its content or significance, and the number of pad (units of scriptural expression) it contains.
   • The puja consistently uses "dravyaashtak" (eight types of material offerings used in worship) and emphasizes performing the worship with pure intent and devotion.
   • The author reiterates that by performing this worship, one can attain the grace of "Nidhi Uday" (the manifestation of wealth or spiritual attainment) and "Charitranandi" (the culmination of conduct).
   • The Purvas described and worshipped are:
     1. Utpada Purva (Page 7-8): The first Purva, related to creation or origin.
     2. Agrayani Purva (Page 8-9): The second Purva, related to the beginning or advance.
     3. Virya-pravad Purva (Page 9-10): The third Purva, related to strength or vigor.
     4. Asti-Nasti Purva (Page 10-11): The fourth Purva, discussing existence and non-existence (related to Syadvada/Anekantavada).
     5. Jnana-pravad Purva (Page 11-12): The fifth Purva, related to knowledge.
     6. Satya-pravad Purva (Page 12-13): The sixth Purva, related to truth.
     7. Atma-pravad Purva (Page 13-14): The seventh Purva, related to the self or soul.
     8. Karma-pravad Purva (Page 14-15): The eighth Purva, related to karma.
     9. Pratyakhyana Purva (Page 15-16): The ninth Purva, related to renunciation or abstinence.
     10. Vidya-pravad Purva (Page 16-17): The tenth Purva, related to knowledge or learning.
     11. Kalyanan-dhyeya Purva (Page 17-18): The eleventh Purva, related to auspiciousness or what is to be meditated upon.
     12. Pranvay Purva (Page 18-19): The twelfth Purva, related to breath or vital energy.
     13. Kriya-vishal Purva (Page 19-20): The thirteenth Purva, related to extensive action or conduct.
     14. Bindusara Purva (also called Lokpravad Purva) (Page 20-21): The fourteenth Purva, related to the essence or the world.

4. Concluding Section (Page 16-17, etc.):

   • The puja concludes with a reflection on the importance of worshipping the Drishtivada Anga as a whole, using personal experience and understanding.
   • It highlights the lineage of teachers and their contributions, emphasizing the tradition.
   • The text mentions the specific year of its composition (1895 Samvat).
   • The puja concludes with an Arati (a devotional song sung in worship, often accompanied by lamps) dedicated to the Purvas, specifically mentioning the first four Purvas (Utpada, Agrayani, Virya, Asti-Nasti) and then listing the remaining ten, culminating in the fourteenth.
   • The Arati itself emphasizes the benefits of worshipping these Purvas, such as attaining Nidhi (spiritual wealth) and Charitra (conduct).

Key Themes and Concepts:

• Reverence for Agamas: The text places immense importance on the Jain scriptures, particularly the Drishtivada Anga and its constituent Purvas.
• Lyrical Devotion: The puja demonstrates how profound scriptural knowledge can be conveyed through devotional poetry and music.
• The Fourteen Purvas: The core subject matter, each Purva is presented as a distinct source of spiritual insight.
• Lineage and Tradition: The importance of the Guru-shishya parampara (teacher-disciple lineage) is evident in the mention of the lineage of scholars.
• Spiritual Attainment: The ultimate goal of performing this puja is described as attaining spiritual wealth (Nidhi) and the highest form of conduct (Charitra).
• Symbolic Offerings: The use of "dravyaashtak" highlights the ritualistic aspect of Jain worship.
• Author's Skill: The author, Charitranandi, is recognized as a scholar of Sanskrit and a skilled poet who effectively blended complex philosophical concepts with lyrical beauty.

In essence, "Chaturdash Purv Pujao" is a beautiful and comprehensive devotional work that illuminates the significance of the Fourteen Purvas within Jain scripture, offering a path to spiritual understanding and attainment through worship and devotion.