Chousath Ruddhi Poojan Vidhan

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Chousath Ruddhi Poojan Vidhan," based on the provided pages:

Title: Chousath Ruddhi Poojan Vidhan (The Ritual of Worship for the Sixty-Four Siddhis)

Author: Shri Swarupchandji (compiled and composed)

Publisher: Digambar Jain Swadhyay Mandir Trust, Songadh

Core Purpose:

This text is a detailed ritualistic guide for the worship of the Sixty-Four Siddhis (supernatural powers) attained by advanced Jain monks. It emphasizes the worship of these powers as a means to inspire devotion, cultivate spiritual understanding, and ultimately guide the devotee towards the path of liberation (Moksha). The text is rooted in the teachings of the Digambar Jain tradition, particularly highlighting the importance of the Three Jewels: Right Faith (Samyak Darshan), Right Knowledge (Samyak Gyan), and Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra).

Key Themes and Structure:

The book is structured around the worship of monks who possess these Siddhis, categorized by the specific Siddhis they manifest. The worship involves a prescribed sequence of offerings and prayers.

1. Introduction and Dedication:

   • The text is published by the Digambar Jain Swadhyay Mandir Trust and is dedicated to the teachings and inspiration of Param Pujya Adhyatm Murti Sadgurudev Shri Kanjiswami.
   • It highlights that through Shri Kanjiswami's teachings, the essence of the path to liberation (Samyak Darshan-Gyan-Charitra) as illuminated by the Tirthankaras has been revealed.
   • The publication is also associated with the memory of Shri Gyanesh Rasiklal Shah Memorial Trust and family.

2. Significance of Siddhis:

   • The Siddhis are described as powers attained by Mahamunivar (great monks) through the strength of their penance (Tapas).
   • The worship of these Siddhis is seen as a way to connect with the virtuous qualities and immense spiritual achievements of the ascetics.

3. Worship Structure:

   • The core of the worship involves the Chousath Rishi Mandal Puja, which depicts the sixty-four Siddhis. The text details the arrangement of these Siddhis in a mandala, with specific sections dedicated to each type of Siddhi.
   • Eight Primary Siddhis are highlighted first:
     • Buddhi Riddhhi (Intellectual Power)
     • Charan Riddhhi (Power of Movement)
     • Vikriya Riddhhi (Power of Transformation)
     • Tapo Tishay Riddhhi (Power of Ascetic Excellence)
     • Bal Riddhhi (Physical Strength)
     • Aushadh Riddhhi (Healing Power)
     • Ras Riddhhi (Power of Essence/Liquids)
     • Akshin Mahanas Riddhhi (Inexhaustible Storehouse Power)
   • Around this central mandala, there are representations of the monks of the 24 Tirthankaras' congregations, with offerings dedicated to them.
   • Further divisions are made into eight main categories of Siddhis, with specific numbers of sub-sections (kothas) within each, dedicated to the monks possessing those particular powers.

4. Rituals and Offerings (Poojan Vidhan):

   • The text provides detailed instructions for performing the Abhisheka (ritualistic bathing) and Arghya (offering) for the monks embodying these Siddhis.
   • The standard eight types of offerings are prescribed for each Siddhi-holder:
     • Jal (Water): For the destruction of birth, old age, and death.
     • Chandan (Sandalwood Paste): For the destruction of worldly suffering.
     • Akshat (Unbroken Rice): For attaining the inexhaustible state.
     • Pushp (Flowers): For the destruction of the arrows of Kamadeva (lust).
     • Naivedya (Sweets/Food): For the destruction of hunger and disease.
     • Deep (Lamp): For the destruction of the darkness of delusion.
     • Dhoop (Incense): For the burning of the eight karmas.
     • Phal (Fruit): For the attainment of liberation.
     • Argh (Combined Offering): For the attainment of the invaluable state.

5. Specific Worship Sections:

   • Samooh Puja (Collective Worship): Initially, worship is offered to groups of monks associated with different Siddhis.
   • Pratyek Puja (Individual Worship): After the collective worship, the text provides prayers for each individual type of Siddhi and the monks who possess them, often sung in specific meters and tunes.
   • Jaymala: A victory song or hymn of praise is sung for the Siddhi-holders, extolling their virtues and powers.
   • Specific Worship for Each of the Eight Major Siddhi Categories: The book then dedicates sections to the worship of monks possessing each of the eight primary Siddhis:
     • Buddhi Riddhhi (Intellectual Power) - covering various aspects like perfect knowledge, mind-reading, clairvoyance, etc.
     • Charan Riddhhi (Power of Movement) - detailing powers related to walking on water, earth, air, etc.
     • Vikriya Riddhhi (Power of Transformation) - including powers of shrinking, expanding, changing form, etc.
     • Tapo Tishay Riddhhi (Power of Ascetic Excellence) - highlighting powers gained through intense penance, leading to immense spiritual strength and freedom from suffering.
     • Bal Riddhhi (Physical Strength) - powers related to immense physical strength and fortitude.
     • Aushadh Riddhhi (Healing Power) - powers related to curing diseases and alleviating suffering.
     • Ras Riddhhi (Power of Essence/Liquids) - powers related to creating or transforming liquids, often associated with medicinal or beneficial properties.
     • Akshin Mahanas Riddhhi (Inexhaustible Storehouse Power) - the power to create abundance and never-ending resources.
   • Worship of Ganadhars and Munis of the 24 Tirthankaras: The text also includes specific prayers for the chief disciples (Ganadhars) and the vast congregations of monks associated with each of the 24 Tirthankaras, detailing their numbers and their respective Siddhis.
   • Worship of Early Monks: A section is dedicated to honoring the early monks of the fifth era, starting from Gautam Swami, who attained Kevala Gyan (omniscience) and other significant Acharyas known for their extensive knowledge and austerities.

6. Inspirational Content:

   • The text frequently uses devotional verses (dohas, chaupais, geets, etc.) to praise the monks and their Siddhis.
   • It emphasizes the detachment from worldly possessions, the practice of non-violence, and the attainment of equanimity.
   • The ultimate goal is to inspire the reader to follow the path of the Three Jewels and achieve liberation.

Overall Message:

"Chousath Ruddhi Poojan Vidhan" is a profound devotional manual for Jains. It not only details the worship of the extraordinary powers of enlightened beings but also serves as a powerful reminder of the path of renunciation, penance, and spiritual discipline that leads to such achievements. By engaging with these rituals and prayers, devotees are encouraged to cultivate devotion, deepen their understanding of Jain philosophy, and progress on their own journey towards spiritual purity and liberation. The text serves as a bridge between the worldly realm and the sublime spiritual powers attained through the highest levels of asceticism.