Chovish Tirthankar Yukt Chaudaso Bavan Gandhar Poojan

This document is a puja vidhi (worship ritual) for the 24 Tirthankaras and their 1452 Ganadharas (principal disciples). The puja was performed in August 2003 at the Babu Amichand Pannalal Adishwarji Jain Derasar in Mumbai to celebrate its centenary.

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects:

• Title: "Chovish Tirthankar Yukt Chaudaso Bavan Gandhar Poojan Vidhi" (Worship Ritual of 24 Tirthankaras and 1452 Ganadharas).
• Authors/Contributors:
  • Researcher/Author: Acharya Shri Vijay Yashodevsurishwarji Maharaj Saheb.
  • Inspirational Guide: Muni Shri Jaybhadr Vijayji Maharaj Saheb.
  • Compilation: Panditvar Shri Maheshbhai F. Sheth (Malad).
• Publisher: Babu Amichand Pannalal Adishwarji Jain Derasar, Mumbai.
• Context: The puja was a special event to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Babu Amichand Pannalal Adishwarji Jain Derasar. It was a unique and elaborate ritual, claimed to be performed for the first time in Jain history with this specific structure and naming of all 1452 Ganadharas.
• Significance of Ganadharas: The document highlights that each Tirthankara has Ganadharas who form the core of the spiritual lineage. These Ganadharas are instrumental in compiling and propagating the teachings of the Tirthankaras. The text mentions that the names of these Ganadharas were difficult to obtain and were diligently collected by Shri Dinesh Hiralal Shah of Naroda (Ahmedabad).
• Puja Procedure: The document outlines the steps involved in the puja, which includes:
  • Initial bathing rituals (Snatra Puja).
  • Recitation of prayers and mantras.
  • Invocation of the Tirthankaras and their Ganadharas.
  • Performing ashtaprakari puja (eight types of offerings) for each Tirthankara, and offering vasakshep (colored rice), flowers, and dhan (nuts) to the Ganadharas.
  • Specific mantras are provided for purification, protection, and invocation.
  • The puja involves detailed offerings such as grains, fruits, sweets, spices, incense, lamps, and various types of flowers.
  • The text lists the specific ingredients required for the puja.
  • It details how to perform the puja for each Tirthankara, listing the names of their respective Ganadharas. This is a significant part of the document, as it systematically names each Ganadhara associated with the 24 Tirthankaras.
• Spiritual Goal: The purpose of such a detailed puja is to attain spiritual merit, progress towards liberation (moksha), and invoke the blessings of the Tirthankaras and their Ganadharas for the well-being of the Jain community and the world.
• Endorsements and Blessings: The document includes blessings from various respected Jain Acharyas and Muni Maharajs, acknowledging their support and guidance.

In essence, the book provides a comprehensive guide and script for a grand Jain ritual focused on honoring all the Tirthankaras and their primary disciples, the Ganadharas. It emphasizes the importance of these spiritual guides in Jainism and offers a structured method for their worship.