Devarchan Aur Snatra Puja - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Devarchan aur Snatra Puja" by Jinendravijay Gani, focusing on its core arguments and themes:

The book "Devarchan aur Snatra Puja" by Jinendravijay Gani, as presented in these pages, strongly advocates for the significance and benefits of idol worship (Devarchan) and ritual bathing of idols (Snatra Puja) within Jainism. The author argues that these practices are not mere superstitions but profound spiritual tools for self-improvement and attaining liberation (Moksha).

Core Arguments and Themes:

Idol Worship as a Means to Connect with the Divine: The text begins by establishing that while God (Paramaatma) is formless, the human intellect, to grasp the ungraspable, requires a tangible form. Jain idols (Jinabimba) serve as the most excellent means to connect with the formless, omniscient Jinaparmatma. Through seeing, venerating, and worshipping the idol, one achieves self-realization (Aatmadarshan). Just as light emanates from light, spiritual realization arises from worshipping the Lord's image.
The Idol as a Conduit for Virtues: The author emphasizes that the statue is not just inert stone but a representation of the Vitarag (one who is free from passion and attachment) Lord. The process of Anjanshalaaka (the ritual consecration of an idol) imbues the idol with a divine presence, making it a living representation of the Lord. Worshipping the idol with devotion helps in cultivating Vitarag qualities like detachment, non-violence, and equanimity within oneself.
Countering Objections to Idol Worship: The text addresses the common criticism that inanimate idols cannot provide any benefit. It draws an analogy to cinema and television, which, though inanimate, can profoundly influence viewers, shaping their desires and behaviors. Similarly, the author contends that the idol of the Vitarag Lord, designed to inspire detachment, can lead to the cultivation of virtuous qualities. The argument is that if negative influences from inanimate objects are possible, then positive influences from sacred idols are even more potent.
Historical and Universal Presence of Idol Worship: The book provides evidence of idol worship's prevalence not only in India but also in other countries like Germany, Australia, America, and Mongolia, citing archaeological findings of Jain temples and idols. It also points out that other religions, like Islam (veneration of saints' tombs), Christianity (statues of Jesus, the cross), Zoroastrianism (fire worship), Buddhism (Buddha statues), and Sikhism (Guru Granth Sahib), incorporate forms of idol or image worship, suggesting a universal human tendency to connect with the divine through tangible representations. Even traditions like Stanakvasis, while outwardly opposing idol worship, engage in similar veneration of their revered figures' memorials.
The Purpose of Worship: Self-Purification, Not Petition: The author clarifies that the purpose of worshipping the Vitarag Lord is not to ask for worldly pleasures but to purify one's own soul (Aatma). The chanting of mantras like "Chauvis pi Jinvara tirthkara me prasiyantu" and the aspiration for liberation ("Siddha siddhi mami disantu") highlight this internal transformation. The worship is aimed at remembering, contemplating, and internalizing the Lord's virtues, leading to the purification of the soul.
The Idol as a Catalyst for Spiritual Progress: The text explains that worshipping the idol helps in destroying karmic matter that binds the soul. Specifically, seeing the idol helps in shedding Darshan Mohaniya karma, worshipping it helps in shedding Charitra Mohaniya karma, and acts of service and devotion aid in overcoming other karmic obstacles. This process leads to an accumulation of merit (punya) and ultimately contributes to the soul's liberation.
Snatra Puja as a Ritual of Purification: Snatra Puja, the ritual bathing of the idol, is described as a significant act of devotion. It is performed during auspicious occasions like the birth, initiation, and liberation of Tirthankaras. The ritual involves bathing the idol with pure water, often mixed with auspicious substances like milk to create a "Panchamrita." This act is seen as purifying not only the idol but also the worshipper's thoughts and mind. It is a way of emulating the celestial beings who perform similar rituals.
The Importance of Jain Temples (Jinalaya): The book stresses the necessity of Jain temples (Jinalaya) as centers for worship, contemplation, and spiritual learning. These temples serve as sanctuaries from worldly suffering and are essential for fostering spiritual growth.
Distinction Between Material and Inner Worship: While emphasizing the importance of material worship (Dravya Puja) through idols, the author also acknowledges the significance of inner worship (Bhava Puja). The ultimate goal is the unification of the worshipper, the object of worship, and the act of worship, leading to self-realization and liberation.
The Impact of Images and Idols: The text highlights that even ordinary images can evoke strong emotions and associations. If pictures in cinema can stir passion, then consecrated idols of Vitarag Lords can surely inspire virtuous thoughts and actions. The example of the Kesariyaji statue curing a king's leprosy and the Shankheshwar Parshvanath idol overcoming an enemy's magical powers illustrates the potent spiritual impact of these sacred representations.
Ethical Considerations and Reframing "Violence": Addressing the concern of violence in using living substances for worship, the text differentiates between dravya-hinsa (material violence) and bhava-hinsa (mental violence). The subtle violence involved in using plants or water for worship, when done with pure intentions (bhava-daya), is not considered harmful and contributes to spiritual progress. The focus is on the intention behind the act.

In essence, "Devarchan aur Snatra Puja" presents idol worship and Snatra Puja as vital and universally recognized spiritual practices within Jainism. These rituals are not viewed as ends in themselves but as powerful tools to facilitate devotion, cultivate virtuous qualities, purify the soul, and ultimately pave the path to spiritual liberation.