Ghantakarn Kalp - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Ghantakarn Kalp" by Chandanmal Nagori, based on the provided pages:

Title: Ghantakarn Kalp Author: Chandanmal Nagori Publisher: Chandanmal Nagori Jain Pustakalay Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/034826/1

Overall Theme: "Ghantakarn Kalp" is a Jain text that delves into the worship, rituals, and mantras associated with Ghantakarn Dev, a benevolent deity in Jainism believed to possess powerful abilities to ward off various ailments, fears, and negative influences. The book provides a detailed guide for devotees seeking the deity's blessings for protection, prosperity, and well-being.

Key Aspects and Content:

Introduction and Dedication:
- The book is dedicated to Acharya Sri Bhattarak Jinriddhi Surishwarji Maharaj, a prominent Jain Acharya, acknowledging his significant role in establishing the idol of Ghantakarn Dev in Mumbai and his deep devotion to the deity.
- The author, Chandanmal Nagori, expresses his gratitude to other spiritual guides who encouraged the publication.
- The preface highlights the long-standing intention to publish this work and acknowledges the difficulties faced. It mentions the reliance on old manuscripts, including a comparison with a manuscript dated 1608 VS.
- The importance of following proper rituals and procedures (vidhi-vidhan) for the efficacy of mantras and yantras is emphasized, warning against the negative consequences of incorrect practices.
The Deity Ghantakarn Dev:
- Appearance and Nature: Ghantakarn Dev is described as having a heroic demeanor, a fierce facial expression, and an overall valiant appearance. The text notes that the right side of the body is considered primary in strength and action, hence the deity's right hand holds a sword (chaga) and the left hand a bow, ready to strike. Illustrations and descriptions often depict mantras written on the body.
- Etymology: The name "Ghantakarn" literally means "bell-eared," referring to the sound of a bell that rings near the ears when the deity shakes its head. This association with bells is significant in the rituals described.
- Symbolism: The text mentions that the deity's attendants are in the form of serpents, and a serpent symbol is often depicted near the deity's feet, often with a calm or smiling hood.
- Omnipresence and Power: Ghantakarn Dev is described as a protector against all diseases, a powerful force against epidemics (like smallpox), and a remover of fears and misfortunes.
Mantras and Yantras:
- The book presents various mantras for Ghantakarn Dev, including a primary mantra and another one called "Damara Mantra."
- It emphasizes the significance of yantras (mystical diagrams) in conjunction with mantras for achieving specific results.
- The text details the construction and usage of numerous yantras for different purposes, such as:
  - Protection from all kinds of fears (general, king's fear, evil spirits, etc.).
  - Attraction and subjugation (Vashikaran).
  - Prosperity and wealth (Lakshmi Prapti).
  - Removal of enemies (Shatru Ucchatana).
  - Obtaining a son (Putra Prapti).
  - Destroying evil intelligence (Durbuddhi Nashanaya).
  - Overcoming infertility (Kukh Chhadavna / Kuvanavna).
  - Remedying infant mortality (Mritvachchha Upay).
- Specific yantra designs are described, including square yantras, eight-petaled lotus yantras, and a hundred and thirty-two-celled yantra.
- The importance of using the correct materials (like Bhojpatra, cloth, gold, silver, copper) and auspicious inks (Ashtagandha, Panchagandha) for drawing yantras is stressed.
Rituals and Practices (Vidhi-Vidhan):
- Preparation: The text outlines meticulous preparation steps, including:
  - Place Purification (Sthan Shuddhi): Performing rituals in a clean and auspicious location, such as a garden, near a water body, or a temple.
  - Water Purification (Jal Shuddhi): Purifying water with specific mantras.
  - Bath and Clothing Purification (Snan & Vastra Shuddhi): Performing ritualistic bathing and wearing clean, new clothes, with specific mantras recited during the process.
  - Seat Purification (Aasan Shuddhi): Using new, appropriate-colored seats (white for wealth, red for overcoming adversity, black for specific tasks) and purifying the ground where the seat is placed.
  - Material Arrangement (Samagri Vichar): Properly arranging the altar, lamp (diya), incense (dhoop), and other offerings. The lamp should be placed at the deity's eye level.
  - Installation (Sthapana Vichar): Placing the deity's idol, picture, or a symbol on a raised platform (bajot) covered with a yellow cloth.
  - Posture (Baithak Vichar): Sitting comfortably and steadily without leaning or making distracting movements.
  - Mala (Rosary) Usage: Specific instructions on holding and using the rosary, including which finger to use for different intentions (middle for wealth, ring for good fortune, index for conquering enemies).
- Specific Rituals: The book details rituals for various purposes, including:
  - Havan (Fire Sacrifice): Describing the process of performing havans with specific ingredients and mantras, emphasizing the importance of a well-prepared sacred fire.
  - Japa (Mantra Chanting): Providing guidelines on the number of repetitions (japa) required for different objectives, the duration of the practice, and the importance of maintaining purity (brahmacharya, no intoxicants, truthfulness, sleeping on the ground).
  - Offerings: Mentioning offerings like "Sukhdi" (a sweet confection) and its distribution.
- Special Considerations: The text mentions that Ghantakarn Dev is considered fierce, so the rituals should be performed with strength and devotion, but without fear. It also notes that divine manifestations might not be direct but achieved through inner devotion.
Mantra Power and Examples:
- The text highlights the power of mantras and provides historical examples of Jain figures and rulers who attained success through the worship of deities and the use of mantras and yantras. Examples include Lord Krishna, Bharat Chakravarti, Ravana, Acharya Hemachandrasuri, and Vimal Shah.
- It addresses a common doubt among some individuals that mantra worship is not necessary after attaining higher spiritual levels (like the seventh guna thana), explaining that for those in lower stages (up to the sixth guna thana), deity worship is a valid practice.
Specific Applications of Mantras and Yantras:
- Protection from Evil Spirits: Chanting for 41 days, with a mala each morning, noon, and evening, accompanied by ghee lamps and incense.
- Protection from Enemies/Adversity: Performing 33,000 chants for up to 42 days, followed by a specific havan.
- Wealth Acquisition: Performing 1.25 lakh chants, with detailed instructions for yantra creation and havan.
- Subjugation (Vashikaran): Chanting with specific colored attire and materials, followed by a havan with specific ingredients.
- Childbirth: Specific rituals involving collecting leaves and water, chanting, and binding enchanted threads for women facing infertility or seeking a child.
- Removal of Negative Traits: Mantras to correct someone's bad behavior or destructive thoughts.
- Protection from Poisons and Fevers: Using mantras to purify water for drinking or sprinkling.

Publisher and Editor: The book is published by Chandanmal Nagori Jain Pustakalay and edited by Chandanmal Nagori himself.

Overall Significance: "Ghantakarn Kalp" serves as a practical guide for Jain practitioners interested in invoking the protective powers of Ghantakarn Dev. It emphasizes the blend of faith, diligent practice, and adherence to scriptural instructions for achieving spiritual and material benefits. The book is a testament to the rich tradition of mantra and yantra worship within Jainism.