Ghantakarna Pratishtha Vidhi

The provided text is a Jain ritualistic manual for the "Pratishtha Vidhi" (consecration ritual) of Ghantakarna, a Yaksha (demigod) revered in Jainism, particularly in the Kharatara Gaccha tradition. Attributed to Acharya Vardhamansuri, the text details the procedures involved in establishing and worshiping Ghantakarna.

Here's a summary of the key sections and procedures described:

1. Introduction and General Guidelines (Page 1-2):

• The book is titled "Ghantakarna Pratishtha Vidhi" and is authored by Vardhamansuri, part of the "Achara Dinakar" grantha.
• It begins with auspicious invocations and salutations to Jain Tirthankaras.
• The "Jina-archanavidhi" (Jain deity worship procedure) is detailed, emphasizing the importance of performing the ritual on an auspicious day, star, and ascendant.
• It outlines the preparatory steps for the worshipper (Shradh), including purification, wearing clean white clothes, being spiritually prepared, and having a focused mind.
• The procedure starts with establishing a statue of Shri Shantinath (the 16th Tirthankara) on a bathing pedestal. A mantra is provided for invoking any Tirthankara into the idol.

2. Ritualistic Procedures (Page 3-27): The core of the text details the step-by-step "Jina-archanavidhi" and the "Laghu-snatra vidhi" (minor bathing ritual), which are preparatory to the main consecration.

• Protection Rituals: The "Vajra-panjarastotram" is mentioned for self-protection and body armor.
• Purification of Offerings: Mantras are provided for purifying various ritual items like water, leaves, flowers, fruits, incense, sandalwood, and lamps. This ensures the offerings are pure and free from any harm to sentient beings.
• Self-Purification and Dedication: Mantras are used for applying tilak to oneself and for offering flowers to one's own head, signifying dedication.
• Directional Offerings: Offerings are made to all ten directions, inviting all beings to participate and attain liberation.
• Invocation and Installation: Mantras are used to invite the Tirthankara to be present in the consecrated space and idol. This involves establishing the idol and performing auspicious rituals.
• Worship of the Idol: Detailed steps for offering water (padyam), scents (gandham), flowers (pushpam), unbroken rice grains (akshatam), fruits (phalam), incense (dhupam), and lamps (dipam) are described with specific mantras for each.
• Worship of Planets (Graha): Mantras are provided for invoking and worshiping the nine planets (Surya, Chandra, Mangala, Budha, Guru, Shukra, Shani, Rahu, Ketu).
• Worship of Directional Guardians (Dikpala): Mantras are given for worshiping the eight directional guardians (Indra, Agni, Yama, Nirriti, Varuna, Vayu, Kubera, Ishana) along with their consorts and attendants.
• Worship of Ancestors and Other Deities: Offerings are made to ancestral spirits (pitru) and various classes of deities.
• Special Mantras for Tirthankaras: A specific three-line mantra (Om namo Arihantanam, etc.) is highlighted for repeated chanting.
• Offering of Food (Naivedya): Procedures for offering food to the Tirthankara and other deities are detailed, with mantras for receiving blessings.
• Aarti and Mangal Deep: Rituals of waving lamps (aarti) and offering auspicious lamps are described.
• Vajra Ceremony: Rituals involving salt (lavana) and its use are described.
• The "Laghu-snatra Vidhi" (Minor Bathing Ritual): This section provides a condensed version of the bathing and worship rituals, often performed during consecration ceremonies. It involves:
  • Offering flowers, incense, and aarti to the deity.
  • Performing a symbolic bathing ceremony (abhisheka) with water, flowers, and other offerings, often accompanied by devotional songs and hymns.
  • Specific verses from texts like "Shakrastavam" are cited.
  • Detailed worship of the planets and directional guardians is again reiterated within the context of the bathing ritual.
  • Offering of clothes to the deity.
  • Offering of food (Naivedya) to the deity and other invited deities.
  • Final departure (visarjan) rituals for the deities, with blessings sought.
  • Concluding prayers for peace and well-being.

3. Consecration of Ghantakarna (Page 28-49): This section shifts focus to the specific consecration of Ghantakarna.

• Establishing Ghantakarna: The Ghantakarna idol is placed on a pedestal after purifying the area.
• Invocation and Mantra: Ghantakarna is invoked with specific mantras, including the famous "Ghantakarna Mahavir mantra" which is stated to ward off diseases, protect from various evils, and grant protection.
• Application of Ghee: Ghee is applied to the Ghantakarna idol as part of the ritual.
• The Seven-Peetha Ritual: This is a crucial part where Ghantakarna is worshipped along with various associated deities and energies arranged on seven specific pedestals (Peethas):
  1. First Peetha: Worship of the 64 Yoginis.
  2. Second Peetha: Worship of 52 Viras (heroes/guardians).
  3. Third Peetha: Worship of 16 Vidyadevis (goddesses of knowledge).
  4. Fourth Peetha: Worship of 8 Bhairavas.
  5. Fifth Peetha: Worship of the Nine Planets.
  6. Sixth Peetha: Worship of the Ten Directional Guardians.
  7. Seventh Peetha: Worship of Ganapati, Kartikeya, Kshetrapal, Puradevata, and Chatur-nikaya devatas (four classes of deities).
• Detailed Worship: For each deity on the respective Peethas, specific mantras and offerings (water, scent, flowers, rice, fruit, incense, lamp, food) are prescribed, followed by the circumambulation of the idol.

4. Homa (Fire Ritual) (Page 50-51):

• This section lists the essential materials (Homa Samagri) required for the fire rituals dedicated to various deities and cosmic forces, including Pancha Parameshthis, Dikpalas, Rasis (zodiac signs), Nakshatras (stars), planets, Vidyadevis, Ganapati, Kartikeya, Kshetrapal, Puradevata, Chatur-nikaya devatas, 64 Yoginis, 52 Viras, 8 Bhairavas, and Ghantakarna himself.
• Specific types of wood and offerings are mentioned for each ritual.
• Mantras for offering oblations (ahutis) are also briefly touched upon (e.g., "Santarpitoham vadata," "Santarpisatu svaha").

5. Shanti Dandaka (Peace Recitation) (Page 52-59):

• This section contains a long series of prayers and invocations for peace, prosperity, and the removal of obstacles.
• It includes invocations for:
  • All Tirthankaras.
  • Various classes of deities, including Bhavanapati, Vyantara, Jyotishka, and Vaimanika devas.
  • The 16 Vidyadevis.
  • The Pancha Parameshthis (Arihants, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, Sadhus).
  • All Nakshatras, Rashis, Grahas, and Dikpalas.
  • Ganapati, Skanda, Kshetrapal, local deities.
  • Other elemental and regional deities and spirits.
  • Ascetic practitioners (tapo-dhana) and householders (shravaka, shravika).
  • Removal of various afflictions such as diseases, misfortunes, enmity, poverty, natural calamities, bad omens, and negative influences.
  • General well-being for the land, people, and all beings.
• The Shanti Dandaka concludes with verses praying for universal peace and happiness.

6. Concluding Rites and Results (Page 57-60):

• Sanctification of Water: The water used for the rituals is sanctified and then sprinkled.
• Dispersion of Deities: Rituals for the respectful departure of the invoked deities are performed.
• Results of Shanti Ritual: The text outlines the benefits of performing the Shanti ritual, including the removal of sins, diseases, enemies, and the increase of prosperity, happiness, and fulfillment of desires.
• Donation to Monks: It is advised to donate generously to monks after the Shanti ritual.

7. Kund Rachana Vidhi (Altar Construction) and Bali Pradan Mantra (Page 58-60):

• This section briefly describes the construction of altars (Kundas) of different shapes (square, yoni-shaped, triangular) with specific dimensions and features.
• It also provides mantras for offering Bali (offerings) to the Dikpalas.

8. Havan Samagri (Homa Ingredients) and Useful Slokas (Page 61-64):

• A detailed list of ingredients for various Homa rituals is provided.
• Some important verses (shlokas) used throughout the ritual are also reproduced.

In essence, the "Ghantakarna Pratishtha Vidhi" is a comprehensive guide for performing the consecration and worship of Ghantakarna within the Jain tradition. It integrates the worship of various celestial and protective deities along with the primary deity, emphasizing purity, auspiciousness, and the invocation of peace and well-being.