Gurumurti Pratishtha Vidhi - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Gurumurti Pratishtha Vidhi" by Mangalsagar, published by Jinduttsuri Gyanbhandar:

Overall Purpose:

The "Gurumurti Pratishtha Vidhi" is a Jain ritualistic manual detailing the correct procedures for establishing or consecrating (Pratishtha) representations of revered Jain Gurus, specifically their footwear (Paduka) and stupas. It serves as a guide for carrying out these sacred ceremonies in accordance with established Jain traditions and practices.

Key Sections and Content:

Introduction and Acknowledgment (Pages 1-4):
- The book begins with invocations and acknowledgments. It mentions the Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra and its website.
- It highlights the patrons and donors who supported the publication, such as Shri Jinvandatsuri Gyanbhandar in Surat.
- The compiler, Muni Mangalsagar, is acknowledged for his work, guided by the teachings of Acharya Shri Jinkrupachandrasurishwar and Muni Sukhsagar.
- The introduction explains the historical context of consecrating Guru Murtis, stemming from the veneration of influential Jain acharyas (Prabhavak Acharyas) who propagated Jainism through their wisdom, logic, foresight, austerity, knowledge, and eloquent discourse. It states that this text is a compilation of such rituals.
- The work incorporates eighteen new Abhishek (ritual bathing) verses.
- The publisher expresses gratitude to those who assisted in making this ancient and modern ritual text available and notes that while efforts were made to revise it, some errors might remain.
The Ritual of Consecration (Pages 5-12):
- General Principles: The text states that the consecration of Guru stupas and Padukas should be performed on an auspicious day, under an auspicious constellation, and during an auspicious time. The established tradition and scriptural evidence guide this process.
- Preparations: The ceremony involves initial purification (Bhumishuddhi), possibly an overnight vigil (Ratrijagaran), and then, in the morning, congregational participation. Four laymen (Shravakas), accompanied by their families, are designated to perform specific rituals. Laywomen (Shravikas) also participate by tying bracelets and marking foreheads.
- Establishment of Deities and Guardians: A statue of Shri Shantinath is established, and a ritual bath (Snattrapuja) is performed. Holy water is prepared. The ten directional guardians (Dashdikpal) and the nine planets (Navagraha) are invoked and established with specific mantras. Offerings (Bali) are made.
- Abhishek (Ritual Bathing): The core of the ritual involves bathing the Guru's Padukas or Murtis. This is done with various substances, each with its own mantra and purpose. The text details eighteen specific Abhishek Kavya (verses for bathing):
  - Pushpanjali Abhishek: Offering flowers.
  - Swarna Churna Abhishek: Bathing with water mixed with gold powder.
  - Pancharatna Churna Abhishek: Bathing with water mixed with the powder of five jewels (pearls, gold, silver, coral, copper).
  - Panchagavya and Panchamrita Abhishek: Bathing with the mixture of five products of the cow (milk, curd, ghee, urine, dung) and five nectars (milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar).
  - Sadauṣadhi Abhishek: Bathing with water mixed with various medicinal herbs and roots.
  - Tirthodaka Abhishek: Bathing with sacred waters from pilgrimage sites.
  - (The text lists a total of 18 such ablutions, including those with kashay, mritika, various medicinal categories, perfumes, camphor, saffron, and auspicious waters.)
- Specific Rituals:
  - After the ablutions, the Padukas are worshipped with mixtures of camphor, musk, saffron, and sandalwood.
  - At the auspicious time, a scattering of auspicious grains (Vasakshep) is performed on the Murtis and Padukas.
  - The Vardhaman Vidya mantra is mentioned for scattering grains.
  - Offerings of betel nuts, coconuts, and other items are made.
  - Incense (Dhoop) is offered to the Guru Murti.
  - The congregation sings, instruments are played, and donations are given.
  - The ritual emphasizes communal meals and showing devotion to the Gurus.
  - For the stupa, fragrant offerings are made.
  - A specific list of numerous herbs and their medicinal properties is provided for anointing.
  - The ritual involves placing various items in the navel area of the Murti/Paduka.
  - The consecration is performed with specific mantras like "Sthavare Tishta Tishta Svaha" and others invoking the Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and Sadhus/Sadhvis.
  - After the main consecration, a series of rituals including aratrika (waving of lamps), guru stuti (praise of gurus), and seeking forgiveness are performed.
  - The Dashdikpals and Navagrahas are bid farewell (Visarjan).
  - The congregation returns to the Dharamshala, listens to the Guru's sermon, and departs.
  - For ten days following the consecration, special prayers and offerings are made. The consecrator observes austerity for ten days.
The Eighteen Abhishek Verses (Pages 13-17):
- This section elaborates on the eighteen types of Abhishek (ritual bathing), providing specific Sanskrit verses (Kavya) for each. Each verse describes the substance used for bathing and its symbolic purification or blessing. This section reiterates the types of baths previously mentioned, such as Pushpanjali, Hiranyodak, Pancharatna, Kashay, Mrittika, Panchagavya, Sadauṣadhi, Mulika, various herbal categories, Kusuma, Sugandhi, Vasakshep, Chandan, Kesar, Tirthodaka, and Karpur.
Special Mantras and Rituals:
- Vajraparashva Stotra (Page 23): A protective mantra is described for self-defense.
- Dashdikpal Invocation and Worship (Pages 23-25, 29): Detailed mantras for invoking and worshipping each of the ten directional guardians are provided, along with specific offerings for each. The ritual involves preparing offerings and performing specific actions like fanning, showing mirrors, and playing conches.
- Navagraha Invocation and Worship (Pages 24-27): Mantras for invoking and worshipping the nine planets are given, along with their associated colors, vehicles, and specific offerings.
- Ashtamangal Worship (Page 28): The eight auspicious symbols are listed and a mantra for their worship is provided.
- Bali Pradan (Offerings to Guardians): Instructions are given for making offerings to the Dashdikpals, including specific directions and items to offer.
- Visarjan (Farewell): Mantras for bidding farewell to the Dashdikpals, Navagrahas, and Ashtamangals are included.
- Vasa Abhimantran Vidhi (Sanctification of Grains/Offerings) (Pages 28-30): Two methods are described for consecrating offerings. This involves specific hand gestures (Mudra), mantras (like "Vardhaman Vidya"), and visualizations to infuse the items with sacred energy. The mantras are presented as powerful for protection, overcoming obstacles, and achieving spiritual growth.
- Jayti Huvana Gatha: A significant verse attributed to Bhandari Jayti Huvana is included, highlighting the greatness and protective powers of various deities and mantras associated with Jainism.

Key Themes and Concepts:

Guru Bhakti: The entire text is centered around devotion and reverence for Jain Gurus.
Ritual Purity: Emphasis is placed on performing rituals with purity, auspiciousness, and adherence to tradition.
Mantra Power: Various mantras are presented as essential for invoking deities, consecrating objects, and providing protection.
Symbolism: The numerous Abhishek substances and offerings hold symbolic meaning related to purification, prosperity, and spiritual attainment.
Community Participation: The rituals involve the participation of the entire Jain community, highlighting the collective nature of spiritual practice.
Historical Continuity: The text connects the present ritual practices to the legacy of ancient Jain acharyas and their efforts in propagating the faith.

In essence, "Gurumurti Pratishtha Vidhi" is a detailed guide for a specific and significant ritual within Jainism, aimed at honoring and establishing the spiritual presence of revered Gurus, thereby reinforcing the teachings and traditions of the faith.