Gurupad Puja - Book Summary | JainGPT

This document is "Gurupad Puja" by Acharya Shrimad Ajitsagarsuri, published by Shamaldas Tuljaram Shah. It is a devotional text focused on the veneration of spiritual guides (Gurus) within Jainism.

Here's a comprehensive summary of its key themes and content:

Central Theme: The Supreme Importance of the Guru

The book's core message emphasizes the indispensable role of a Guru in the spiritual journey. It posits that:

Human birth is rare and for self-realization: The primary duty of a human is to achieve self-realization.
Self-realization requires knowledge: True self-realization cannot be attained without knowledge.
Knowledge is obtained through the Guru: Just as one with eyes cannot see in darkness without light, those with ignorant intellect cannot recognize the knowable without a Guru.
The Guru is the ultimate refuge: There is nothing superior to the Guru. The text quotes, "Nasti tatvam Guroh param" (There is no principle higher than the Guru).
Guru's grace is essential for liberation: The text highlights that liberation (Moksha) can only be achieved by following the Guru's commands. The Guru's grace bestows eightfold spiritual powers (Ashta Siddhis). Without Guru's devotion, even knowledge acquisition is unfruitful.
Gurus dispel ignorance: Just as a lamp illuminates itself and other objects, a Guru, through the practice of Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct (Ratnatraya), dispels the darkness of delusion for themselves and others.
Gurus are the most revered beings: Therefore, knowledge-giving Gurus are the most worshipful in the universe.

The Context: Honoring the Guru's Legacy

The book is specifically dedicated to the veneration of Shrimad Buddhisagar Surishwarji, an Acharya who was renowned for his spiritual depth and prolific speaking. He renounced his physical body in V.S. 1981. The text mentions that his passing was deeply mourned, with many people from different regions expressing their sorrow.

In his honor, a Samadhi Mandir (mausoleum/memorial temple) was constructed in Vijapur, where he was cremated. A statue of him was installed within this temple. The "Gurupad Puja" was composed to facilitate the worship of this sacred statue.

The Author's Motivation and Content

The author, Acharya Shrimad Ajitsagarsuri, explains that due to requests from many monks and householders, he has compiled these "Gurupad Pujas" (various forms of worship for the Guru's feet), Aarti, Mangaldeep, and Stavans (devotional songs/prayers) to be sung in the presence of the Guru's image. He expresses joy in presenting this devotional material.

The Ritual of Gurupad Puja

The text provides a detailed "Vidhi" (method) for performing Gurupad Puja:

Placement: Install the Guru's footprints, sandals made of saffron and sandalwood, or a picture of the Guru in the Upashraya (Jain place of worship) or another suitable location.
Idols/Footprints: If there is a Guru statue or footprints made of stone or metal, perform an Abhishek (ritual bathing) with water. Worship with sandalwood paste, flowers, etc., is done similar to the worship of Jin idols (Tirthankaras).
Offerings: Offer incense (dhoop), lamps (deep), flowers (pushpa), unbroken rice (akshata), incense (dhupa), and lamps (deepa) before the Guru's image or footprints.
Other Rituals: Offer fruits (phal), and arrange for offerings of sweets and fruits (naivedya).
Temple Worship: If Guru idols or footprints are in a niche within a Jin temple, perform the Guru Puja before the Guru's representation after the main Jin idol's worship.
Significance of Guru's Representation: The text clarifies that just as Arihant Bhagwan is a Parmeshthi (highest spiritual being), Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and Munis are also within the Panch Parmeshthi. Therefore, their statues and footprints are worthy of worship, similar to Jin idols.
Timing: Gurupad Puja should be performed with devotion on the day a Muni (who holds the title of Suri) leaves their mortal body.
Community Observance: On such occasions, it is customary to feed the ascetics with sweets and distribute sweets like Modaks as blessings. All fellow Jains (Sadharmik) attending the puja should be honored with respect and offerings. If possible, a meal should also be provided.
Evening Activities: In the evening, gather together and sing devotional songs and praises in honor of the Guru.
Service to Monks and Nuns: Special service and devotion should be shown to Sadhus and Sadhvis in the name of Guru devotion.
Learning and Spreading the Guru's Teachings: Listen to discourses on the Guru's life and teachings. Endeavor to publish religious books. Do not neglect to propagate the Guru's glory. Act according to the Guru's teachings.
Worship Elements: The puja involves offerings of water (Jalam), sandalwood (Chandanam), flowers (Pushpani), incense (Dhupam), lamps (Deepam), unbroken rice (Akshatan), food offering (Naivedyam), and fruits (Phalani), all accompanied by devotional verses (mantras).

Structure of the Gurupad Puja (as described in the verses)

The puja is divided into eight parts, each dedicated to a specific offering and imbued with devotional verses:

Jal Puja (Water Offering): Praising the Guru's ability to provide solace and clear the illusion of worldly existence.
Chandan Puja (Sandalwood Offering): Highlighting the Guru's cooling and purifying influence.
Pushpa Puja (Flower Offering): Reverencing the Guru's victory over senses and desires.
Dhupa Puja (Incense Offering): Honoring the Guru's fame and the dispelling of karmic darkness.
Deep Puja (Lamp Offering): Appreciating the Guru's role in illuminating pure knowledge and dispelling ignorance.
Akshata Puja (Unbroken Rice Offering): Offering respect to the Guru for their profound knowledge and detachment.
Naivedya Puja (Food Offering): Presenting offerings to the Guru who is the savior of the three worlds.
Phala Puja (Fruit Offering): Offering fruits to the Guru who guides towards the path of liberation.

The text concludes with the traditional "Shanti Mantra" (Om Shanti: Shanti: Shanti:) and expresses auspiciousness.

In essence, "Gurupad Puja" is a comprehensive guide for performing a devotional ritual to honor and remember the teachings and spiritual prowess of revered Jain Gurus, particularly Shrimad Buddhisagar Surishwarji, emphasizing the Guru's central role in achieving spiritual liberation.