Jain Hindi Puja Kavya - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain Hindi Puja Kavya text, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Jain Hindi Puja Kavya: Parampara Aur Alochana (Jain Hindi Puja Poetry: Tradition and Criticism) Author: Dr. Aditya Prachandia 'Deeti' Publisher: Jain Shodh Academy, Aligadh Subject: This book is a research thesis accepted by Agra University in 1978 for a Ph.D. degree. It critically examines the tradition and literature of Jain Hindi Puja Kavya (Jain devotional poetry in Hindi).

Overall Purpose: The book aims to systematically study and analyze the rich tradition of Jain Hindi Puja Kavya, tracing its origins, development, literary merits, psychological and cultural significance, and the various elements that constitute this devotional poetry. It seeks to bring this often-overlooked genre of Jain literature to the forefront of scholarly attention.

Key Sections and Their Content:

My Problem: My Solution (Meri Samasya: Mera Samadhan): The author begins by highlighting the challenges faced by researchers in Jain studies, including the lack of qualified supervisors, difficulties in accessing and understanding ancient manuscripts, and the problem of publishing scholarly works. The establishment of the Jain Shodh Academy in Aligarh is presented as a solution to these issues, providing resources and guidance for research.
Foreword (Vachan-Shubh) by Jainendra Kumar: This section praises the author's work, emphasizing that Jain Puja focuses on virtues rather than individuals. The authors clarifies that the 'Panch Parmeshthi' (five supreme beings) are symbols of asceticism and self-conquest. The summary states that Jain Puja aims at self-awakening. The foreword also highlights the rich literary aspects of Puja Kavya, including its diverse poetic styles, use of symbols, and its connection to Jain culture.
Introduction (Bhumika): The introduction sets the stage by describing the vastness and often unpublished nature of Jain literature. It emphasizes the importance of Jain Puja as a fundamental aspect of Jain life, aimed at spiritual development. It outlines the distinction between 'Bhava Puja' (internal devotion) and 'Dravya Puja' (external ritual with materials). The author traces the tradition of Puja literature from ancient times through various languages, noting its significant contribution to Hindi literature from the 17th century onwards.
Origin and Development (Udbhav tatha Vikas): This extensive section delves into the historical and philosophical roots of Jain Puja.
- It discusses the classification of Jain scriptures into four 'Anuyogas' (Prathamanuyoga, Karananuyoga, Charananyoga, Dravyanuyoga) and links Puja to Charananyoga.
- It traces the influence of Vedic and Brahmanical traditions on Jain practices, particularly regarding devotional expression.
- It highlights the ancient roots of Jain culture, even referencing potential links to the Indus Valley Civilization.
- It details the role of various generations of Jain scholars and Acharyas in preserving and propagating Jain Agamas and literature.
- It explains the concept of 'Vratas' (vows) and 'Pratimas' (stages of observance) for householders, emphasizing 'Deva Puja' as the primary among the six daily duties.
- It describes the various types of Puja (Nama, Sthapana, Dravya, Kshetra, Kala, Bhava) and the significance of the eight materials (water, sandalwood, rice, flowers, offering, lamp, incense, fruit) in 'Dravya Puja'.
- It connects the practice of Puja to the philosophical concepts of soul, karma, and the path to liberation.
- It emphasizes the role of 'Namaskar Mantra' and the worship of the 'Panch Parmeshthi' (Arhant, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyaya, Sadhu) as the core of Jain devotion.
- It discusses the evolution of Puja Kavya from Sanskrit and Prakrit into Hindi, beginning around the 17th century, with significant contributions from poets like Rupchand, Bhudaradas, and Dyanatraya.
- It highlights the role of Puja literature in fostering emotional unity across different regions of India.
Thematic Analysis of Jain Hindi Puja Kavya: The author then breaks down the analysis of Puja Kavya into various thematic and literary aspects:
- Knowledge (Gyan): Discusses the knowledge embedded in Puja Kavya, covering concepts like 'Atma' (soul), 'Karma' (actions and their consequences), 'Moksha' (liberation), and the nature of the 'Panch Parmeshthi'. It details the eight types of karma (Ghatiya and Aghatiya) and how Puja aims at their destruction. It also explains the 'Anant Chatustaya' (infinite knowledge, perception, bliss, and energy) of the liberated soul. The concept of 'Keval Gyan' (omniscience) and the role of the 'Tirthankaras' are explored. The study also examines the '36 qualities' of Tirthankaras, including the 14 'Atishayas' (miraculous events) and 8 'Pratiharyas' (symbolic attributes). The importance of the 'Dashalakshana Dharma' (ten virtues) is also discussed. The concept of 'Samavasharan' (the divine assembly hall) and the 'Saptabhangi' (seven-valued logic) are presented as important philosophical elements. The 'Ratnatraya' (three jewels: Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct) is highlighted as the path to liberation. The significance of the '16 Karanas' (16 vows/meditations for achieving Tirthankara status) is also analyzed.
- Bhakti (Devotion): This section explores the various forms of devotion found in Puja Kavya, including 'Siddha Bhakti' (devotion to the liberated souls), 'Shruta Bhakti' (devotion to scriptures), 'Charitra Bhakti' (devotion to virtuous conduct), 'Yogi Bhakti' (devotion to yogis), 'Acharya Bhakti' (devotion to spiritual preceptors), 'Panch Parmeshthi Bhakti', 'Tirthankar Bhakti', 'Chaitya Bhakti' (worship of temples and idols), 'Samadhi Bhakti' (devotion to meditative state), 'Nirvana Bhakti' (devotion to liberation), and 'Shanti Bhakti' (devotion for peace). It emphasizes that Jain devotion is primarily focused on virtues and self-realization.
- Vidhi-Vidhan (Rituals and Practices): This section details the rituals and methods of Puja, including 'Bhava Puja' (internal devotion) and 'Dravya Puja' (external worship). It explains the 'Ashtdravyas' (eight materials) and their symbolic meanings, as well as the procedural steps involved in performing a Puja.
- Literary Aspects:
  - Rasa Yojana (Emotional Expression): Discusses the presence of various emotions (rasas) in Puja Kavya, with 'Shanta Rasa' (peaceful sentiment) being predominant. It also notes the presence of elements of 'Shrringar' (love/beauty), 'Veera' (heroism), and 'Karuna' (compassion).
  - Prakriti Chitran (Nature Depiction): Analyzes how natural elements are used in Puja Kavya.
  - Alankar Yojana (Use of Figures of Speech): Examines the use of various literary devices like 'Anupras' (alliteration), 'Punrutti Prakash' (repetition), 'Upama' (simile), 'Utpreksha' (poetic exaggeration), 'Rupak' (metaphor), and 'Vyatirek' (contrast).
  - Chhand Yojana (Metrical Patterns): Details the various meters ('Chhand') used in Puja Kavya, classifying them into 'Matrik' (syllabic) and 'Varnik' (alphabetic) meters. It provides examples of popular meters like 'Chaupai', 'Doha', 'Soratha', 'Harigiti', 'Addill', 'Kavitta', etc., and their prevalence across different centuries.
  - Symbol Yojana (Symbolism): Explores the rich symbolism used in Puja Kavya, categorizing symbols related to self-realization, the body, vices and suffering, and virtues and ultimate happiness. It highlights the multi-layered meanings of common symbols.
  - Bhasha (Language): Discusses the linguistic style, noting the blend of Sanskrit, Apabhramsha, and local dialects, and the evolution of language used in Puja Kavya over the centuries. It analyzes the use of various grammatical structures and word formations.
- Psychological Aspects: Examines the psychological impact of Puja on the devotee, including the role of faith, emotional expression, and the process of self-purification and spiritual transformation. It highlights how Puja helps in overcoming 'Kashayas' (passions like anger, pride, deceit, greed) and achieving inner peace.
- Cultural Aspects: Discusses the cultural context of Puja Kavya, including descriptions of cities and pilgrimage sites ('Nagari-Varnan' and 'Tirtha-Varnan'), depictions of clothing, ornaments, and cosmetics ('Vesh-Bhusha, Abhushan aur Saundarya Prasadhan'), musical instruments ('Vadyayantra'), and the description of flora ('Pushpa-Varnan'), fruits ('Phala-Varnan'), animals ('Pashu-Varnan'), and birds ('Pakshi-Varnan'). These descriptions offer insights into the social and cultural life of the periods.
Conclusion (Upasamhar): This section provides a summary of the findings, offering a brief introduction to the poets and their contributions. It also includes a glossary of Puja-related terminology ('Puja Shabdkosh').

Key Contributions of the Book:

Systematic Study: The book provides a comprehensive and structured analysis of Jain Hindi Puja Kavya, which may have been fragmented or less explored before.
Literary and Scholarly Value: It highlights the literary merits, philosophical depth, and cultural significance of this genre.
Historical Trace: It traces the evolution of Puja Kavya from its ancient roots through different languages and centuries, particularly focusing on its development in Hindi.
Interdisciplinary Approach: The book integrates linguistic analysis, literary criticism, psychological insights, and cultural studies to provide a holistic understanding of the subject.
Resource for Jain Studies: It serves as a valuable resource for scholars and students interested in Jain literature, culture, and devotional practices.

In essence, Dr. Aditya Prachandia's "Jain Hindi Puja Kavya: Parampara Aur Alochana" is a seminal work that systematically analyzes and validates the importance of Jain Hindi devotional poetry as a significant contributor to both Jain literature and Hindi literary traditions.