Jain Hindi Puja Kavya Me Ashtadravya Aur Unka Pratikarya - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Jain Hindi Puja Kavya me Ashtadravya aur Unka Pratikarya" by Aditya Prachandiya:

This text, an excerpt from a larger work, delves into the significance and symbolic meaning of the Ashtadravyas (Eight Offerings) used in Jain Puja (worship) within the context of Jain Hindi Puja poetry. The author, Aditya Prachandiya, emphasizes that Puja, derived from the root "puj" meaning "to worship," is essentially acts of service and veneration, akin to "vaiyavrutya" in Jain scriptures, and specifically the worship of the divine Tirthankaras.

The author first distinguishes between Bhava Puja (Internal Worship), which is considered the original form, and Dravya Puja (External Worship), which emerged later and involves offering physical substances. Jainism, being a karma-centric philosophy, has structured its worship offerings based on the eight types of karma.

The core of the text focuses on explaining the symbolic meaning of each of the eight Dravyas used in Jain Puja:

Jal (Water): Etymologically derived from "ja" (birth) and "la" (to dissolve or merge), the word "jal" symbolizes the cycle of birth and death. In Jain worship, pure "prasuk" water is offered not for quenching thirst, but to symbolize the aspiration to destroy the karmas of birth, aging, and death, and ultimately attain liberation (moksha). It represents the cleansing of karmic impurities from the soul to achieve ultimate freedom. The text notes the consistent use of "jal" with this symbolic meaning in Hindi Puja poetry across different centuries.
Chandan (Sandalwood): While sandalwood is known for its cooling properties in the mundane world, in Jainism, it symbolizes the cooling of worldly suffering and heat. Offering sandalwood signifies the desire to overcome ignorance and delusion (moha) through the worship of the peaceful, liberated Jinendra. This act is intended to transform inner hardness into gentleness and humility, paving the way for right faith (samyak darshan).
Akshat (Unbroken Rice): The word "akshat" is associated with "akshaya pad," the immortal state of liberation (moksha). It signifies an element that is not perishable. By offering akshat, the devotee resolves to attain this imperishable state. Just as rice grains are distinct and complete, the soul, by adhering to the Ratnatraya (Three Jewels: Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct), can achieve liberation. The text explains the symbolic representation of the four states of existence and the Three Jewels through a "swastika" made with akshat, topped with dots and a crescent, signifying the path to liberation.
Pushpa (Flower): While flowers are associated with Kamadeva (the god of love) in general parlance, in Jainism, they symbolize the renunciation of worldly desires and passions. Offering flowers represents the aspiration to achieve a body like that of Kamadeva and to enjoy beauty and fragrance, but ultimately to transcend these worldly attractions. The essence is to offer beautiful, fragrant flowers to the omniscient Jinendra, thereby making the mind pure and open to knowledge, leading to the fragrance of the soul.
Naivedya (Food Offering): In Jainism, Naivedya is not about offering food for the deity's sustenance but is a symbolic offering. In the context of Jain Hindi Puja, the sweet food offered is termed Naivedya. It symbolizes the desire to transcend all material enjoyments and attachments. By offering delicious food, the devotee prays to be free from sensory desires and attachments to worldly pleasures, and to experience the inherent bliss of the self.
Deep (Lamp): The lamp, in its literal sense, is a source of light. In Jain Puja, it symbolizes knowledge that dispels the darkness of ignorance and delusion (moha). Offering a lamp signifies the aspiration to cultivate virtues like non-violence, self-control, and asceticism within the mind, thereby illuminating the inner self. The text also notes the symbolic use of the white inner part of a coconut as a "deep."
Dhup (Incense): Incense, made of fragrant substances, is typically used for its aroma. In Jainism, it symbolically represents the destruction of the eight types of karma. Offering incense signifies the purification of the self by burning away the fuel of karmas and preventing further karmic bondage, leading to the development of spiritual strength (samvara).
Phala (Fruit): While "phala" generally means result or consequence, in Jainism, it specifically refers to the fruit of liberation (moksha). Offering ripe and sweet fruits signifies the desire to destroy the fruits of suffering-causing karma and to attain the ultimate goal of self-realization and liberation.

The author concludes by stating that the practice of Puja holds immense importance in Jain devotional contexts, and the use of the Ashtadravyas is undeniable. The symbolic meanings attributed to these offerings are consistently reflected in Hindi Jain Puja poetry across various centuries. Ultimately, Jain Hindi Puja poetry conveys a message of detachment from worldly pursuits and inspires the devotee to walk the righteous path. The text also draws a parallel with Buddhist practices, highlighting the importance of worship for cultivating enlightenment.