Jain Pooja Kavya Ek Chintan - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Pooja Kavya Ek Chintan" by Dayachandra Jain, published by Bharatiya Gyanpith, based on the provided text:

Book Title: Jain Pooja Kavya Ek Chintan (Jain Devotional Poetry: A Reflection) Author: Dr. Dayachandra Jain, Sahityacharya Publisher: Bharatiya Gyanpith

Overall Theme: The book is a scholarly exploration of Jain devotional poetry (Pooja Kavya), its origins, development, various forms, and significance within Jainism and broader Indian philosophical traditions. It aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the concept of 'pooja' (worship) in Jainism and its parallels in other Indian philosophies.

Key Concepts and Chapters/Sections:

Preface (Prastavana):
- Need for Dharma: Highlights the universal need for religion, philosophy, and culture for the welfare of humanity.
- Jain Principles: Mentions the emergence of Ahimsa (non-violence), Anekanta (non-absolutism), and Ahimsak (non-violent) culture in the world.
- Rishabhdev's Teachings: Discusses Lord Rishabhdev's teachings on Asil (sword), Mati (intellect), Krishi (agriculture), Vidya (knowledge), Shilpa (crafts), and Vyapar (trade) at the beginning of the human era.
- Six Daily Duties: Enlists the six daily duties prescribed by Tirthankaras like Rishabhdev for the welfare and purity of life:
  1. Dev Pooja (Worship of the Divine)
  2. Guru ki Bhakti (Devotion to the Guru)
  3. Swadhyaya (Study of beneficial scriptures)
  4. Sanyam evam Niyam ka Acharan (Practice of self-control and discipline)
  5. Dushit Icchaon ko Nikalna (Discarding impure desires, controlling the mind)
  6. Dan (Charity for self and societal welfare)
- Importance of Dev Pooja: Stresses that Dev Pooja is the primary duty, as worshipping the qualities of the divine purifies the heart, speech, and body, leading to the purity of individual, social, national, and global life.
- Synonyms for Pooja: Lists various synonyms for pooja, including Mangal, Namasya, Saparaya, Archana, Upasana, Bhakti, Kirtan, Stuti, Bhajan, Yajna, Vandana, Namaskriti, etc., all pointing towards praising the qualities of the divine and acting accordingly.
- Pooja in Different Religions/Philosophies: Analyzes the concept of pooja across various Indian philosophical schools (Vedic and Avaidik, Brahmanical and Shraman). It notes the universal acceptance of the principle of worship, whether it be formless or formful, with or without idols, through mind, speech, or action, or through material offerings or inner devotion.
Pooja Tattva in Indian Philosophy:
- Vedic and Shraman Traditions: Confirms the presence of pooja/upasana in both Vedic and Shraman traditions, citing Rigveda and early Jain and Buddhist scriptures.
- Sankhya, Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Mimamsa, Baudha, Charvaka, Yoga, Vedanta: Briefly discusses the perspective on worship or self-realization (which is a form of inner worship) within these diverse philosophical systems. For example, Sankhya emphasizes the contemplation of the pure self as worship. Yoga focuses on the control of the mind. Vedanta highlights devotion to Brahman.
Pooja in Modern Sects:
- Discusses the concept of worship in various later religious movements and sects within India, such as Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Radha Vallabh Sampraday, Sitaraam Sampraday, Kabir Panth, Shaktism, Sikhism, Christianity, Islam, and Parsism, highlighting their distinct approaches to devotion and worship.
Origin and Development of Jain Pooja Kavya (Chapter 1: Jain Pooja Kavya ka Udbhav aur Vikas):
- Need for Pooja: Explains that the origin of Jain Pooja Kavya stems from the need to overcome vices and negative tendencies like violence, greed, ego, falsehood, attachment, and hatred, which lead to suffering. The companionship of virtuous beings and devotion to the divine (Paramatma) are seen as essential for spiritual growth.
- Purpose of Pooja: Outlines seven objectives of pooja:
  1. Nirvighna Ishta Siddhi (Uninterrupted attainment of desired goals)
  2. Shishtachar Palan (Adherence to good conduct and tradition)
  3. Nastikta Parihar (Rejection of atheism)
  4. Mansik Shuddhi (Mental purification)
  5. Shreyo Marg Siddhi (Attainment of the path to liberation)
  6. Tadguna Labdhi (Acquisition of divine qualities)
  7. Kritagyata Prakashan (Expression of gratitude)
- Definition and Components of Pooja: Explains pooja as respect and admiration for the qualities of the Panch Parmeshthis (Arhanta, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyaya, Sadhu). It identifies four elements of worship: Pujya (the worshipped), Pujak (the worshipper), Pooja (the act of worship), and Pooja-phal (the result of worship).
- Pujya (The Worshipped): Defines the Pujya as the Arhanta – the one who is free from 18 types of defects, is omniscient, and teaches welfare.
- Pujak (The Worshipper): Describes the qualities of a true worshipper as virtuous, altruistic, devoted, humble, without desire for results, free from anger and deceit, non-addicted, ethical in livelihood, enthusiastic, virtuous, knowledgeable, and blameless.
- Pooja (The Act): Describes the act of worship as the physical, verbal, and mental offering of devotion, often involving chanting, contemplation, and material offerings.
- Pooja-phal (The Result): States that the ultimate result of pooja is the attainment of the divine state (Godhood or liberation).
- Origin of Jain Pooja Kavya: Traces the origin to the teachings of the Tirthankaras, particularly the first Tirthankara, Lord Rishabhdev, and the subsequent Āchāryas who composed devotional literature. It highlights the historical continuity of pooja practices from ancient times.
- Historical Figures: Mentions various Āchāryas and their contributions to Jain literature, including those who composed pooja hymns.
Various Forms of Jain Pooja Kavya (Chapter 2: Jain Pooja Kavya ke Vividh Roop):
- Classification: Divides pooja kavya into four main categories:
  1. Stav and Stotra Kavya: Hymns praising the qualities of deities or saints. Differentiates between 'Stav' (praise of many) and 'Stuti' (praise of one).
  2. Mangal Kavya: Poems recited or performed at the beginning of auspicious events or literary works to invoke blessings and ward off evil. Discusses the etymology and significance of 'Mangal' in Jainism.
  3. Vinay Kavya and Bhakti Kavya: Poems expressing humility and devotion. Notes the overlap in meaning and purpose between Bhakti and Vinay.
  4. Keertan Sahitya and Aarti Sahitya: Discusses congregational singing of devotional songs and the ritual of Aarti.
- Examples: Provides numerous examples of Stotras and Mangalacharans from Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Hindi literature, highlighting their poetic elements (meter, rasa, figures of speech) and devotional content. It includes well-known works like the Bhaktamar Stotra and Kalyan Mandir Stotra.
- Vitraga Murti (Idol Worship): Defends the concept of idol worship in Jainism, explaining it as a means to remember the divine qualities and as a representative of the Tirthankaras. It discusses the historical and philosophical basis for idol worship.
- Pancha Paramesthi Pooja: Elaborates on the worship of the five supreme beings (Arhanta, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyaya, Sadhu) as the foundation of Jain pooja.
- Nav Devta (Nine Deities): Lists the nine categories of deities worshipped in Jainism: Arhanta, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyaya, Sadhu, Dharma, Agama (Shastra), Chaitya (Idol), and Chaityalaya (Temple).
- Importance of Rituals: Discusses various ritualistic aspects like Abhishek (ritual bathing of the idol), Swastivachan (auspicious chants), and other components of pooja.
- Raga and Vihagar (Emotional States): Emphasizes that true pooja is not just external ritual but involves internal devotion and the purification of emotions.
Chhand, Rasa, Alankar in Sanskrit and Prakrit Jain Pooja-Kavyas (Chapter 3):
- Analyzes the poetic elements in Sanskrit and Prakrit Jain devotional poetry.
- Discusses the use of various meters (Chhand), emotional sentiments (Rasa), and figures of speech (Alankar) employed by Jain poets to convey devotion and spiritual concepts.
- Provides examples from various stotras and bhakti poems to illustrate these points.
Chhand, Rasa, Alankar in Hindi Jain Pooja-Kavyas (Chapter 4):
- Similar to the previous chapter, this section focuses on the poetic elements in Hindi Jain devotional poetry.
- Highlights the contribution of Hindi poets in expressing Jain devotion through various meters, predominant use of Shanta Rasa, and figures of speech.
- Cites examples from prominent Hindi Jain poets and their works.
Ratnatraya in Jain Pooja-Kavyas (Chapter 5):
- Explains the concept of Ratnatraya (Three Jewels: Samyak Darshan, Samyak Gyan, Samyak Charitra) as central to Jain spiritual practice and liberation.
- Discusses how these principles are reflected and worshipped in Jain pooja kavyas.
- Differentiates between 'Nishchaya Ratnatraya' (inner reality) and 'Vyavahar Ratnatraya' (outward practice).
Sanskaras in Jain Pooja-Kavyas (Chapter 6):
- Explains the significance of Samskaras (life cycle rituals) in Jainism.
- Details the various Samskaras from conception to marriage, emphasizing their purpose of purification and spiritual development.
- Connects these rituals with the broader concept of pooja and devotion, showing how they are often accompanied by devotional recitations and prayers.
Festivals in Jain Pooja-Kavyas (Chapter 7):
- Discusses the various Jain festivals and how they are celebrated through specific poojas and devotional poetry.
- Highlights the role of festivals in reinforcing religious principles, fostering community, and inspiring moral conduct.
- Categorizes festivals into Nitya (daily), Naimittik (occasional), and Naisargik (natural/inherent) to explain their significance.
Tirthkshetra in Jain Pooja-Kavyas (Chapter 8):
- Explores the importance of pilgrimage sites (Tirthkshetra) in Jainism.
- Discusses how these holy places are venerated through pooja kavyas, often recounting the legends and miracles associated with them.
- Provides descriptions of significant Jain pilgrimage sites like Sammed Shikhar, Girnar, Mount Abu, Pawapuri, Vaishali, etc. and the specific devotional literature associated with them.
Significance of Jain Pooja-Kavyas (Chapter 9):
- Summarizes the overall importance and impact of Jain devotional poetry.
- Emphasizes its role in spiritual purification, moral upliftment, cultural preservation, and the propagation of Jain principles.
- Highlights how pooja kavyas serve as a vehicle for expressing devotion, seeking blessings, remembering divine qualities, and ultimately progressing on the path to liberation.

Key Takeaways:

Centrality of Pooja: Pooja is not merely ritualistic but a fundamental aspect of Jain spiritual practice, aimed at inner purification and progress towards liberation.
Holistic Approach: Jainism integrates external worship with internal devotion and ethical conduct, viewing all aspects of life as potentially contributing to spiritual growth.
Importance of Study: The book underscores the value of studying Jain pooja kavyas for understanding Jain philosophy, culture, and literary traditions.
Historical Depth: It traces the evolution of Jain devotional poetry from ancient times through various languages and historical periods.
Poetic Beauty: The text acknowledges the aesthetic and emotional appeal of these kavyas, noting the skillful use of meters, sentiments, and figures of speech.

This summary provides a structured overview of the book's content, covering its prefatory remarks, philosophical underpinnings, historical context, classifications, key concepts like Ratnatraya and Samskaras, and the rich literary tradition of Jain Pooja Kavyas in various languages, with a particular focus on their poetic elements and devotional significance.