Jain Pujanjali

This Jain text, titled "Jain Pujanjali" (Meaning "An Offering of Jain Worship"), authored by Rajmal Pavaiya Kavivar and published by Shri Digambar Jain Mumukshu Mandal, Bhopal, is a comprehensive collection of devotional hymns and prayers intended for use in Jain worship.

Here's a breakdown of its content and significance based on the provided pages:

Overall Purpose:

The book serves as a guide for Jain devotees, providing a structured way to express their devotion through various pujas (worship rituals). It aims to deepen spiritual understanding and connection with the principles and figures of Jainism.

Key Content Areas:

• Collection of Pujas: The core of the book is a compilation of 44 spiritual pujas. These are likely organized around various themes within Jainism.
• Themes of Pujas: The text indicates a wide range of themes covered, including:
  • Worship of the Panch Paramesthis (the five supreme beings: Arihants, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and Sadhus).
  • Various Tirthankaras (Jain spiritual teachers who have attained liberation).
  • Important Tirthas (sacred pilgrimage sites).
  • Pujas for specific festivals and occasions (Naimittik and Vishesh Pujan).
  • The text mentions pujas for Jinvani (the divine word), Samaysar (a key Jain philosophical text), and Kundakundacharya (a revered Jain monk and philosopher).
  • There are also specific pujas for deities like Gautam Swami (the chief disciple of Lord Mahavir) and Bahubali (a famous Jain ascetic).
• Author's Background: The preface highlights the prolific nature of the author, Rajmal Pavaiya. He has been writing since 1932, covering various genres. Notably, after coming into contact with Pujya Shri Kanji Swami, his focus shifted to spiritual writing. His translations and original works have been highly praised by prominent Jain scholars and leaders.
• Inclusion of Dohe and Bhajans: The book also includes devotional couplets (dohe) and hymns (bhajans), further enriching its devotional content.
• Spiritual Couplets on Each Page: A unique feature mentioned is the inclusion of approximately 200 poetic verses composed by Pavaiya on each page, adding an extra layer of spiritual reflection.
• Invocation Mantras: Each puja concludes with a japy mantra (chantable mantra), which serves as a focal point for meditation and devotion.
• Editorial and Publishing Information:
  • The publication is by Shri Digambar Jain Mumukshu Mandal, Bhopal.
  • The preface acknowledges the support of the Digambar Jain community in Bhopal and the Mumukshu Mandal in the publication and for keeping the price low.
  • The printing has been done by Divakar Printers & Publishers, Bhopal.
  • There's a note about the intellectual property belonging to everyone and a request to credit the author.

Significance:

• Accessibility of Worship: This book makes worship accessible to a wider audience by providing well-structured prayers and hymns.
• Spiritual Guidance: It serves as a valuable resource for Jains seeking to deepen their spiritual practice and understanding of Jain philosophy and devotion.
• Preservation of Tradition: The collection likely preserves and promotes traditional Jain devotional practices.
• Literary Merit: The author's extensive literary background suggests that the pujas are not only spiritually significant but also possess literary merit.

In essence, "Jain Pujanjali" is a seminal work in Jain devotional literature, offering a comprehensive collection of prayers and hymns that guide devotees in their spiritual journey, reflecting the rich devotional tradition within Jainism.