Jain Sharda And Mahalaxmi Poojan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Sharda and Mahalaxmi Poojan":

Overall Purpose:

This book, published by Shri Jain Prakashan Mandir Ahmedabad, is a guide for performing the pooja (worship) of Goddesses Lakshmi and Sharda (Saraswati) according to Jain traditions. It aims to provide a simplified and accessible method for devotees to worship these deities, ensuring spiritual and material well-being.

Key Sections and Content:

1. Invocation and Salutations:

   • The book begins with salutations to Shri Gautamswami, a prominent disciple of Lord Mahavir and the first Ganadhara (chief disciple).
   • It also includes a salutation to Mahalaxmi (Om Mahalaxmyai Namah) and Sharda (Om Shardayai Namah).

2. Shri Atmaraksha Navkar Mantra (Page 4):

   • This section presents a powerful invocation using the Navkar Mantra for self-protection. It describes how each part of the mantra forms a protective shield around the body, warding off dangers and ailments.

3. Shri Mahalakshmi Pooja Vidhi (Pages 5-15):

   • Introduction: The text notes that while many homes perform Lakshmi pooja, there are sectarian differences and the process can be time-consuming. This book offers a simplified method rooted in mantra principles for achieving desired outcomes.
   • Key Principles: Emphasizes the importance of faith, purity, and following the prescribed ritual.
   • Preparation: Instructions are given for purifying the worship space, including cleaning the floor and sprinkling rosewater.
   • Setting up the Altar: Details on placing a small throne or a wooden platform (bajoth) for the idol or image of Goddess Lakshmi, covered with a yellow silk cloth. A separate yellow-covered seat is also prepared in front.
   • Lighting Lamps and Incense: Instructions to light a ghee lamp on the left and an incense stick on the right, while mentally chanting "Om Shrim Namah."
   • Prostrations and Purification: Performing three prostrations to the Supreme Soul, Sadguru, and Maha-Tapasvi. A purification verse is recited, stating that remembering Lord Vishnu purifies one internally and externally.
   • Worship and Hymns:
     • A detailed verse (sloka) is provided for worshipping Goddess Lakshmi, describing her attributes like holding lotuses, a pleasant face, bestowing fortune, granting boons, being adorned with jewels, and being served by deities like Hari, Hara, and Brahma.
     • Abhishek (Ritual Bath): Instructions for performing an abhishek with water, invoking sacred rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Saraswati, Narmada, Sindhu, and Kaveri.
     • Vastu Pooja and Offerings: Performing Vastu pooja with "Om Shri Varahi Namah," offering flower garlands, fruits, and naivedya (food offerings).
     • Shri Mahalakshmi Stotras: The book includes the "Shri Mahalakshmi Ashtakam Stotra," a collection of eight verses praising Goddess Mahalakshmi. It highlights the benefits of reciting this stotra, such as achieving all accomplishments, wealth, and overcoming enemies.
     • Meditation (Dhyana): A descriptive verse is provided for meditating on Goddess Lakshmi, detailing her appearance, attire, ornaments, and the divine elephants showering her with nectar. The text explains how this meditation can lead to profound joy.
     • Concluding Prayers: A prayer for forgiveness of any errors during the pooja is recited.
   • Mantra Japa: Encourages focused mantra recitation.
   • Specific Mantras for Wealth and Fulfillment: Several powerful mantras are listed for gaining wealth, increasing income, achieving goals, and experiencing miraculous results with regular chanting.
   • Shri Mahalakshmi Stuti: A stuti (praise) describing Goddess Lakshmi's origin from the ocean, her divine radiance, and her role as the mother of the universe.

4. Shri Sharda Pooja Vidhi (Pages 15-22):

   • Introduction: This section focuses on the worship of Goddess Sharda (Saraswati), the goddess of knowledge, arts, and music. It emphasizes the benefits of performing this pooja with a focused mind according to Jain rituals, leading to prosperity and joy.
   • Pooja Samagri (Materials for Worship): A comprehensive list of items required for the pooja, including coconut, kumkum, sacred thread, money, colors, incense, perfume, rice, betel leaves, cardamom, cloves, fruits, sweets, milk, curd, water, jaggery, grains, flowers, ghee, lamps, cotton, and grass.
   • Setting up for Chopda Pooja (Account Book Worship): Instructions for placing a new account book on a platform in the east or north. The worshipper applies kumkum and rice to their forehead.
   • Writing the New Account: The ritual involves tying a sacred thread, taking a pen, and reciting three Navkars. The new account book is then written with auspicious phrases and prayers, invoking blessings for wealth, knowledge, and success from various Jain figures and principles.
   • Auspicious Writing: The practice of writing "Shri" multiple times in a specific pattern is described.
   • Symbolic Offerings: Placing a sacred betel leaf with betel nuts, cardamom, cloves, and a silver coin on the swastika symbol.
   • Mantra Chanting and Offerings: The text lists specific mantras to be chanted while offering various items (water, sandalwood, flowers, incense, lamp, unbroken rice, naivedya, fruits) to Goddess Sharda.
   • Shri Sharda Stotram: Includes a hymn praising Goddess Sharda, highlighting her attributes like purity, knowledge, and her association with the veena, book, and lotus. It emphasizes how worshipping her can remove ignorance and bestow wisdom.
   • Shri Saraswati Devi Stuti: Another praise of Goddess Saraswati, describing her as the embodiment of pure knowledge and the dispeller of darkness.
   • Aarti: A devotional song (aarti) for Goddess Saraswati is provided, expressing prayers for wisdom and success.
   • Gautamashtak: After the aarti, the "Gautamashtak," a collection of eight verses praising Gautamswami, is recited, followed by the practice of giving charity.

5. Shri Gautamswami Worship and Praises:

   • Gautamashtak: Celebrates Gautamswami's spiritual achievements, his role in compiling the Jain scriptures (Agamas), and the joy he brought to the world.
   • Shri Gautamswami Prabhatia (Morning Hymn): A devotional song for the morning, praising Gautamswami's miraculous powers and spiritual lineage.
   • Shri Gautamswami Ji Chhand (Verses): A collection of verses praising Gautamswami, highlighting the benefits of remembering him, such as achieving desires, overcoming illness, and attracting good fortune.
   • Shri Gautamswamiji Sankt Stotra: A stotra dedicated to Gautamswami, invoking his blessings for fulfilling desires. It mentions his role in disseminating knowledge and his spiritual status.

6. Diwali Ganana (Diwali Ritual):

   • A specific ritual for Diwali is described, involving chanting twenty Navkar-avalies for each component. It also advises against bursting firecrackers, considering it a violation of knowledge.

7. Shri Parshvanath Jin Prabhatiya:

   • A morning hymn dedicated to Lord Parshvanath, invoking his blessings and power to overcome obstacles.

8. Shri Shanka-hara Stotram (Shri Parshvanath Stuti):

   • This section presents a powerful stotra dedicated to Lord Parshvanath, known as the destroyer of obstacles and suffering. It describes his divine attributes and the benefits of worshipping him, such as dispelling diseases and fears.

9. Shri Brahmanti Stotram (Shanti Path):

   • This lengthy section is a Shanti Path, a prayer for peace and well-being.
   • It begins with an invocation to all the Tirthankaras and their blessings for peace.
   • It then invokes peace for the Jain sangha (community) of monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen.
   • A prayer for the well-being of all beings, including celestial bodies, deities, and local guardian spirits, is offered.
   • It includes prayers for prosperity, warding off evil, and the overall welfare of the world.
   • The text then recites verses dedicated to Lord Shantinath, the 16th Tirthankara, who is known for bestowing peace.
   • It concludes with a plea for universal peace and the triumph of the Jain Dharma.

10. Publisher's Information:

    • The book lists other publications by Jain Prakashan Mandir, covering a wide range of Jain scriptures, hymns, and rituals.

Overall Message:

The book serves as a practical manual for Jain devotees to connect with the divine energies of Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Sharda, thereby seeking material prosperity, knowledge, and spiritual advancement. It emphasizes the importance of devotion, purity, and following prescribed rituals, while also offering specific mantras and prayers for various blessings and protection. The inclusion of prayers for Gautamswami highlights the significance of spiritual lineage and guidance within Jainism.