Jain Vivah Vidhi Aur Vir Nirvanotsav Bahi Muhurt Paddhati

This Jain text, titled "Jain Vivah Vidhi aur Vir Nirvanotsav Bahi Muhurt Paddhati" (Jain Wedding Ceremony and Year of Lord Mahavir's Nirvana New Account Muhurta System), compiled by Nathulal Jain, is a comprehensive guide to two significant aspects of Jain practice: wedding ceremonies and the muhurta (auspicious timing) for opening new account books, often associated with the observance of Vira Nirvana Utsav.

The book is presented as a collection of religious and practical guidance for the Jain community. It aims to provide a standardized and accessible procedure for conducting Jain weddings, incorporating traditional practices while suggesting modifications for practicality and affordability. It also offers a methodology for determining auspicious times for the commencement of new financial records, often tied to the significant Jain festival of Vira Nirvana Utsav.

Key Sections and Content:

• Jain Vivah Vidhi (Jain Wedding Ceremony):

  • Introduction: The book begins by acknowledging the existence of various Jain wedding ceremony texts, often influenced by regional and community customs. It explains that this compilation is based on existing handwritten manuscripts and previous works, with adaptations made to suit contemporary needs and maintain religious faith.
  • Evolution of Jain Weddings: The editor, Nathulal Jain, reflects on the changes in Jain wedding ceremonies over the past 26-27 years. He notes the initial elaborate rituals, which were time-consuming and costly, leading to potential issues. The text highlights efforts to simplify the ceremonies, reduce expenses, and complete them within a shorter timeframe (around an hour) to accommodate the well-being of the bride and the convenience of the attendees. It mentions the involvement of Brahman pandits in some regions, indicating a broad adoption of the ceremony.
  • Key Rituals and Preparations: The book details the essential preparations and rituals involved in a Jain wedding, including:
    • Vagdan (Engagement): Introduction of family lineages and fixing the marriage.
    • Kankan Bandhan (Tying of auspicious thread): A ritual performed before the wedding.
    • Mandap Nirman (Marriage Canopy Construction): Including the installation of pillars.
    • Vivah Vedi (Wedding Altar): The construction and arrangement of the sacred space for the ceremony.
    • Tolan (Welcoming the Baraat): The groom's procession.
    • Panigrahan Sanskar (Hand-joining Ceremony): The formal acceptance of the bride.
    • Saptapadi (Seven Steps): The central ritual of the wedding.
    • Havan (Fire Ritual): With specific mantras and offerings.
    • Gathjoda (Tying of Garlands/Clothes): Symbolizing the union.
    • Hathleva (Hand Ceremony): A symbolic giving away of the bride.
    • Puja (Worship): Including the worship of Vinaayak Yantra (representing Lord Ganesha or the Panch Parmeshthi), various deities, and the Panch Parmeshthi.
    • Mangalashtak: Auspicious verses chanted during the ceremony.
    • Punyahtavachan (Blessing Ceremony): A ritual for peace and prosperity.
    • Aarti: A ritualistic offering of light.
    • Blessings and Farewell: Wishing the newlywed couple well.
  • Materials and Items: A detailed list of materials required for the wedding ceremony is provided, including offerings, sacred items, and decorative elements.
  • Ethical Considerations: The text discourages practices like dowry and bride-selling, emphasizing the importance of love and mutual respect between families.
  • Suggestions for Improvement: The editor encourages the simplification of rituals, reducing expenses, and the adoption of Jain wedding ceremonies within the Shvetambar community.

• Vir Nirvanotsav Bahi Muhurt Paddhati (Vir Nirvana Utsav New Account Muhurta System):

  • Significance of Vira Nirvana Utsav: This section explains the historical and spiritual significance of Lord Mahavir's Nirvana. It details his birth, his ascetic practices, attainment of Kevala Jnana (omniscience), and his final liberation (Moksha).
  • Observance of the Utsav: It highlights that the Nirvana Utsav is celebrated in remembrance of Lord Mahavir and his First Gandhar, Gautama Swami.
  • Critique of Misconceptions: The text addresses prevalent misconceptions and misguided practices associated with the festival, such as the worship of Ganesh (misinterpreted as Lord Ganesha instead of the original intent to honor Gautama Swami) and Lakshmi (misunderstood as a goddess of wealth rather than Moksha Lakshmi or Kevala Jnana Lakshmi). It criticizes activities like gambling on this holy day, deeming them un-Jain.
  • Correct Observance: The book advocates for celebrating Diwali (which often coincides with the Utsav) with a focus on strengthening Samyagdarshan (right faith) through Jain scriptural practices, including temple worship, performing Nirvana Puja, reciting Nirvana Kanda, and offering the Nirvana Laddu. It clarifies that wealth accumulation (Laxmi) is a result of the shedding of obstacles (Antaray Karma) through virtuous deeds, not through the worship of money itself.
  • Muhurta for New Account Books: The text provides guidance on the auspicious timing for opening new account books. It emphasizes performing this ritual in a pure location within the shop or business premises during the sacred "Gaudhuli Lagna" (dusk). It outlines the steps for the puja, including venerating Lord Mahavir, the scriptures, and using specific offerings. The importance of keeping a lamp burning throughout the night is also mentioned.

• Other Included Texts:

  • Samadhi Maran (Peaceful Death): A piece by Shri Surachandani, likely focusing on the Jain ideal of dying with equanimity and detachment.
  • Barah Bhavana (Twelve Reflections): A composition by Shri Mangatraiji, detailing the twelve reflections that aid in spiritual progress and detachment from worldly affairs.
  • Samayik Vidhi evam Samayik Path (Samayik Method and Samayik Text): Instructions and the text for performing Samayik, a Jain meditation and equanimity practice.

Overall Purpose and Contribution:

"Jain Vivah Vidhi aur Vir Nirvanotsav Bahi Muhurt Paddhati" serves as a valuable resource for Jains seeking to perform their religious ceremonies and observances according to scriptural guidelines. It aims to:

• Standardize Rituals: Provide a clear and consistent framework for Jain weddings, reducing confusion and variations.
• Promote Simplicity and Affordability: Encourage more accessible and less extravagant wedding ceremonies.
• Educate on Religious Significance: Explain the deeper meaning behind important festivals and practices, correcting misconceptions.
• Guide Practical Aspects: Offer practical advice on everything from wedding materials to auspicious timings for business.
• Foster Spiritual Growth: Encourage the practice of Samayik and the reflection on the twelve Bhavanas for spiritual development.

The book reflects a concern for the practicalities of modern life while upholding the spiritual principles of Jainism.