Jin Mandir Me Pravesh Aur Puja Ka Kram - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Jin Mandir me Pravesh aur Puja ka Kram" by Ajaysagar:

This Jain text, "Jin Mandir me Pravesh aur Puja ka Kram" (The Order of Entering and Worshipping in a Jain Temple), outlines a detailed step-by-step process for devotees to follow when visiting and performing worship at a Jain temple (Jinalaya). The core philosophy emphasized is that true worship is preceded by knowledge and followed by action.

The process begins from a distance and progresses inward, with specific rituals and spiritual intentions at each stage.

Key Stages and Rituals:

Distant Reverence: Upon seeing the temple flag from afar, one should join their hands, bow their head, and recite "Namo Jinanam" (Salutations to the Victorious Ones).
Entry: After declaring the first "Nisihithi" (a declaration of abstaining from worldly matters and thoughts), one should enter the main entrance of the temple.
First Darshan: Upon seeing the image of the Tirthankar (the divine being), one should join hands, touch their forehead, bow their head, and again recite "Namo Jinanam."
Pradakshina (Circumambulation): Perform three circumambulations around the idol, ensuring no harm to living beings.
Standing and Praising: Men should stand to the right of the idol, and women to the left. They should bow from the waist ("Ardhvanat Pranam") and recite praises with a melodious voice. Men are instructed to wear an eight-layered Mukhkosh (a cloth to cover the mouth and nose to prevent harm to microscopic beings) and self-grind saffron.
Tilak (Forehead Mark): Men should apply a tilak in the shape of a flame or an almond, symbolizing obedience to the Tirthankar's commands. Women should apply a round tilak, symbolizing devotion.
Entering the Sanctum: After tying the eight-layered Mukhkosh, one should offer incense (Kesar, Pushpa, Dhoop) and then declare the second "Nisihithi" before entering the inner sanctum (Garbhagriha).
Cleaning the Idol: Remove any discarded flowers or offerings from the idol and use a "Morpicchi" (a broom made of peacock feathers).
Cleansing with Water: Gently remove any remaining saffron from the idol's body using a soft, damp cloth. The use of a "Valakunchi" (a larger brush) is discouraged unless absolutely necessary.
Panchamrita Abhishek (Ritual Bath): Perform an abhisheka (ritualistic bathing) with Panchamrita (a mixture of five sacred ingredients). This ritual should be accompanied by the ringing of bells, blowing of conch shells, recitation of devotional verses (Doha), and fanning with a "Chamar" (a fly-whisk). This is followed by a bath with pure water.
Drying the Idol: Gently dry the idol with a cloth. Again, the Valakunchi can be used if needed.
Sandalwood Application: Apply sandalwood paste ("Vilepan").
Chandan and Pushpa Puja (Sandalwood and Flower Worship): Subsequently, perform worship with sandalwood and flowers.
Abhushan Puja (Ornamentation Worship): Offer crowns, garlands, and other ornaments to the idol.
Dhoop and Deep Puja (Incense and Lamp Worship): Perform incense and lamp offerings while standing outside the sanctum.
Chamar Nritya and Darshan: Perform a "Chamar Nritya" (fanning dance), wave a fan, and have a darshan (viewing) of the idol in a mirror.
Akshat, Naivedya, and Phal Puja (Rice, Food, and Fruit Worship): Perform worship with unbroken rice grains, food offerings, and fruits.
Naad Puja (Sound Worship): Ring the temple bell as "Naad Puja."
Avasthatrik Bhava: Meditate on the three states of existence in a suitable location.
Pramarjana and Chaityavandan: Cleanse the ground three times with a cloth, declare the third "Nisihithi," and perform "Chaityavandan" (veneration of the temple and idol).
Adherence to Principles: Follow the principles of "Dishatyag" (renunciation of directions), "Alamban Mudra" (a posture of supportive contemplation), and "Pranidhan Trik" (the three aspects of mental concentration).
Pachchakkhan (Vow Taking): After completing Chaityavandan, take a "Pachchakkhan" (a vow or resolution).
Farewell: Recite praises when departing.
Returning Offerings: Place the offerings like unbroken rice, food, fruits, the altar ("Bajot"), and other puja utensils in their designated places.
Final Bell Ringing: To express the joy derived from the darshan and worship, gently ring a bell at the end.
Leaving the Temple: Exit the temple without turning your back to the idol.
Nhavan (Ritual Bathing) Water: Collect some ritual bathing water.
Post-Temple Reflection: Sit on a raised platform ("Chautara"), close your eyes, recite the Navkar Mantra three times, and stabilize devotional feelings in your heart.
Departure with Emotion: Depart for home with the happiness of the good deed performed and the sadness of separation from the Tirthankar.

Additional Notes and Emphases:

Dedication of Ghee: It is recommended to dedicate pure cow's ghee to the temple daily. Ghee lamps are beneficial for removing ignorance, maintaining the luster of the idol's adornments, and strengthening the practitioner's vital energy, unlike electric lights which are convenient but not beneficial in the same spiritual sense.
Importance of Correct Practice: The text cautions against trivializing religion, stating that it can lead to not only sin but also a deep entanglement with sin.
Bond vs. Anubandh: The text clarifies that "Bandh" (bond) is a more common concept compared to "Anubandh" (stronger, more enduring connection).

In essence, this text provides a comprehensive guide for a devotee to engage in a meaningful, reverent, and spiritually beneficial worship experience within a Jain temple, emphasizing purity of intention, adherence to prescribed rituals, and mindful conduct throughout the visit.