Jin Pratima Pujan Swarup - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Shree Jin Pratima Pujan Swarup" by Dahyabhai Mohokamlal:

Book Title: Shree Jin Pratima Pujan Swarup (The Essence of Jin Pratima Puja) Author: Dahyabhai Mohokamlal Publisher: Dahyabhai Mohokamlal Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/034903/1

This book, "Shree Jin Pratima Pujan Swarup," authored by Dahyabhai Mohokamlal, is a detailed guide on the proper performance and understanding of the worship of Jin Pratimas (images of Tirthankaras) within Jainism. It aims to clarify the scriptural injunctions and avoid unintentional transgressions (ashatana) during devotional practices, thereby fostering a deeper connection with the teachings and principles of Jainism.

Key Themes and Content:

Purpose of the Book: The book was published due to a strong demand from devotees who wished to have the teachings originally published in the "Veer Shasan" journal in book form. The publisher hopes that this book will help sincere souls avoid unknowingly committing offenses in Jin temples and consequently accumulate positive karma.
Qualities of a Proper Jin Pratima: The text elaborates on the scriptural guidelines for what constitutes a worthy image for worship. It outlines specific characteristics related to:
- Measurements and Proportions: Eleven key body parts (forehead, nose, mouth, neck, chest, navel, groin, thighs, knees, calves, feet) should conform to the proportions prescribed in architectural texts (Vastu Shastra).
- Absence of Defects: The image should be free from damage or defects in its limbs and various features, including eyes, ears, shoulders, hands, and fingers.
- Overall Aesthetics and Consecration: The Pratima should be aesthetically pleasing, proportionate, possess a radiant aura, and be established in a temple (Chaitya) according to prescribed rituals.
Unworthy Images: Images that lack these specified qualities, or those that have been damaged (especially in crucial areas like the face, eyes, or neck) are considered inauspicious and unfit for worship. However, if an image established by a virtuous person shows minor damage after a century, it is still considered worthy of worship according to scriptural references.
Pratimas for Homes vs. Temples: The book provides specific guidance for householders regarding the size and type of Jin Pratimas suitable for home shrines (Ghar-Dehrasar).
- Home Shrines: Pratimas ranging from one to eleven angulas (fingers' breadth) in height, accompanied by an parikara (aura or decorative frame representing the Ashta Mahapratikaryas), and made of gold, silver, precious stones, or metals like pittala (brass) are recommended for home worship.
- Temple Shrines: Pratimas exceeding eleven angulas are meant for larger temples, while those smaller than eleven angulas are not suitable for grand temples.
Worship Practices:
- Focus on Devotion: Worship should primarily be driven by sincere devotion (bhav) rather than elaborate rituals, especially in home shrines.
- Regular Worship: Worship should be performed three times a day (trikal puja).
- Offerings: While offerings are part of worship, the emphasis is on the inner devotion.
Types of Chaityas (Sacred Structures/Images): Citing Yati Chhatra Kalpavrutti, the book enumerates five types of Chaityas:
- Sadharmik Chaitya: An image or temple built in honor of a spiritual preceptor or fellow spiritual practitioner out of devotion.
- Mangal Chaitya: An image installed for auspiciousness, traditionally placed in the lintel of a home's doorway.
- Shashvat Chaitya: Eternally existing structures or images, such as those in Nandi-ishwar islands.
- Bhakti Chaitya: Temples or images built out of devotion, which are further divided into:
  - Nishrakruta: Built with the support or guidance of monks.
  - Anishrakruta: Built without such direct support.
- Temple Property: The book emphasizes the sacredness of temple property (Chaitya Dravya) and stresses that it should only be used for the maintenance and protection of the temple and not for any other purpose. Misappropriation of temple funds incurs significant karmic consequences.
Ashatana (Offenses/Transgressions): A significant portion of the book is dedicated to explaining the concept and types of ashatana that can occur in Jain temples and during religious practices. These are categorized into five main types:
- Avagnya Ashatana (Disrespect/Contempt): Includes behaviors like stretching legs towards the Jin Pratima, sitting cross-legged, turning one's back to the image, sitting on elevated seats, or wearing inappropriate attire.
- Anadar Ashatana (Disregard/Neglect): Involves performing rituals carelessly, without proper attention or devotion, such as wearing soiled clothes, performing puja with a distracted mind, speaking irrelevant things, or neglecting prescribed procedures. This includes a lack of mental focus during worship.
- Bhoga Ashatana (Enjoyment/Consumption): Prohibits ten specific indulgences within the temple premises: chewing tambol (betel leaf), drinking water, eating food, wearing footwear inside, engaging in sexual thoughts or actions, sleeping, spitting, wearing certain types of clothing, urinating, and gambling.
- Dupraṇidhana Ashatana (Wrong Intentions/Focus): Refers to the mind being drawn by attachment (rag), aversion (dwesh), or delusion (moh) towards worldly matters, rather than focusing on the Jin Pratima or spiritual pursuits. This includes mental distractions and harboring negative thoughts.
- Anuchita Vritti Ashatana (Improper Conduct/Activities): Encompasses engaging in gossip (vikatha), sitting in a slumped posture, quarreling, arguing, or performing household chores (like drying clothes, washing, or cleaning) within the temple premises.
Detailed Explanation of Ashatana: Each type of ashatana is further elaborated with specific examples and scriptural references. The book emphasizes that these offenses, especially those related to mental focus and proper conduct, are crucial to avoid for a meaningful spiritual practice.
The Importance of "Bhav" (Inner Feeling): The text frequently highlights that the true fruit of worship lies in the inner devotion and sincerity (bhav) of the devotee. Even simple actions performed with genuine reverence are more valuable than elaborate rituals done without proper intention.
Conclusion: The book concludes by reiterating the importance of understanding and diligently avoiding these ashatanas to achieve spiritual progress and attain liberation. It praises those who strive to perform their duties with due diligence and devotion, thereby making their human life successful.

In essence, "Shree Jin Pratima Pujan Swarup" serves as a comprehensive guide for Jains, offering clarity on the correct methodology and the philosophical underpinnings of worshipping Jin Pratimas, thereby promoting respectful and meaningful devotional practices.