Jin Pujama Upayog

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jin Pujama Upayog" by Prabhakarsuri, based on the provided text:

Book Title: Jin Pujama Upayog (Jina Worship: Usage/Application)

Author/Editor: Acharya Ke. Shri Prabhakarsuri M.S. (a disciple of the late Acharya Ke. Shrimad Vijayamuktichandrasurishwarji Maharaj)

Publisher: Acharya Shri Muktichandrasurishwarji Jain Aradhana Trust

Overall Purpose: The book "Jin Pujama Upayog" serves as a guide for understanding and practicing the correct methods and principles of worshipping Jinas (Tirthankaras) within the Jain tradition. It aims to enhance the devotee's spiritual connection and ensure that the worship is performed with utmost reverence, adherence to scriptures, and without causing any unintentional harm or transgression (ashatana).

Key Themes and Content:

1. The Essence of True Wealth: The initial pages emphasize that true spiritual wealth lies not in material possessions, worldly relationships, or fleeting fame, but in virtues like renunciation, detachment, non-violence, self-control, austerity, forgiveness, and devotion to the Tirthankaras, spiritual preceptors (Gurus), and the Dharma. This inner wealth elevates the soul.

2. The Path to Liberation: It highlights that liberation (Moksha) is achieved through the annihilation of karma (karma-kshaya), which in turn is attained through self-knowledge (atma-jnana), and self-knowledge through meditation (dhyana). Therefore, meditation is crucial for the soul's welfare.

3. The Importance of Devotion and Conduct: The text stresses that sincere love and devotion can reveal divinity even in stone. True worship requires self-discipline and refinement through the "chisel of renunciation." It also emphasizes that a person becomes immortal through duty, stays young through enthusiasm, remains cheerful through prayer, and becomes everlasting through philanthropy.

4. Detailed Guidelines for Jain Temple Etiquette and Worship (Ashatana Prevention): A significant portion of the book is dedicated to providing a comprehensive list of instructions and prohibitions (dos and don'ts) to be observed when visiting and worshipping in Jain temples. These guidelines are presented to prevent "ashatana" (transgressions or unintentional disrespect) and to foster a devout atmosphere. Some key points include:

   • Entering the Temple: Announcing "Nisihdi" (a statement of renunciation of worldly thoughts) before entering. Engaging in worldly conversations, business, or desires for worldly pleasures within the temple is considered a great sin.
   • Idols and Images: Refraining from placing images or photographs of any deities other than the principal Adishthayak Devas/Devis within the temple. This is seen as diminishing devotion to the Arhants.
   • Use of Materials: Using only the required amount of saffron from the designated bowl and placing it properly to avoid wastage and the sin of "vinipata" (misappropriation of temple wealth). Using personal agarbattis (incense sticks) is acceptable, but the temple's should not be lit unnecessarily.
   • Physical Conduct: Applying the paste from the Paksala (ritualistic washing of the idol) only to the upper body, not below the navel. Worshippers should circumambulate the idol (pradakshina) with proper reverence.
   • Personal Belongings and Attire: Avoiding carrying food items, tobacco, or cigarettes into the temple. Chewing betel nut or tobacco is also prohibited within the temple compound; one should cleanse their mouth beforehand. Both men and women should dress modestly, covering their bodies appropriately. Wearing special "puja clothes" is encouraged to enhance devotional feelings and uphold the dignity of the faith.
   • Practices: Avoiding unnecessary burning of agarbattis when one is already lit. Exiting the temple by walking backward to show respect. Correcting one's mistakes is considered the duty of a virtuous soul.
   • Worship Materials: Using clean and appropriate materials for worship. For example, ensuring Kesar (saffron) is applied with the fingertips, not under the nails, to avoid contamination and the sin of consuming temple wealth. Avoiding steel utensils or plastic puja items.
   • Specific Rituals: Performing Tilak (forehead marking) on specific parts of the idol (feet, knees, wrists, shoulders, head, forehead, neck, heart, navel) with the correct intention. Performing rituals like Chamar (whisking) and Darpan (mirror) with proper awareness.
   • Meditation and Focus: During darshan and puja, one should focus their mind, think about the Tirthankara's virtues and life events (Panchakalyanaka), and experience spiritual joy.
   • Community Worship: Participating in communal prayers (Sāmuhyik Kriya) respectfully, without disturbing others.
   • Maintenance of Temple: Keeping the temple clean, free from cobwebs and dust. Not placing personal items like wedding invitations or advertisements inside or outside the temple.
   • Pujari (Priest) Conduct: Pujaris should maintain cleanliness, wear appropriate attire (red dhoti and white Khes), and be vigilant in their duties. They should not be involved in vices.
   • Use of Temple Funds: Emphasizing the importance of using temple funds (Deva Dravya) judiciously and for the intended purposes.

5. Stories and Examples: The book includes numerous illustrative stories (Katha) and examples of past pious individuals like Kumarpal Maharaja, Shripal Mayana, Ravana, Samprati Maharaja, Pethad Mantri, Vastupal, Tejpal, Motisha Seth, Anandghanji M.S., Yashovijayji M.S., and others. These stories highlight the immense benefits and spiritual progress achieved through sincere Jain worship and adherence to its principles. They serve as inspiration and guidance.

6. The Significance of Different Pujas: The text describes the spiritual implications and benefits of performing different types of Pujas (worship rituals), such as:

   • Vasakshep Puja: Performing worship with Vasakshep (colored rice) symbolizes the act of planting seeds for spiritual progress.
   • Pushpa Puja (Flower Worship): Using fragrant flowers symbolizes offering one's best and aspiring for inner beauty and virtue.
   • Dhup Puja (Incense Worship): The burning incense symbolizes the purification of negative thoughts and the spread of good fragrance (virtues).
   • Deepak Puja (Lamp Worship): Lighting a lamp signifies dispelling ignorance and illuminating the soul with knowledge.
   • Akshat Puja (Rice Worship): Using unbroken rice symbolizes a desire for unbroken spiritual progress and a life free from the cycle of birth and death.
   • Naivedya Puja (Offering Food): Offering pure food symbolizes purifying one's own desires and seeking liberation from the cycle of consumption.
   • Phal Puja (Fruit Worship): Offering fruit symbolizes the ultimate fruit of liberation (Moksha).

7. The Sevenfold Purity (Saptashuddhi): The book emphasizes maintaining purity in:

   • Anga (Body): Cleanliness of the body.
   • Vastra (Clothes): Wearing clean clothes for worship.
   • Man (Mind): Keeping the mind pure, free from worldly worries.
   • Bhumi (Place): Ensuring the worship area is clean.
   • Pujakarana (Worship Utensils): Using clean and appropriate puja items.
   • Nyaya (Justice/Righteousness): Earning wealth through righteous means.
   • Vidhi (Procedure): Following the prescribed rituals correctly.

8. Importance of Knowledge and Understanding: It encourages understanding the meaning of the scriptures and mantras recited during worship, as this deepens devotion and provides greater spiritual benefit.

Overall Message: "Jin Pujama Upayog" is a practical guide that aims to elevate the practice of Jain worship. It not only provides instructions on how to perform rituals correctly but also explains the why behind them, emphasizing the importance of sincere devotion, inner purity, adherence to dharma, and the ultimate goal of liberation. The book serves as a valuable resource for Jain devotees seeking to deepen their spiritual understanding and practice.