Jin Pujan

This Jain text, "Jin Pujan" (likely meaning "Praise of the Jinas" or "Worship of the Victorious Ones"), is a collection of devotional prayers and praises dedicated to each of the 24 Tirthankaras (spiritual conquerors or beacons) in the Jain tradition. The text appears to be a compilation, as indicated by the "Vishay-Soochi" (Table of Contents) on page 2, which lists the Jin Pujan for each Tirthankara from Shri Adinath to Shri Mahavir.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the content based on the provided pages:

Overall Structure and Purpose:

The primary purpose of this text is to guide devotees in the worship and veneration of the Tirthankaras. Each Tirthankara's section follows a similar structure, facilitating a consistent devotional practice. The underlying theme is seeking liberation from the cycle of birth and death by drawing inspiration from the lives and teachings of these enlightened beings.

Key Sections within each Tirthankara's Pujan:

1. Page 1 & 2: Title, Introduction, and Table of Contents:

   • Page 1: Introduces the book as "Shri Jin Pujan" and mentions "Jinvanai Sangrah" (Collection of Jin's scriptures). It prominently displays the core Jain principle of Ahimsa (non-violence) and the interconnectedness of all living beings: "Parasparopgraho Jivanam" (All living beings are mutually helpful).
   • Page 2: Provides a "Vishay-Soochi" (Table of Contents) listing the Pujan for all 24 Tirthankaras, confirming the comprehensive nature of the collection. The repetition of names like Shri Suparshvanath and Shri Chandrapabh suggests potential variations or different interpretations, but the core intent remains consistent.

2. Sthapana (Establishment/Invocation):

   • This section begins the devotional process by invoking the presence of the specific Tirthankara. It typically involves chanting mantras like "Om Hrim Shri [Tirthankara Name] Jinendra! Atra Avtar Avtar Samvauṣaṭ Āvāhanamm" (Om Hrim, Shri [Tirthankara Name] Jinendra! Descend here, descend here, Samvauṣaṭ, Invocation) and "Atrā Tiṣṭha Tiṣṭha Ṭhaḥ Ṭhaḥ Sthapanamm" (Remain here, remain here, Ṭhaḥ Ṭhaḥ, Establishment). The goal is to invite the divine presence into the space of worship.

3. Dravyārpana (Offering of Materials):

   • This is the core ritualistic part of the Pujan, where devotees offer symbolic materials (dravyas) to the Tirthankara. Each offering is accompanied by verses (chhandas) explaining the spiritual significance of the offering and the devotee's plea. The typical offerings include:
     • Jal (Water): Offered to wash away the impurities of birth, old age, and death (janma, jara, mrityu).
     • Chandan (Sandalwood): Offered to cool the heat of worldly existence (bhava-tap) and attain peace.
     • Akshata (Unbroken Rice): Offered to attain the imperishable state (akshay pad).
     • Pushpa (Flowers): Offered to overcome desires and passions (kama-bana) and attain purity.
     • Naivedya (Food Offering): Offered to alleviate the hunger of worldly desires (kshudha-roga) and attain spiritual nourishment.
     • Deep (Lamp): Offered to dispel the darkness of ignorance and delusion (moha-andhakar) and attain enlightenment.
     • Dhoopa (Incense): Offered to burn away the eight types of karmas (ashta-karma) that bind the soul.
     • Phala (Fruit): Offered to attain the fruit of liberation (moksha-phala).
     • Arghya (Final Offering): A special offering, often a mixture of various substances, symbolizing the devotee's complete surrender and desire for an invaluable state (anarghya pad).
   • Each offering is accompanied by specific mantras like "Om Hrim Shri [Tirthankara Name] Jinendraya [Purpose of Offering] [Material] Nirvapamiti Svaha."

4. Panch Kalyanaka (Five Auspicious Events):

   • Following the Dravyārpana, the text details the "Panch Kalyanaka" (Five Auspicious Events) that mark the significant moments in the life of each Tirthankara:
     • Garbha Kalyana (Incarnation): The moment the Tirthankara's soul descends into the mother's womb.
     • Janma Kalyana (Birth): The actual birth of the Tirthankara.
     • Tapo Kalyana (Asceticism): The moment of renunciation and adoption of severe austerities.
     • Kevala Jnana Kalyana (Omniscience): The attainment of perfect and complete knowledge.
     • Moksha Kalyana (Liberation): The soul's release from all karmic bondage and attainment of the liberated state.
   • Each Kalyana is described with specific dates and events, often accompanied by an offering ("Arghya").

5. Jayamala (Garland of Victory/Praise):

   • This section offers a more elaborate poetic praise of the Tirthankara, often recounting their life story, virtues, and the path to liberation. It serves as a congregational hymn of praise and a summary of the Tirthankara's significance. The verses express devotion, repentance, and the aspiration to follow their path.

6. Ghatta (Concluding Blessing/Aspiration):

   • Each Pujan concludes with a short verse, often a "Ghatta," that reiterates the purpose of the worship: seeking relief from suffering ("Bhava-bhava ka santap haro" - remove the suffering of all lifetimes) and the aspiration to achieve completeness ('Vidya Sagar Purna' karo - make [my devotion/understanding] complete). The blessing is often attributed to an author or Acharya.

Underlying Principles and Themes:

• Devotion (Bhakti): The entire text is steeped in devotion, expressed through heartfelt prayers, offerings, and aspirations.
• Renunciation (Vairagya): The lives of the Tirthankaras are presented as examples of detachment from worldly pleasures and possessions, highlighting the path to liberation.
• Self-Realization: The ultimate goal of the worship is to realize one's own true self (Atma) and attain the state of omniscience and liberation, mirroring the Tirthankaras.
• Ahimsa: The foundational principle of Jainism, Ahimsa, is implicitly present throughout, as the Tirthankaras are embodiments of perfect non-violence.
• Karma: The concept of karma and its effects (birth, death, suffering) is central, with the Pujan aiming to purify the soul and shed karmic burdens.
• Spiritual Path: The text implicitly guides the devotee on the Jain path, emphasizing right faith (Samyak Darshan), right knowledge (Samyak Jnana), and right conduct (Samyak Charitra).

In essence, "Jin Pujan" is a comprehensive devotional manual for Jains, providing a structured framework for worshipping the 24 Tirthankaras. It combines ritualistic offerings with poetic praises and spiritual reflections, all aimed at guiding the practitioner towards self-realization and liberation from worldly suffering.