Jinendra Pooja - Book Summary | JainGPT

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jinendra Pooja" by Atmanandji Maharaj, published by Shrimad Rajchandra Sadhna Kendra, Koba:

Overall Purpose and Content:

"Jinendra Pooja" is a collection of devotional prayers and rituals dedicated to the Jinendra, the conquerors of the self and the cycle of birth and death, who have attained liberation. The book aims to facilitate the worship and veneration of these enlightened beings, fostering spiritual growth and the pursuit of salvation for the devotees. It provides a rich tapestry of devotional material, encompassing various forms of worship, hymns, and prayers relevant to Jain practice.

Key Sections and Themes:

The book is structured to guide the devotee through different aspects of Jain worship and philosophy. Based on the provided pages, the following key elements can be identified:

Introduction and Publisher Information:
- The publication is by Shrimad Rajchandra Sadhna Kendra, Koba, an organization dedicated to publishing spiritual and cultural literature.
- The book is presented as a contribution towards the spiritual enrichment of the community, often timed with significant anniversaries or events related to the Kendra or the author.
- The first edition was published in Veer Samvat 2532 / Vikram Samvat 2062.
Invocations and General Prayers:
- "Jamo Arihanta" and "Namo Siddha": These are the initial lines of the Navkar Mantra, the most sacred mantra in Jainism, demonstrating the foundational importance of the Arihants (those who have destroyed inner enemies) and Siddhas (liberated souls).
- Vinay Path (Page 12-13): This is a prayer of humility and respect offered to the Jinendra. It eloquently describes the virtues of the Jinendra, such as being the destroyer of karma, the embodiment of infinite knowledge and bliss, and the ultimate refuge for all beings. The devotee expresses their dependence on the Jinendra for liberation and seeks their grace.
- Chaturvishati Swasti (Page 14): This is a prayer for well-being and auspiciousness invoking the twenty-four Tirthankaras, signifying their role as bringers of peace and prosperity.
- Dev Shastra Guru Pooja (Page 15-18): This section is dedicated to the worship of the Three Jewels of Jainism: Dev (the Arihants and Siddhas), Shastra (the scriptures, the teachings of the Jinendra), and Guru (the enlightened monks and nuns). It outlines a ritualistic offering (Bhav Pooja) using various substances like water, sandalwood, rice, flowers, etc., symbolizing the purification of the soul and the offering of devotion. The "Jayamala" within this section is a song of praise and victory for these divine entities.
- Specific Tirthankara Poojas (Page 23 onwards): The book contains individual poojas (worship rituals) for each of the twenty-four Tirthankaras, starting with Lord Adinath and proceeding sequentially. Each pooja typically includes:
  - Invocation (Aahvan): Calling upon the presence of the specific Tirthankara.
  - Establishment (Sthapana): Inviting the Tirthankara to reside in the place of worship.
  - Offerings (Bhav Pooja): Performing symbolic offerings such as water (for cleansing karmic impurities), sandalwood (for cooling the fires of passion), rice (for imperishable merit), flowers (for destroying attachment), food (for eliminating inner hunger), lamps (for dispelling ignorance), incense (for burning away eight types of karma), and fruits (for attaining the fruit of liberation).
  - Panch Kalyanaka Pooja: Prayers dedicated to the five auspicious events in the life of a Tirthankara: descent into the womb (Garbh Kalyanaka), birth (Janm Kalyanaka), renunciation (Tapa Kalyanaka), attainment of omniscience (Gyan Kalyanaka), and liberation (Moksha Kalyanaka).
  - Jayamala: A song of praise and victory for the specific Tirthankara.
Special Prayers and Sections:
- Solah Karan Bhavna Pooja (Page 125): This section is dedicated to the sixteen purifying meditations or sentiments that lead to the attainment of Tirthankara-hood. The pooja involves venerating these principles.
- Mahavir Vandana (Page 126): A specific prayer or hymn in praise of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara, highlighting his teachings and the path to liberation.
- Dashlakshan Dharma Pooja (Page 137-142): This is a significant section dedicated to the ten virtues or qualities that form the core of Jain dharma: Forgiveness (Kshama), Modesty (Mardav), Straightforwardness (Arjava), Contentment (Satya), Purity (Shaucha), Self-control (Samyam), Austerity (Tapa), Renunciation (Tyaga), Non-possession (Akinchana), and Celibacy (Brahmacharya). The pooja venerates these virtues.
- Seemandhar Jinvani Pooja (Page 143-147): This section is devoted to the worship of Lord Simandhar and other Tirthankaras residing in Videh Kshetra, who are still living beings and actively propagating the Jain dharma.
- Samuccay Arth (Page 148-155): This section appears to be a compilation of the essential offerings (Arth) for various categories of worship, including the Five Supreme Beings (Panch Parmeshthi), the twenty-four Tirthankaras, the five Balachari Tirthankaras, and the holy sites.
- Shanti Path (Page 160-161): A prayer for peace and well-being, invoking divine blessings for universal harmony and the eradication of suffering.
- Visarjan (Page 161): The concluding ritual of offering forgiveness for any mistakes made during the pooja and seeking blessings for departure.
- Aaradhana Path (Page 162-163): A path or hymn of devotion, often sung or recited, expressing the devotee's deep yearning for spiritual progress and liberation.
- Darshan Stotra (Page 133-134): Hymns recited to gain the divine sight or presence of the Jinendra.
- Anandghanji Stotra and Parshvanath Stotra: These are devotional songs of praise to specific Tirthankaras, expressing deep reverence and seeking spiritual guidance.

Core Principles and Philosophy Reflected:

Bhavana (Meditation/Sentiments): The poojas emphasize "Bhavana," the inner feeling and devotion, over mere ritual. The offerings are symbolic representations of the devotee's inner purification and aspiration for higher spiritual states.
Ahimsa (Non-violence): The underlying principle of all Jain practice, non-violence, is implicitly present in the pure intentions and the symbolic offerings.
Self-Realization: The ultimate goal is self-realization and liberation (Moksha), achieved through following the path shown by the Jinendra, characterized by right faith (Samyak Darshan), right knowledge (Samyak Gyan), and right conduct (Samyak Charitra).
Devotion and Humility: The language and structure of the prayers reflect a deep sense of devotion, surrender, and humility before the divine.
The Three Jewels (Ratnatraya): The worship of Dev (Jina), Shastra (Jinvani), and Guru is central to the collection.

Target Audience:

This book is intended for Jain practitioners, devotees, and spiritual seekers who wish to engage in devotional worship of the Tirthankaras and other revered figures in Jainism. It serves as a guide for performing rituals and understanding the devotional aspects of the faith.

In essence, "Jinendra Pooja" is a comprehensive guide for Jain devotees to connect with the divine essence of the Tirthankaras through various forms of worship, fostering spiritual discipline, inner purification, and the ultimate aspiration for liberation.