Kalyan Kalika Part 2 - Book Summary

Based on the provided text, here is a comprehensive summary of "Kalyan Kalika Part 2" in English:

Book Title: Kalyan Kalika Part 2 Author: Kalyanvijay Gani Publisher: K V Shastra Sangrah Samiti Jalor

Overall Purpose and Content:

"Kalyan Kalika Part 2" is a Jain text authored by Kalyanvijay Gani. The book, as suggested by the title and the preface, appears to be a comprehensive guide on various religious rituals and practices within Jainism, particularly focusing on installation ceremonies (Pratishtha Vidhi), architecture (Shilpa), and astrology (Jyotish). The preface indicates that the author initially intended to write separate detailed books on Shilpa and Jyotish but due to their vastness and the author's health, it was decided to present essential aspects in a concise manner. Part 2 of this work is an expansion and more detailed exploration of different topics than the first part.

Key Themes and Sections:

The provided text primarily consists of the preface (Prastavana) and the beginning of the second section (Upoḍghāt) along with a detailed index (Vishayanukram). The preface extensively discusses the rationale behind the book's creation, its structure, and the evolution of Pratishtha Vidhi over time.

Preface (Prastavana):

Author's Intent and Challenges: Kalyanvijay Gani explains that he felt inspired to write a guiding book on Shilpa, Jyotish, and Pratishtha Vidhi for about 25 years. However, due to other commitments, he couldn't dedicate enough time. As his workload lessened, he began writing, initially in Hindi. He faced challenges due to the vastness of Shilpa and Jyotish, his own health issues, and a desire for detailed explanations, which led to the decision to create a more focused and point-based work.
Structure of the First Part: The first part of the "Kalyan Kalika" was planned to include essential aspects of Shilpa, along with two chapters on propagation (Dhāranāgati) and auspicious timings (Muhūrtalakṣaṇa) from Jyotish, and a chapter on seals/stamps (Mudra), completing a total of 17 chapters.
Naming the Work: The title "Kalyan Kalika" was chosen as a fruit-bearing name that didn't exclusively focus on Shilpa, thereby encompassing the Jyotish aspects as well.
Printing and Editing: The author discusses the printing of the book, mentioning the collaboration with Pandit Kantivijayji Gani for the first part and Munishri Bhadraṅkarvijayji Maharaj for the editing of both parts.
Evolution of Pratishtha Vidhi: A significant portion of the preface is dedicated to tracing the historical evolution of Pratishtha Vidhi. The author compares ancient and modern practices, highlighting the gradual increase in the complexity and the number of items used.
- Examples of Changes:
  - Platforms (Pāṭalā): From a single platform for Nandyavarta in ancient times to separate platforms for Dikpalas (direction deities) and planets, increasing the count to three.
  - Garments (Vastro): The size and quantity of garments used for various ritualistic purposes have increased significantly over time.
  - Krayāṇak (Items/Containers): Initially 108, they later increased to 360, with changes in how they were prepared and presented.
  - Currency (Mudra): Coins were gradually incorporated into rituals, moving from minimal use to being an essential part of offerings.
  - Dry Fruits (Mevo): Their inclusion in rituals became a standard practice over time.
  - Naivedya (Offerings): The variety and quantity of food offerings have vastly increased.
  - Anjan (Kohl/Eye Makeup): The materials used for the deity's eye opening ceremony have become more elaborate.
Items Removed from Rituals: The author also notes items that were present in ancient rituals but are now omitted, such as certain types of offerings (e.g., Kanda-mūla), specific utensils (Uṇā-sūtra, Lohamudrikā), and practices like the initial consecration by the architect or the daily fasts observed by ritual leaders.
Comparison of Pratishtha Kalpas: The preface provides a brief overview of various ancient and medieval Jain Pratishtha Kalpas, including Nirvana Kalika, works by Shri Chandra Suri, Shri Jinaprabha Suri, Shri Vardhamana Suri, Shri Guna Ratna Suri, and Shri Vishalraj Shishya, and Shri Sakalchandraji Upadhyaya. The author critically analyzes the origins and potential contaminations in some of these texts, particularly noting the influence of Digambara traditions in later works.
Current Practices and Concerns: The author expresses concern about the deviation from scriptural principles in modern practices, especially the increasing cost and complexity driven by the desire for grandeur over genuine devotion. He touches upon the importance of understanding the root principles and the potential for superficiality.
Role of Key Individuals in Pratishtha: The preface also discusses the qualifications and roles of key individuals involved in Pratishtha ceremonies, such as the architect (Shilpi), the 'Indra' (chief patron), and the Acharya (preceptor).
Disputes and Clarifications: The author addresses common questions and disputes regarding ritualistic practices, such as the meaning of 'Asana', the use of 'Sevantara' flowers, the term 'Prana Pratishtha', the ritual for dispelling negative influences from a consecrated idol, and the significance of specific rituals like the 'Kankana Moksha'.
The Author's Motivation for Part 2: Part 2 is presented as a separate, more extensive collection of diverse topics, thus warranting its own distinct section.

Second Section (Upoḍghāt) - Introduction to Pratishtha:

Significance of Pratishtha: This section begins by emphasizing the importance of 'Pratishtha' (consecration/installation) as a crucial branch of religious science ('Vidhiśāstra'). It highlights that while rituals like 'Vratavidhi' or 'Mantra Vidhi' are often personal, 'Pratishtha Vidhi' has a broader impact, affecting the community, village, and even the region.
Meaning of Pratishtha: The text delves into the definition of 'Pratishtha', citing authorities like Shri Padalipta Suri (who defines it as the ritualistic placement of Jin images on a pedestal) and Shri Vardhamana Suri (who calls it a ritual to give prominence and honor). The author offers his own definition: generating 'Prabhāva' (influence/divine energy) in a specific object through a particular ritual.
Comparison of Ancient and Modern Pratishthas: The author reiterates the natural tendency for rituals to become more complex over time, contrasting the simplicity and affordability of ancient Pratishthas with the elaborate and costly nature of modern ones. He provides examples of how the number of required items has increased over centuries.

Table of Contents (Vishayanukram):

The provided table of contents for Part 2 is extensive and covers a wide range of topics related to rituals, architecture, and specific ceremonies. It includes:

Preface and Introduction to the Second Section: As mentioned above.
Shilanyas (Foundation Laying) and Related Rituals: This includes sections on foundation ceremonies, vastu principles, laying of foundation stones, mantras for laying stones, consecration of foundation stones, rituals for taking possession of land, and auspicious timings.
Vastu Vidhi: Details on house construction rituals, including auspicious directions for foundation stones and vastu purification.
Pratishtha Vidhi: Comprehensive sections on various types of consecration ceremonies, including those for temples (Chaitya), kalash (pots), dhvajadanda (flagpoles), and the installation of Jin idols.
Specific Rituals: Sections dedicated to water rituals (Jalayātrā), setting up kumbhas (pots), consecration of direction deities (Dikpāla) and planets (Graha), different types of baths (Abhiseka), peace rituals (Śāntika), consecration of deities (Devī Pratishṭhā), and consecration of various items (Vastvadhi-vāsana).
Detailed Ritual Procedures: The text outlines step-by-step procedures for various parts of the Pratishtha, including initial ceremonies, consecration of various elements, worship, and concluding rituals.
Specific Stotras and Mantras: The book includes the recitation of specific stotras and mantras for different parts of the rituals.
Discussion on Texts and Traditions: The author critically examines various Jain texts and traditions related to Pratishtha, highlighting differences and potential influences.
Questions and Answers: A section addressing common queries regarding Pratishtha rituals.

Overall Tone and Style:

The preface reveals a scholarly and meticulous approach, with the author aiming for accuracy and clarity. There's a sense of concern for preserving the essence of Jain rituals amidst changing societal norms and the potential for superficiality. The language in the preface is Gujarati, while the quoted verses and mantras are often in Sanskrit or Prakrit.

In essence, "Kalyan Kalika Part 2" serves as a foundational text for understanding the intricacies and historical development of Jain installation and consecration rituals, providing practical guidance with scriptural references.