Mahavira Shat Kalyanaka Pooja

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Mahavira Shat Kalyanaka Pooja" by Vinaysagar, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Mahavira Shat Kalyanaka Pooja (Mahavira's Six Auspicious Events Worship) Author: Muni Vinaysagar (Sahityacharya) Publisher: Muni Vinaysagar Publication Year: V.S. 2012 (1956 CE)

Overview and Purpose:

This book presents a unique devotional composition dedicated to Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. Its primary purpose is to offer a pooja (worship service) specifically focused on the six auspicious events (Shank Kalyanaka) of Lord Mahavira's life. The author, Muni Vinaysagar, highlights that prior to this work, a dedicated pooja for Mahavira's six kalyanakas was lacking in Jain devotional literature. This book aims to fill that void.

The Six Kalyanaka (Auspicious Events):

The author explains that while every Tirthankara experiences five kalyanakas (Chyavan - conception, Janma - birth, Diksha - initiation, Keval Gyan - omniscience, and Nirvana - liberation), Lord Mahavira, as the final Tirthankara and leader of the faith, is considered to have six kalyanakas. This is because his initial conception is differentiated into two stages:

1. Chyavan Kalyanaka: The descent of the soul from the highest heaven (Mahendra region) to its destined womb.
2. Garbha Haran Kalyanaka: The transfer of the divine soul from one womb to another (from Devananda's womb to Trishala's womb).
3. Janma Kalyanaka: The birth of the Tirthankara.
4. Diksha Kalyanaka: The renunciation of worldly life for spiritual pursuit.
5. Keval Gyan Kalyanaka: The attainment of omniscience.
6. Nirvana Kalyanaka: Liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

Structure and Content of the Pooja:

The pooja is structured into six distinct pujas, each dedicated to one of the kalyanakas. The book also includes 12 dhaals (stanzas or verses for singing) in total. The melodies for these dhaals are a mix of classical and currently popular tunes to make them accessible to singers.

The content of each puja provides a concise narrative of the respective kalyanaka:

• First Pooja (Chyavan Kalyanaka): Describes the soul's journey from the tenth heaven and its conception in the womb of Devananda, wife of Rishabhadatta, belonging to the Kodala lineage. Devananda experiences 14 auspicious dreams.
• Second Pooja (Garbha Haran Kalyanaka): Details the divine intervention by Indra, who orders the Harinagameshi divine being to transfer the embryo from Devananda's womb to Trishala, the wife of King Siddhartha of the Kundagrama, Kasyapa lineage. Trishala also experiences 14 auspicious dreams. This puja also touches upon the King and Queen's decision to name him "Vardhamana" due to the kingdom's prosperity during the pregnancy. It also describes the infant Lord Mahavira ceasing his movement in the womb to alleviate his mother's suffering, and his vow not to take initiation while his parents are alive, due to their immense affection.
• Third Pooja (Janma Kalyanaka): Celebrates the birth of Vardhamana on Chaitra Shukla Trayodashi. It describes the joyous celebrations by the Dik-kumaris and Indra, followed by King Siddhartha's royal festivities and the naming ceremony. The name "Mahavira" is bestowed upon him by the gods during his childhood play. It also mentions his marriage to Yashoda, their daughter Priyadarshana, and his subsequent request for permission to take initiation from his elder brother Nandivardhana after his parents' demise. Due to his brother's plea, he agrees to remain in the household for two years as a sadhaka (spiritual seeker).
• Fourth Pooja (Diksha Kalyanaka): Narrates the divine indication by the Lokantika deities for initiation. Lord Mahavira, after distributing vast charity (Varshi Daan), takes permission from his wife Yashoda and renounces the world on Margashirsha Shukla Dashami. The puja then details the severe ascetic practices and the 12 years, 6 months, and 15 days of intense spiritual discipline he underwent before attaining omniscience. This includes enduring hardships and facing temptations and attacks from various entities like Gopala, Shulpanika, Chandakaushika, Goshala, Sangam Dev, Lohakar, and the Vyantara Ketupurna, with Chandanbala playing a role in fulfilling his vow. The totality of his penance is highlighted.
• Fifth Pooja (Keval Gyan Kalyanaka): Describes the attainment of Keval Gyan (omniscience) by Lord Mahavira on Vaishakha Shukla Dashami by the river Anoma. It details the creation of the Samavasharana (divine assembly) by the gods. Through his teachings, he promotes the principle of Ahimsa (non-violence), advocates against sacrificial rituals involving violence, and establishes the Chaturvidha Sangha (four-fold community). His omniscient and all-seeing qualities are extolled.
• Sixth Pooja (Nirvana Kalyanaka): Focuses on Lord Mahavira's liberation (Nirvana) on Kartik Krishna Amavasya (Diwali). It explains how he shed his remaining karmas, becoming eternal, indestructible, and immortal. The puja mentions the profound grief of his principal disciple, Gautam Swami, at Mahavira's passing. It concludes with the attainment of Keval Gyan through pure spiritual meditations. The Kalash (concluding verse) summarizes the auspiciousness of the six kalyanakas and mentions the author's guru lineage, sect, and the place of publication.

Author's Introduction ("Lekhak Ke Do Shabd"):

Muni Vinaysagar emphasizes the significance of this pooja as filling a gap in Jain devotional literature. He defends the concept of six kalyanakas, citing various Jain scriptures like Sthananga Sutra, Samavaya Sutra, Kalpa Sutra, and Acharaanga Sutra which mention six auspicious events. He argues against those who consider the Garbha Haran (embryo transfer) inauspicious, pointing out that scriptural acceptance of the 14 dreams associated with it validates the entire process. He also refers to scholarly works on the topic. He explains the structure and the inclusion of popular melodies.

Katha of Publication ("Prakashan Ka Itihas"):

The author shares that the inspiration for this book came from repeated requests by Shri Bhikhabhai Lal Shivlal Shah from Bhaykhala during his Chaturmas in Mumbai. He initially couldn't fulfill the request but was motivated by the persistent encouragement of friends and supporters to undertake the composition this year. He states that the language has been kept simple for easy understanding. He expresses gratitude to Upadhyay Shri Kavindrasagarji Maharaj for his revision. Being his first work in a sung format, he acknowledges the possibility of errors and hopes for their correction.

Testimonial ("Kathan Mahopadhyaya Shri Vinaysagarji Maharaj"):

Mahopadhyaya Shri Vinaysagarji Maharaj commends the creation of "Mahavira Shat Kalyanaka Pooja" as a commendable addition to Jain devotional literature. He notes the trend of vernacular compositions over the past 400 years, benefiting both devotional practice and the understanding of scriptures. He reiterates the authenticity of the six kalyanakas, referencing scriptural evidence and defending the acceptance of Garbha Haran as auspicious, given the acceptance of the associated dreams. He praises the author's academic achievements and his talent in composing poetry with beautiful language and expressions, expressing high hopes for his future literary contributions.

Overall Significance:

"Mahavira Shat Kalyanaka Pooja" is presented as a valuable devotional resource that offers a structured and accessible way for devotees to engage with the life story of Lord Mahavira through the lens of his six most significant life events. It combines theological accuracy with devotional sentiment, aiming to deepen the connection between the devotee and the Tirthankara.