Murtipooja Ka Prachin Itihas

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Murtipooja ka Prachin Itihas" (Ancient History of Idol Worship) by Muni Shri Gyansundarji, based on the provided pages:

Title: Murtipooja ka Prachin Itihas (Ancient History of Idol Worship) Author: Muni Shri Gyansundarji Maharaj Publisher: Shri Ratna Prabhakar Gyan Pushpmala, Phalso (Marwar) Publication Year: Vikram Samvat 1993 (1936 CE)

Overall Purpose: This book aims to provide an in-depth historical and scriptural examination of idol worship within Jainism, arguing for its antiquity and scriptural validity. It directly addresses and refutes arguments against idol worship, particularly those propagated by the Sthanakvasi sect. The author meticulously compiles historical evidence, scriptural references, and opinions from various scholars to establish the deep-rooted tradition of Murtipooja (idol worship) in Jainism.

Key Themes and Arguments:

1. Antiquity and Universality of Idol Worship:

   • The book asserts that idol worship is as ancient as humanity itself, as the entire universe is composed of murti-man (possessing form or image) substances.
   • Jain scriptures describe six eternal substances, one of which is murta (material/form). The knowledge of even formless substances is attained through murta means.
   • The author argues that Murtipooja is not unique to Jainism but has been a universal practice throughout history across various cultures and religions, including ancient Egypt, Greece, Europe, and even in the early practices of Islam and Christianity, which later developed opposition to it.
   • Evidence from archaeological findings, ancient artifacts, and inscriptions dating back thousands of years (e.g., from Mohan-jo-daro, Harappa, Mathura, and Kalinga) is presented to demonstrate the deep roots of idol worship in India, predating Lord Mahavir.

2. Scriptural Basis for Idol Worship in Jainism:

   • The author extensively cites various Jain Agamas (scriptures) like Acharangasutra, Sutrakritanga, Sthanangasutra, Samavayasutra, Bhagavati Sutra, Upasakadashanga Sutra, Uvavaiya Sutra, Rajprashniya Sutra, and Nandi Sutra to prove that idol worship was an integral part of Jain tradition from the earliest times.
   • Specific references are made to the worship of Tirthankaras, their pratimas (idols), the Nandiswar Dvipa temples, and the devotional practices of deities like Indras and Surabhadeva towards Tirthankara idols.
   • The text clarifies the concept of pratima as nimitta karana (an instrumental cause) for devotion and attaining knowledge of the Tirthankaras, analogous to how scriptures serve as a means to understand their teachings.
   • The author highlights that even Tirthankaras themselves are described with auspicious characteristics and forms, making their representation in idols natural and meaningful.

3. Historical Evidence of Idol Worship in Jainism:

   • Tirthankara lineage: The book traces the tradition back to the very first Tirthankara, Lord Rishabhadeva, and the establishment of temples and idols during his time.
   • Ancient Kings and Patrons: Numerous historical accounts are provided of kings and prominent figures who were devout patrons of Jainism and actively built and endowed temples and idols, including:
     • King Samprati: Mentioned for promoting Jainism and its temples.
     • Maharaja Kharvel of Kalinga: His famous inscription is cited as strong evidence for the existence of Jain temples and idol worship in Kalinga from around the 2nd century BCE.
     • King Shrenik (Bimbisara): His devotion to Tirthankara idols is described, including the practice of offering golden yava (grains) at the idol's feet.
     • King Udai and Queen Prabhavati: Their devotion to a Lord Mahavir idol in Dashpur is detailed.
     • King Chetak: His construction of a stupa for Lord Munisuvrata is mentioned.
     • King Nand: His act of taking a Jain idol from Kalinga to Magadha is discussed, highlighting the existence of Jain idols during that period.
     • King Chandravati: The city founded by King Chandrasen in the first century of the Tirthankara era is mentioned for its Jain temples.
   • Archaeological Finds: The book emphasizes findings from excavations at Kankali Tila in Mathura, Mohan-jo-daro, and Harappa, dating back thousands of years, which have revealed numerous Jain idols and inscriptions supporting the antiquity of idol worship.
   • Architectural Marvels: The construction of magnificent Jain temples in forts and on mountains by ancient Jain kings and merchants (like Vimal Shah, Vastupal, Jaswantmalji Kochar) is presented as evidence of the deep-rooted tradition.

4. Refutation of Anti-Idol Worship Arguments:

   • Lonkashah and Sthanakvasi Opposition: A significant portion of the book is dedicated to refuting the arguments of the Sthanakvasi sect, particularly their opposition to idol worship, which the author attributes to external influences (Islam) and internal misinterpretations or schisms.
     • The author strongly argues that Lonkashah's opposition was not an original Jain principle but a deviation influenced by historical circumstances and personal grievances, and that his followers later reverted to accepting idol worship.
     • The author also critiques the Sthanakvasi interpretation of scriptures and their denial of the antiquity of certain texts and practices, including the use of muh-patti (mouth cloth).
   • The Muh-patti Debate: A significant part of the book delves into the issue of muh-patti, specifically addressing the Sthanakvasi claim that Jain monks, including Tirthankaras, wore muh-patti with dora (a string). The author provides scriptural and historical evidence to counter this, arguing that the original practice was to hold muh-patti in hand and use it to cover the mouth while speaking, not to tie it perpetually over the face. The author critiques the creation of "imaginary" paintings depicting Tirthankaras with tied muh-pattis by some Sthanakvasi scholars.

5. Author's Motivation and Contribution:

   • Muni Gyansundarji Maharaj states that he was motivated to write this book due to the "attacks" from the Sthanakvasi community. After a period of responding to these criticisms, he shifted his focus to historical and philosophical works. However, a renewed push from the Sthanakvasi side, which produced books depicting Tirthankaras with tied muh-pattis, spurred him to meticulously research and present the evidence for the ancient history of idol worship.
   • The author has authored and edited 171 books, demonstrating his prolific contribution to Jain literature and scholarship.

Structure of the Book: The book is structured into several chapters (Prakaran), covering:

• Prakaran Pahila (Chapter 1): Discusses the antiquity of idol worship, its universal presence, its scriptural necessity, and the historical opposition it faced, particularly from Islam and later reform movements.
• Prakaran Dwitiya (Chapter 2): Focuses on the authenticity and vastness of Jain Agamas, refuting claims that they do not support idol worship, and detailing the process of scriptural compilation and commentary.
• Prakaran Tritiya (Chapter 3): Examines shashvati (eternal) Jin Pratimas found in celestial realms, arguing they are representations of Tirthankaras and supported by various scriptural passages and commentaries.
• Prakaran Chaturtha (Chapter 4): Discusses ashashvati (non-eternal) idols found in human realms, citing numerous archaeological and scriptural references to prove their antiquity and prevalence among Jain followers, including the debate on muh-patti.
• Prakaran Panchama (Chapter 5): Presents extensive historical evidence from various periods and regions of India, as well as testimonies from foreign scholars, to firmly establish the ancient origins and continuous practice of idol worship in Jainism.
• Murtipooja Vishayak Prashnottar (Q&A on Idol Worship): A section dedicated to addressing specific questions and refuting common arguments against idol worship, often presented in a dialogue format.
• Kya Jain Tirthankar bhi Dora Dal Muh Par Muhpatti Bandhte The? (Did Jain Tirthankaras also tie Dora-dal Muh-patti?): A dedicated section tackling the controversial issue of muh-patti, presenting evidence that the original practice was different from the one later advocated by some sects.

Overall Significance: "Murtipooja ka Prachin Itihas" is a foundational text for understanding the historical and scriptural defense of idol worship in Jainism. It's a scholarly work that meticulously gathers evidence to counter opposition and affirm the integral role of Murtipooja in the tradition. The book highlights the author's deep commitment to preserving and clarifying Jain principles and history.