Nine Ang Puja

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided excerpt from "Nine Ang Puja" by Pravin K. Shah, as per the JainQQ link and the content of page 1:

Book Title: Nine Ang Puja Author: Pravin K. Shah Publisher: JAINA Education Committee

Summary of Page 1: Tirthankar Puja (Swetambar Tradition)

Page 1 of "Nine Ang Puja" outlines a specific ritual for performing puja (worship) of a Tirthankar idol within the Swetambar Jain tradition. The central tenet of this practice is to perform worship at nine specific points (Angs or body parts) of the idol.

For each of these nine designated Angs, a single line from the Namaskar Mantra is to be recited. The text provides a clear mapping of the body parts to the specific lines of the mantra.

The Nine Places of Puja and Their Corresponding Mantra Recitation:

1. Right Toe, then Left Toe: Recite the first line of the Namaskar Mantra: "Namo Arihantanam."
2. Right Knee, then Left Knee: Recite the second line: "Namo Siddhanam."
3. Center of Right Arm, then Left Arm: Recite the third line: "Namo Aayariyanam."
4. Right Shoulder, then Left Shoulder: Recite the fourth line: "Namo Uvajjayanam."
5. Top of Head (center): Recite the fifth line: "Namo Loa Savva Sahunam."
6. Center of Forehead: Recite the entire Namaskar Mantra: "Eso Panch Namukkaro Savva Pava Panasano Mangala Nam Cha Savve Sim Padhamum Hawai Mangalam." (This line is a concluding statement about the five salutations and their auspiciousness).
7. Center of Throat: This section appears to be a repetition or a slight variation of the instruction for the forehead, as the same concluding mantra is indicated again.
8. Center of Chest: Again, the same concluding mantra is indicated.
9. Navel: The same concluding mantra is indicated for the navel.

Important Notes for Performing the Puja:

The text emphasizes crucial guidelines for conducting this ritual correctly:

• (A) Orientation of Right and Left: It is critical to understand that "Right" and "Left" refer to the idol's (Murti's) perspective, not the person performing the puja.
• (B) Toe vs. Knee/Arm/Shoulder Alignment: A specific directional note is made that the Right Toe of the Murti is on the opposite side compared to the Murti's Right Knee, Arm, and Shoulder. This clarifies the physical placement.
• (C) Hygiene: During the puja, the person performing it must cover their mouth and nose with a piece of white cloth. This is a standard practice in Jainism to maintain purity and respect during religious rituals.

In essence, this page provides a foundational instruction on a systematic way to venerate a Tirthankar idol by focusing worship on specific body parts and aligning these with the sacred Namaskar Mantra, emphasizing precision in orientation and personal purity.