Nitya Niyam Puja

The Jain text "Nitya Niyam Puja" is a comprehensive guide to daily Jain worship and rituals. It is structured as a collection of prayers, hymns, and procedures intended for devotional practice. The book is organized into several key sections, guiding the devotee through various stages of a puja.

Key Components of the Text:

• Navkar (Namokar) Mantra: The text begins with the foundational Navkar Mantra, also known as the Namokar Mantra. It explains the mantra and its meaning: bowing to the Arihants (liberated souls who have conquered inner enemies), Siddhas (fully liberated souls), Acharyas (spiritual leaders), Upadhyayas (teachers), and all Sadhus (monks and nuns). This mantra is considered the most auspicious and capable of destroying sins and obstacles.

• Stutis (Praise Songs): The book includes numerous stutis, which are devotional hymns praising the virtues and qualities of the Tirthankaras (spiritual teachers who guide humanity across the cycle of birth and death). These stutis are dedicated to various Tirthankaras, highlighting their individual achievements and the spiritual lessons they imparted. For instance, stutis are presented for:

  • Tum Tarantaaran Darshan Paath: Praising the Tirthankaras as saviors who ferry beings across the ocean of existence.
  • Tum Nirakhat (Darshan Paath): Focusing on the spiritual benefits derived from beholding the image or form of the Tirthankaras, leading to the destruction of sins and attainment of merit.
  • Jalabhishek Paath: Describing the ritualistic bathing of the idol or image of the Tirthankara with water, symbolizing purification and devotion.
  • Vinay Paath: Expressing humility and respect towards the Tirthankaras, acknowledging their role as dispellers of suffering and bestowers of liberation.
  • Mangal Paath: Reciting prayers for auspiciousness and well-being, invoking the Tirthankaras as sources of prosperity and peace.
  • Bhajan: Devotional songs, such as "Main Thane Poojan Aayo," expressing the devotee's arrival to offer worship and seeking divine grace.

• Pooja Vidhi (Worship Procedure): This section details the step-by-step process for performing a puja. It includes:

  • Pooja Vidhi Prarambh: The commencement of the worship ritual.
  • dravya ki thali: The preparation of the puja items (water, sandalwood, rice, flowers, etc.).
  • Arghya Offerings: Specific verses and mantras for offering "arghya" (a symbolic offering of eight items or a mixture of them) to the five supreme beings (Panch Parameshthi) and the Tirthankaras.
  • Panch Kalyanak Argh: Offerings related to the five auspicious events in the life of a Tirthankara (conception, birth, renunciation, enlightenment, and liberation).
  • Paanchparamehi Ka Arghya: Offerings dedicated to the Panch Parmeshthi.
  • Sri Jinasahasranama Arghya: Offerings made while reciting the thousand names of the Jinas.

• Mangal Vidhan: This part focuses on auspicious rituals and verses.

  • Svasti (Mangal) Vidhan: Rituals and prayers for invoking auspiciousness.
  • Chaturvinshati Tirthankar Svasti Mangal Vidhan: Auspicious invocations for the 24 Tirthankaras.
  • Atha Parmarshi Svasti Mangal Vidhan: Auspicious invocations related to great ascetics or perfected souls.

• Samucchay Pooja (Composite Worship): This section describes a collective worship of the Divine (Deva), Scripture (Shastra), and Guru (Spiritual Guide). It involves invoking and offering homage to these three entities, along with the living Tirthankaras and the liberated souls.

• Specific Tirthankara Poojas: The text provides detailed worship procedures for several prominent Tirthankaras:

  • Shri Parshvanath Jin Pooja: Worship dedicated to Lord Parshvanath, including specific hymns and rituals.
  • Shri Ahichchatra-Parshvanath -Jin Pooja: A specific worship for Lord Parshvanath associated with Ahichchatra.
  • Shri Mahaveer Jin Pooja: Worship for Lord Mahavir, often referred to as "Veer Maha-Ativeer" (Veer, the Great Valiant).

• Jayamālā: A garland of praise, often sung or recited after the main puja, summarizing the glory and virtues of the Tirthankaras.

• Shanti Paath: A prayer for peace and tranquility.

• Visarjan Paath: A concluding ritual for bidding farewell or sending off the divine presence after the worship, also acknowledging any shortcomings in the performance of the rituals.

• Stuti (Prabhu Patit Pawan): A hymn praising the Lord as the purifier of the fallen and the one who grants liberation.

• Stuti: Main Tum Charan-Kamal Gun Gaay: A hymn expressing devotion and the desire to constantly sing the glories of the Lord's lotus feet.

• Aarti: Devotional songs performed with lamps, often sung at the conclusion of a puja, showing reverence and offering prayers. Aarti is presented for Lord Parshvanath and Lord Vardhaman Swami.

Overall Purpose:

"Nitya Niyam Puja" serves as a practical manual for Jain devotees to perform daily worship, cultivate devotion, and progress on the spiritual path towards liberation. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the mantras, hymns, and rituals to foster a deeper connection with the Tirthankaras and the core principles of Jainism, such as non-violence, self-control, and detachment. The text aims to guide individuals in their spiritual journey by providing a structured framework for daily devotion and contemplation.