Nitya Niyam Puja

This Jain text, titled "Nitya Niyam Puja" (Daily Ritual Worship), is a comprehensive guide to performing daily devotional practices in Jainism. It's structured to lead the devotee through a series of prayers, hymns, and rituals, all aimed at purification, spiritual growth, and ultimately, liberation (moksha).

Here's a breakdown of the key components and themes:

I. Foundational Prayers and Devotion:

• Navkar (Namokar) Mantra (Page 3): The text begins with the universally revered Navkar Mantra, the five supreme beings in Jainism: Arihants (liberated souls who have conquered inner enemies), Siddhas (fully liberated souls), Acharyas (spiritual preceptors), Upadhyayas (teachers), and all Sadhus (ascetics). This mantra is considered the most auspicious and is believed to destroy sins and bring auspiciousness. The text emphasizes its importance as the foundation of all Jain practices.
• Stuti: Tum Taran-Taran (Page 4): This section is a collection of hymns praising various Tirthankaras (Jinas, spiritual teachers). Each verse highlights the unique qualities and achievements of a particular Tirthankara, such as Rishabhnath (Adinath), Ajitnath, Chandranath, Shantinath, Neminath, Parshvanath, and Mahavir. The hymns express deep devotion, seeking their blessings for spiritual progress and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
• Darshan Path (You Seeing) (Page 5): This devotional piece describes the profound impact of seeing and remembering the Jinas. It speaks of the immense spiritual merit gained through devotion, the destruction of sins, and the attainment of divine states. It emphasizes the transformative power of the Jinas' image and teachings in eradicating negative karma and fostering equanimity.
• Jal Abhishek Path (Water Libation Path) (Pages 6-7): This section details the ritual of performing a symbolic water ablution (abhishek) on the image of a Tirthankara. It expresses the understanding that while the Tirthankaras are inherently pure, this ritual is performed by the devotee to cleanse their own inner impurities (kashays like anger, pride, deceit, and greed) and to express devotion. The text highlights the purifying effect of devotion on the devotee's senses and mind.
• Vinay Path (Path of Humility/Respect) (Page 8): This section focuses on cultivating humility and respect towards the Tirthankaras. It acknowledges them as the destroyers of the eight karmas, the possessors of infinite knowledge, vision, bliss, and strength, and the rulers of the three worlds. The verses express the devotee's reliance on the Tirthankaras for liberation and their desire to become like them.
• Mangal Path (Auspicious Path) (Page 9): This prayer emphasizes the auspiciousness of the Panch Parmeshthis (the five supreme beings) and the Jain Dharma. It is a call for universal well-being and the eradication of suffering.
• Bhajan: Main Thane Pujan Aayo (I Have Come to Worship You) (Page 9): This is a devotional song expressing the heartfelt desire of the devotee to worship the Tirthankara, bringing various offerings and seeking liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

II. Ritualistic Procedures:

• Vidhi Prarambh (Beginning of the Ritual) (Page 10): This section marks the commencement of the puja with the recitation of the Namokar Mantra and other auspicious verses.
• Puja (Worship) (Page 10): This indicates the start of the detailed worship procedures.
• Arghya Samuchchay (Collection of Offerings) (Pages 11, 47-50): The text includes various arghyas (offerings) made with water, sandalwood, rice, flowers, incense, lamp, and fruits. These are offered to the Tirthankaras, the Panch Parmeshthis, and other revered figures. Specific arghyas are provided for:
  • Panch Kalyanaka (the five auspicious events in a Tirthankara's life).
  • Panch Parmeshthi (the five supreme beings).
  • Jina Sahasranam (thousand names of the Jinas).
  • Various Tirthankaras (Adinath, Chandrapraha, Shantinath, Parshvanath, Mahavir, and the Twenty-four Tirthankaras).
  • Chaitra, Paramarshi, Samuchchay Pujas, etc.

III. Specific Pujas and Hymns:

• Swasti (Auspiciousness) Vidhan (Pages 12-13): This section describes rituals for invoking auspiciousness. It includes:
  • Chaturvinshati Tirthankar Swasti Mangal Vidhan: Auspicious rituals dedicated to the 24 Tirthankaras.
  • Paramarshi Swasti Mangal Vidhan: Auspicious rituals for the great sages (Parmarshis).
• Samuchchay Puja (Collective Worship) (Pages 14-16): This is a comprehensive ritual of worshiping the Deva (God/Tirthankaras), Shastra (scriptures), and Guru (spiritual preceptors) collectively. It also includes worship of the twenty existing Tirthankaras and the infinite Siddha group. The text provides detailed offerings for each.
• Shri Dev-Shastra-Guru Puja (Worship of God, Scripture, and Guru) (Pages 18-26): A dedicated section for the worship of the three jewels of Jainism. This includes detailed offerings for each of the three, followed by a Jaymala (garland of victory/praise) and specific arghyas.
• Shri Parshvanath-Jina Puja (Pages 28-32): A detailed puja specifically for Lord Parshvanath, the 23rd Tirthankara. It includes hymns praising his life events and the offerings of the eight substances. It also features a Jaymala narrating his life story and the miracles associated with him.
• Shri Parshvanath-Jina Puja ('Pushpendu') (Pages 33-36): Another puja dedicated to Lord Parshvanath, likely by a different author or with a slightly different lyrical style. It continues the themes of devotion and seeking blessings.
• Shri Ahichhatra-Parshvanath-Jina Puja (Pages 37-42): A puja dedicated to Parshvanath at the specific holy site of Ahichhatra. It highlights his attributes and the devotee's earnest prayers.
• Shri Mahavir-Jina Puja (Pages 43-46): A puja dedicated to Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara, also known as Vardhaman. It praises his virtues and the rituals associated with his worship.

IV. Concluding Rituals:

• Shanti-Path (Peace Chant) (Page 50): This section is a prayer for universal peace and well-being. It acknowledges the limitations of human understanding in performing rituals perfectly but seeks blessings through devotion and the grace of the Tirthankaras.
• Visarjan-Path (Parting Ritual) (Page 50): This ritual signifies the respectful conclusion of the puja. It expresses gratitude for the divine presence and seeks forgiveness for any unintentional errors in the performance of the ritual, seeking refuge in the Tirthankaras.
• Stuti (Praise) (Page 51): This is a hymn that praises the Tirthankaras as "Patit-Pavan" (Purifier of the fallen) and expresses the devotee's earnest desire for liberation.
• Stuti: Main Tum Charan-Kamal Gun Gay (I Sing the Praises of Your Lotus Feet) (Page 52): This is a devotional song expressing the singer's desire to worship and serve the Tirthankaras, seeking their blessings for liberation and the attainment of a righteous life.
• Aarti Shri Parshvanath Ji (Aarti of Lord Parshvanath) (Page 53): This is an aarti, a devotional song sung with lamps, celebrating Lord Parshvanath.
• Aarti Shri Vardhaman Swami (Aarti of Lord Vardhaman) (Page 53): This is an aarti dedicated to Lord Mahavir.

Overall Themes and Significance:

• Devotion to the Tirthankaras: The entire text is a testament to the deep reverence and devotion for the Tirthankaras, who are seen as guides to liberation.
• Karma and Liberation: A central theme is the understanding of karma and the cycle of birth and death (samsara). The rituals and prayers are directed towards purifying oneself of karma and attaining moksha.
• Importance of the Three Jewels: The text consistently emphasizes the worship of Deva (Tirthankaras), Shastra (Jain scriptures), and Guru (spiritual guides) as the path to spiritual progress.
• Inner Purity: While external rituals are described, the emphasis is always on the inner state of devotion, humility, and purity of mind, speech, and body. The jal abhishek ritual, for instance, is primarily about cleansing the devotee's inner impurities.
• Auspiciousness and Peace: The inclusion of Mangal Path and Shanti Path highlights the Jain aspiration for universal well-being and peace.
• Comprehensive Practice: The book aims to provide a complete set of daily practices for a devout Jain, covering mantras, prayers, hymns, and detailed worship procedures.

In essence, "Nitya Niyam Puja" serves as a sacred manual for daily spiritual discipline in Jainism, guiding devotees on a path of devotion, self-purification, and ultimate spiritual attainment.