Pacchkhan Margdarshika

The book "Pachchkhan Margdarshika" (प्रत्याख्यान मार्गदर्शिका) by Arvindsagar, published by Shantidham Jain Tirth, is a comprehensive guide to performing Pachchkhan (प्रत्याख्यान) or vows/resolutions in the Jain tradition. The book is dedicated to the teachings of various revered Acharyas, including Buddhisagar Surishwarji, Kirtisagar Surishwarji, Kalyan Sagar Surishwarji, Kailas Sagar Surishwarji, Padmasagar Surishwarji, and Arunoday Sagarji. The author, Ganivarya Arvind Sagarji, is a disciple of Muni Amarpadmasagar and is guided by Munishri Arvind Sagarji.

Key aspects of the book include:

• Purpose: The book aims to help individuals observe Pachchkhan properly, leading to a spiritually fulfilling life and the attainment of higher spiritual states. It is presented as the first of its kind published in India.
• Importance of Pachchkhan: The text emphasizes that Pachchkhan helps in stopping the influx of new karmas and leads to liberation from past karmas. It is described as a great auspicious practice that eradicates obstacles and elevates individuals from the mundane to the sublime. Pachchkhan is credited with conferring mental and physical well-being by fostering detachment from worldly possessions and balancing dietary habits.
• Types of Pachchkhan: The book details the specific mantras and procedures for various types of Pachchkhan, including:
  • Navkarsi (नवकारसी): A short-term vow typically for a meal.
  • Porisi (पौरुषी), Sadhu Porisi (साधु पौरुषी), Purimaddh (पुरिमाढ), Avaddh (अवड्ढ): These refer to specific time periods for observing vows, related to the rising of the sun and other time divisions in Jain practice.
  • Ayambil (आयंबिल): A specific type of fasting where only one meal is consumed, prepared in a particular way.
  • Nivi (निबि), Ekasan (एकासन), Biyasana (बियासन): These refer to different forms of fasting and one-meal practices.
  • Upvas (उपवास): Fasting, including Tividh (three-day) and Chaturvidh (four-day) fasts, with instructions for extending fasts (e.g., Chhaththam (छठ्ठ), Aththam (अठ्ठम)).
  • Deshavagashik (देशावगासिक) / Abhigraha (अभिग्रह): Vows related to specific geographical areas or particular conditions.
• Mantras for Pachchkhan Parana (प्रत्याख्यान पारण): The book provides the correct pronunciation and wording for concluding or breaking the vows (parana), including specific phrases like "Pachchkhan kartun Fasiyam, paliyam, sohiyam, tiriyam, kittiyam, arahiyam, jam ch na arahiyam tasmichchhami dukkaḍam" (प्रत्याख्यान करतो फasiyam, paliyam, sohiyam, tiriyam, kittiyam, arahiyam, jam ch na arahiyam tasmi chhammi dukkadam).
• Calendar of Tirthankar Kalyanaks: A significant portion of the book lists the auspicious dates (Kalyanak) of the Tirthankaras (Jain spiritual masters), including their birth, initiation, omniscience (Kevalgnan), and Nirvana (liberation). This section is presented month-wise and day-wise.
• Time-Based Schedules: The book includes detailed daily schedules for various cities in India (Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, Jaipur, Chennai, Kolkata, Ratlam, Kolhapur, Jodhpur, Surat) indicating sunrise, sunset, and timings for Navkarsi, Porisi, Sadhu Porisi, Purimaddh, and Avaddh for each day of the year. This helps practitioners observe their vows accurately according to the specific timeframes relevant to their location.
• Temple Information: The book also provides brief introductions to the Shree Rantej Tirth and Shree Shantidham Jain Tirth (Shri Jain Ashram, Vatva, Ahmedabad), highlighting their significance and facilities like bhojanshala (community kitchen) and dharmashala (guesthouses).
• Publication Details: The book was published on the occasion of the ceremony conferring the Ganipad (a spiritual title) upon Munishri Arvind Sagarji. It was financially supported by the Adani family.

In essence, "Pachchkhan Margdarshika" is a practical and spiritual manual designed to guide Jains in their observance of vows, offering detailed instructions, auspicious timings, and a connection to the sacred geography of Jain pilgrimage sites.