Panch Kalyanak Kya Kyo Kaise

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Panch Kalyanak Kya Kyo Kaise" by Rakesh Jain, based on the provided pages:

Overall Purpose and Theme:

The book "Panch Kalyanak Kya Kyo Kaise" (What, Why, and How of the Five Auspicious Events) aims to explain the significance, purpose, and methodology of the Panch Kalyanak Mahotsav, a highly popular and auspicious celebration in the Digambar Jain tradition. The festival commemorates the five major life events of Tirthankaras (liberated souls who guide others to liberation). The book emphasizes the spiritual and philosophical underpinnings of these ceremonies, encouraging devotees to participate and draw inspiration for their own spiritual journey.

Key Sections and Their Content:

• Mangal Avsar (Auspicious Occasion) by Pawan Jain (Page 5-6):

  • This section describes the Panch Kalyanak Mahotsav as a supremely auspicious event that brings joy to all beings.
  • It highlights the transmission of the message of non-attachment (Veetrag) from the liberated souls.
  • The festival is presented as instrumental for the welfare of all beings, offering an opportunity to understand the five states of the soul (Panch Bhav) as discussed in the divine sermon (Divyadhvani).
  • It showcases the transformative power of spiritual progress, from an excellent pure state leading to Tirthankarahood, to the manifestation of infinite qualities (Anant Chatushtay) and blissful experience of liberation.
  • The text explains how this festival reveals the path to realizing the pure consciousness of the soul, distinct from worldly associations.
  • It notes that even beings engrossed in impure thoughts can hear and be inspired by the songs of pure thoughts, leading them towards the path of the Three Jewels (Ratnatray).
  • The enthusiasm of celestial beings, their philosophical discussions, and the demonstration of devotion through activities like cradle-swinging are mentioned.
  • The divine sermon in the Samavasarana (assembly hall of Tirthankaras) is described as imparting beneficial knowledge for all souls, leading them to the path of liberation through self-discrimination (Bhed Vigyan).
  • Ultimately, the festival provides an experience of the nectar of equanimity, knowledge, and peace, leading to immersion in the ocean of infinite bliss.
  • The text concludes by expressing gratitude for the inspiration drawn from Gurudev Shri Kanji Swami and encourages active participation to enhance Veetrag bhav (non-attachment).

• Prastavan (Foreword) by Devendra Kumar Jain (Page 7-8):

  • The foreword identifies Panch Kalyanak Mahotsav as the most popular festival in the Digambar Jain community, celebrating the life events of Tirthankaras from conception to liberation.
  • It states that the festival demonstrates the eternal path from attachment to detachment, and from imperfection to perfection.
  • The text explains that Tirthankaras are born in the fourth era of the current time cycle, completing their spiritual practice from previous lives. They attain the highly virtuous Tirthankara-nama-karma due to their internal detachment and their compassionate desire for the welfare of the world.
  • The five auspicious events are: Garbha (conception), Janma (birth), Tapa (asceticism), Gyan (enlightenment), and Moksha (liberation).
  • It is clarified that even conception and birth, which might otherwise be considered impure, are called auspicious when they lead to ultimate liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
  • The lives of Tirthankaras reveal that they too have undergone cycles of birth and rebirth due to delusion (Mithyatva). Through self-effort, they have achieved spiritual welfare even from animal forms.
  • Studying these lives fosters compassion for all beings, regardless of their state, and awakens inner strength for self-endeavor.
  • The foreword quotes Gurudev Shri Kanji Swami, who emphasized that witnessing the Panch Kalyanak is a means to right faith (Samyak Darshan).
  • Each program within the festival is seen as a melody of the path to liberation.
  • The compilation of questions and answers, with a focus on Lord Adinath's life, is praised, and the reader is encouraged to attend the Mahotsav at Manglayatan University to have their questions answered and embark on the path of self-welfare.

• Pujya Gurudev Shri Kanji Swami's Mangalik Pravachan (Auspicious Discourse) (Page 9-12):

  • This section presents a discourse by Gurudev Shri Kanji Swami, emphasizing the importance of establishing the true nature of the soul (Siddhatva) within oneself.
  • He states that while the external installation of an idol is considered a representation, the true installation is realizing and establishing one's own pure, conscious nature as that of a Siddha.
  • The external rituals of Panch Kalyanak are mentioned as manifestations of the soul's inherent divinity.
  • The discourse references the Shrutkevali's recitation of the Samaysar, highlighting its essence as the establishment of Siddhatva within the soul, by abandoning the false belief of being anger or attachment and instead realizing oneself as pure soul.
  • The inherent power and potential for Siddhatva within every soul is stressed. Those who gain knowledge of Siddhas and establish this realization within themselves gain Siddha-like strength.
  • The path to liberation involves eradicating attachment and not considering oneself as the doer of others' actions or vice versa, but rather embodying one's own nature.
  • In the current era, while direct Siddhahood isn't immediately attained, sincere spiritual practice by monks and householders can lead to liberation within a few lifetimes.
  • The key to liberation lies in self-discrimination (Bhed Vigyan) – distinguishing the pure soul from its impure states and inclinations.
  • The discourse explains that pure soul is eternal, blissful, and pure, while attachments like good or bad karma are merely impurities or "moss" in its states, not its inherent nature.
  • Recognizing the soul and its impurities as distinct, and turning away from impurities towards one's true nature, leads to the cessation of karmic bondage.
  • The discourse draws an analogy of a betrothal, where the bride's perception of her current home changes upon engagement, similarly, the spiritual person's (Dharmi Jiv) attachment shifts upon realizing their true nature.
  • The final part addresses the nature of a devotee of the Veetrag, stating that true devotion comes from recognizing one's own inherent Veetragta and not from attributing one's pure states to external causes.

• Panch Kalyanak: Kya, Kyo, Kaise? (What, Why, How?) - Question and Answer Section (Page 13-29):

  • This extensive Q&A section addresses various aspects of the Panch Kalyanak Mahotsav.
  • Q1: What is Panch Kalyanak Mahotsav? It is the celebration of five life events (conception, birth, asceticism, enlightenment, liberation) of Tirthankaras. These events are celebrated by deities and humans with great joy and inspire spiritual endeavor. In the absence of living Tirthankaras, their symbolic representation through idols is used.
  • Q2: Why is public gathering and publicity necessary? To allow all aspiring souls to witness the ritual and purify their inner states, thus benefiting from the occasion.
  • Q3: How can we understand Panch Kalyanak? Through both internal (spiritual essence) and external (rituals) perspectives. Internal aspects focus on self-welfare, while external rituals like flag hoisting, processions, and specific ceremonies are performed for public display.
  • Q4: Why is Lord Adinath's Panch Kalyanak celebrated in a temple whose main deity is Lord Mahavir? To educate the public that Lord Adinath was the first Tirthankara of this era and the entire lineage, countering the misconception that Lord Mahavir was the founder. It also highlights the cyclical nature of Tirthankara births across countless cycles.
  • Q5: What is special about this Panch Kalyanak? The participation of celestial beings (Indras) in celebrating the events of Tirthankaras is a unique characteristic, and preparations have been ongoing for a long time.
  • Q6: Importance of Acharya Anugya (Teacher's Permission)? It signifies the beginning of the festival, with the main organizer seeking permission from the officiating priest (Pratishthacharya) to conduct the ceremonies.
  • Q7: Qualities of Yagyanayak (Ritual Leader)? The text lists qualities like justice-based living, devotion to the Guru, humility, scriptural knowledge, generosity, lack of greed, and religious inclination.
  • Q8: Qualities of Pratishthacharya (Installation Priest)? These include expertise in Syadvada, clear pronunciation, physical and mental health, scriptural knowledge, compassion, control over senses, devotion to the three jewels, forgiveness, foresight, and detachment.
  • Q9: Significance of Shanti Jaap (Peace Chanting)? Performed for the obstacle-free completion of major rituals, it helps participants remain detached from worldly desires and connect with their soul.
  • Q10: Purpose of installing Mangal Kalash (Auspicious Pot)? Kalash is a symbol of auspiciousness in Indian culture, used to consecrate the beginning of any auspicious event and to carry consecrated water for purification.
  • Q11: Significance of Dharma Dhwaj Ararohan (Flag Hoisting)? The flag represents the glory of Jainism. The five-colored Jain flag symbolizes the five vows of lay followers and the five supreme beings (Panch Parameshti). It's considered a guide to liberation, dispeller of sorrow, and bestower of peace.
  • Q12: Who is Vidhinayak (Ritual Director)? It's the primary idol through which all Panch Kalyanak rituals are conducted, from conception to liberation. The festival is named after this central figure.
  • Q13: What is Mulnayak Pratima (Main Idol)? The principal idol of a temple, after which the temple is usually named.
  • Q14: What is Vidhi-Adhyaksh (Ritual Presider)? A pre-consecrated idol that oversees all the rituals of the Panch Kalyanak.
  • Q15: Significance of Ratna-Vrishti (Gem Shower)? Symbolically represents the gem shower that occurs 15 months before a Tirthankara's birth.
  • Q16: Significance of Solah Swapna (Sixteen Dreams)? The mother of a Tirthankara beholds sixteen auspicious dreams the night before the soul descends into her womb, signifying the birth of a great soul.
  • Q17: Why is Ghat Yatra (Procession with Pots) performed on Garbh Kalyanak day? To purify the altar, temple structure, and flag, mirroring the care taken for the Tirthankara in the womb.
  • Q18: What is Mata-Devi ki Charcha (Discussion with Mother Goddess)? A representation of the spiritual thoughts and experiences of the Tirthankara's mother, often involving discussions with divine attendants.
  • Q19: Eligibility for Mata-Pita, Indra-Indrani etc.? Individuals who are virtuous, young, well-adorned, devout, and free from sin are eligible to portray these roles.
  • Q20: Significance of Indra Sabha and Raja Sabha? These assemblies depict celestial beings and kings discussing and celebrating the Tirthankara's advent and Kalyanakas.
  • Q21: Purpose of Nandi Vidhan and Indra Pratishtha? Nandi Vidhan initiates the festival by changing the gotra of the parents-to-be and imparting guidance. Indra Pratishtha establishes the householders as Indra and Indrani, granting them ritual purity throughout the festival.
  • Q22: Purpose of Yagamandal Vidhan? It involves the worship of the Panch Parameshti and other sacred entities to invoke blessings for the successful and pure completion of the festival.
  • Q23: Significance of Pandukshila? The sacred rock where the infant Tirthankara is traditionally bathed by celestial beings with water from the ocean of milk.
  • Q24: When does Tandava Dance occur and what does it signify? Performed by Indra after the birth-abhishekam, it expresses immense joy and wonder at the Tirthankara's divine form.
  • Q25: Significance of Palna Jhulan (Cradle Swinging)? A ritualistic depiction of lovingly rocking the infant Tirthankara, invoking spiritual lullabies and eliciting great enthusiasm from the assembled devotees.
  • Q26: How does a Tirthankara attain detachment? A significant event, like witnessing a death or remembering past lives, triggers detachment, followed by the arrival of celestial beings (Laukantikas) to approve the initiation.
  • Q27: Is there a dispute between gods and humans during the departure for initiation? Yes, a symbolic dispute arises over who will carry the Tirthankara's palanquin, with the resolution being that those who will embrace asceticism with the Tirthankara have the primary right, highlighting the superiority of human effort for asceticism.
  • Q28: Significance of Aahardan (Offering of Alms)? Depicts the first alms-offering to the Tirthankara after their initiation, symbolizing the practice of Dana (charity) and the pure conduct of monks.
  • Q29: Purpose of Ankanys Vidhi (Symbolic Marking)? A key ritual in idol consecration, involving the priest imprinting mantras on their own body before transferring them to the idol. It emphasizes the importance of pure intention and mantra purity.
  • Q30: How is Divyadhvani (Divine Sermon) broadcast? Presented symbolically behind a screen after the Tirthankara achieves Keval Gyan and is seated in the Samavasarana.
  • Q31: How is Moksha Gaman (Departure for Liberation) depicted? The Tirthankara is shown on a mountain, renouncing all actions, and their bodily remains (nails and hair) are ritually cremated by celestial beings.
  • Q32: Specialty of the Kirtistambh (Pillar of Fame) at Manglayatan University? It displays the glorious tradition of Tirthankaras, Acharyas, and enlightened souls in four languages (Prakrit, Sanskrit, Hindi, English), serving as a testament to Jain heritage.
  • Q33: What message does the Panch Kalyanak Mahotsav convey? It demonstrates how a soul ascends through spiritual stages to attain liberation and become worthy of reverence. It also involves scholars expounding the path of liberation and its means.

• Panch Kalyanak ka Ek-Ek Mantra Kalyanari (Each Mantra of Panch Kalyanak is Beneficial) by Abhinandan Kumar Shastri (Page 30-32):

  • This section reiterates the belief that there is no difference between the Tirthankara in the Samavasarana and the consecrated idol in a temple.
  • The process that elevates a stone or metal idol to a worshipful state is called Panch Kalyanak. It's described as the most significant and auspicious ritual in Jainism, bringing joy to all.
  • The festival provides religious merit through various activities like witnessing rituals, listening to sermons, participating in cultural programs, and hearing devotional songs.
  • It instills religious values in children and offers spiritual inspiration to visitors.
  • The text emphasizes the importance of auspicious timing (Panchanga Shuddhi) and inner purity, detachment, and absence of ego for the smooth conduct of the festival.
  • The purity of mantra pronunciation and the role of chanting (Jaap) are highlighted, referencing a story of Dharasenacharya testing his disciples with mantras.
  • The festival is not merely for public entertainment but for self-welfare and continuing a tradition established by ancient sages. The vision of consecrated idols provides spiritual benefits akin to seeing a living Tirthankara.

• Questions and Answers about Lord Adinath (Rishabhdev) (Page 33-41):

  • This section is a detailed Q&A focusing on the life events and characteristics of the first Tirthankara, Lord Rishabhdev.
  • It covers his birth date, birthplace, lifespan, height, lineage, parents, the cycle of time during his birth, complexion, childhood, asceticism, fasts, first alms, enlightenment, the number of his Ganadharas (chief disciples) and attendees in his Samavasarana, and his Nirvana.
  • It also includes details about his birth star, his insignia (Bull), his mother tongue, the rebirth of his soul from Sarvarthasiddhi, the time of binding Tirthankara nature, and his role as an exponent of Jain Dharma rather than its founder.
  • The Q&A addresses specific details about his initiation, such as the tree and forest, the duration of his vows, and the royal persons who accompanied him.
  • Key events like the cause of his detachment (witnessing the dance of Nilanjana), his birth time, and the time of his departure for liberation are also provided.

• Muni Dasha Ki Anadikalina Satya Vastusthiti (Eternal Truth of the Ascetic State) (Page 41-42):

  • This concluding section addresses the nature of the ascetic (Muni) state, emphasizing that it inherently implies nakedness and detachment from all possessions, including clothing.
  • While clothes are considered external, the desire for clothing is what hinders the Muni's state. True Munis, through constant internal communion, naturally become indifferent to clothing.

In essence, the book provides a comprehensive guide to the Panch Kalyanak festival, explaining its deeply spiritual significance as a means to understand and emulate the path of Tirthankaras towards self-realization and liberation.