Panch Kalyanak Mahotsav Poojan - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Panch Kalyanak Mahotsav Poojan" based on the provided pages:

Title: Panch Kalyanak Mahotsav Poojan (Worship of the Five Auspicious Events)

Authors/Compilers:

Compiler: Bra. Pandit Abhinandankumar Jain Shastri, B.Sc.
Editor: Pandit Rakeshkumar Jain Shastri, Jain Darshanacharya, M.A.

Publisher: Tirthdham Mangalayatan, Aligarh

Overview:

This book is a comprehensive guide for the worship and rituals associated with the "Panch Kalyanak Mahotsav" (Festival of Five Auspicious Events) in Jainism. The five auspicious events refer to the five major life occurrences of a Tirthankar (Jina) from conception to liberation.

Purpose and Motivation:

The primary purpose of this publication is to make the rituals and the underlying philosophical principles of the Panch Kalyanak Mahotsav accessible to a wider audience. The publishers observed that traditional ceremonies are often conducted in Sanskrit or Hindi poetic translations, which may not be fully understood by the general public. Often, only the priest (Pratisthacharya) possesses the necessary texts, leaving the congregation with limited participation beyond chanting "Swaha." Therefore, this book aims to equip every participant with the text so they can understand the meaning and essence of the worship, thereby benefiting from the profound philosophical insights embedded within the rituals. It emphasizes that the book should be present in the hands of everyone participating in the festival.

Content and Structure:

The book is a collection of various pujans (worship rituals) and stutis (hymns of praise) related to the Panch Kalyanak Mahotsav. The table of contents reveals a structured approach:

Panch Parmeshthi Poojan: Worship of the Five Supreme Beings (Arhant, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyaya, Sadhu).
Yagamandal Vidhan Poojan: Worship rituals within a Yagamandal (sacred diagram or altar), which is a central element in consecration ceremonies. This section meticulously details offerings (water, sandalwood, rice, flowers, etc.) to various deities and Tirthankaras, categorized by historical periods (Past, Present, Future) and regions (Videha Kshetra).
Garbh Kalyanak Stuti and Poojan: Hymns and worship for the conception of a Tirthankar.
Janma Kalyanak Stuti and Poojan: Hymns and worship for the birth of a Tirthankar.
Tapa Kalyanak Stuti and Poojan: Hymns and worship for the ascetic practices (tapasya) undertaken by a Tirthankar.
Aahar Daan ke Samay Muni Raj Rishabhdev ki Poojan: Specific worship dedicated to Lord Rishabhdev during the time of offering alms to ascetics.
Gyan Kalyanak Stuti and Poojan: Hymns and worship for the attainment of omniscience by a Tirthankar.
Moksha Kalyanak Stuti and Poojan: Hymns and worship for the liberation (moksha) of a Tirthankar.

Key Rituals and Concepts:

Panch Parmeshthi: The foundational worship of the five supreme beings is presented first, setting the spiritual tone.
Yagamandal: The book extensively covers the creation and worship within a Yagamandal, which is a crucial aspect of installing idols (Pratishtha). It includes pujans for the five Parmeshthis, then for 24 Tirthankaras of the past, 24 of the present, 24 of the future, and 20 Tirthankaras of Videha Kshetra. It also includes pujans for the 36 qualities of an Acharya and 25 qualities of an Upadhyaya, and 28 root vows of a Sadhu, and 48 Siddhis (supernatural powers) of Munis.
Offerings (Dravyas): The text systematically lists the eight auspicious offerings (Jal, Chandan, Akshat, Pushpa, Naivedya, Deep, Dhup, Phal) and their symbolic significance in cleansing impurities and achieving spiritual goals. Each offering is linked to specific virtues or the removal of negative states.
Symbolism: The verses are rich in symbolism, connecting each offering and prayer to the spiritual journey of achieving liberation, such as using water to wash away the cycle of birth and death, sandalwood to cool the heat of worldly suffering, and lamp to dispel the darkness of delusion.
Tirthankar Kalyanakas: The book details the pujans and prayers for each of the five Kalyanakas for all Tirthankaras (24 past, 24 present, 24 future, 20 from Videha Kshetra). It includes specific dates associated with these events for the 24 Tirthankaras of the present era.
Jaimala: A garland of praise, often a concluding hymn of devotion.
Special Stutis: Dedicated hymns for specific occasions like "Divya Dhwani Prasaran Hetu Vishesh Stuti" (Special Hymn for the Dissemination of Divine Voice) and Tirthankar's diet.

Publisher's Support:

The publication of this book was supported by Matushri Sakarben Laljibhai Shah and H. Reshilaben Kantilal Shah from Mumbai.

Overall Impression:

"Panch Kalyanak Mahotsav Poojan" is a highly detailed and devotional guide designed to enrich the spiritual experience of Jains observing these significant festivals. It bridges the gap between ritualistic practice and deeper understanding, aiming to foster greater devotion and spiritual upliftment among all participants. The extensive list of pujans for various Tirthankaras and spiritual figures underscores the Jain emphasis on devotion to the liberated souls.