Panchamrutabhishek Path - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Panchamrutabhishek Path" by Zaveri Chandmal Jodhkaran Gadiya, based on the provided pages:

Title: Panchamrutabhishek Path (A Text for Panchamrut Abhishekam) Author/Publisher: Zaveri Chandmal Jodhkaran Gadiya Year: 1958 (Veer Samvat 2484) Purpose: To provide a detailed and authoritative guide for performing the Panchamrut Abhishekam (ritual bath) of Jain deities, including peace chants and Aarti.

Core Message and Justification:

The book addresses a perceived decline in religious practices and the growing tendency for people to avoid or rationalize away daily religious duties like Deva Puja and Jinabhishekam. It specifically counters arguments that Panchamrut Abhishekam is not prescribed in scriptures, that women cannot perform Jinabhishekam, or that offerings like fruits and milk are impure. The text aims to reaffirm the validity and importance of these rituals, drawing upon ancient Jain scriptures and the teachings of respected Acharyas.

Key Sections and Content:

Introduction (Aady Nivedan): The introductory note highlights the publication as a great service to householders engaged in daily religious practices ("shatkarma"). It acknowledges the donor, Seth Chandmal Jodhkaran Gadiya, for facilitating this scriptural donation, which will help countless devotees engage in devotional activities. It laments the current state of religious observance, where people are becoming lax and attempting to avoid rituals with specious arguments. The book is presented as a solution to these challenges, offering scripturally sound answers and promoting sincere devotion.
Table of Contents (Vishayanukramanika): The table of contents outlines the structure of the book, including:
- Shri Panchamrutabhishek
- Mangalashtak (Eight Auspicious Verses)
- Abhishek Path (The Ritual Sequence)
- Jyeshth Jinvar Jaymala (A Garland of Victory for the Elder Jin)
- Shanti Mantra (Peace Chant)
- Brihat Shanti Mantra (Great Peace Chant)
- Shlok for Receiving Gandhodak (Auspicious Scented Water)
- Panch Parmesthi Aarti (Aarti for the Five Supreme Beings)
- Padmavati Aarti (Aarti for Goddess Padmavati)
- Panchamrutabhishek Praman (Scriptural Evidence for Panchamrut Abhishekam)
- Stri Dan Puja Adhikar Praman (Scriptural Evidence for Women's Right to Donation and Puja)
Scriptural Basis for Panchamrut Abhishekam:
- The book strongly supports Panchamrut Abhishekam by quoting various eminent Jain Acharyas and scriptures.
- Kundakunda Acharya: Cites his teachings that the nature of things is Dharma, and the soul's nature is tranquility. He also highlights Kundakunda's "Shravakachar," which guides householders in devotion and worship to overcome negative emotions.
- Shrutsaagar Vritti on Shatpadund: Mentions the practice of bathing the Jin-idol with Panchamrut and worshipping with eight types of offerings.
- Pandit Daulatramji (Padmini Purana): Quotes verses describing the immense merit gained from bathing the deity with water, milk, curd, ghee, and sugarcane juice, leading to spiritual and worldly benefits.
- Acharya Umaswami (Shravakachar): Cites a verse listing pure water, sugarcane juice, ghee, milk, curd, mango juice, and medicinal preparations as suitable for bathing the Jin-Lord.
- Acharya Virsen Swami (Kashayapahud Jaydhavala): Also advocates for devotion through Panchamrut.
The Ritualistic Process (Abhishek Path):
- The book meticulously details the steps involved in the Abhishek, beginning with the Pancha-नमस्कार Mantra.
- It includes the Mangalashtak, which invokes auspiciousness from various spiritual entities and figures in Jainism.
- The core Abhishek Path describes the preparation, purification of the ritualistic space, placement of the idol, and the sequential bathing with various purifying substances.
- Specific mantras and shlokas are provided for each step, such as:
  - Offering of flowers (Pushpanjali)
  - Adorning with sacred threads (Yajnopavit)
  - Applying Tilak (Tika)
  - Purifying the ground and the seat (Bhoomi Praksalan, Peeth Praksalan)
  - Writing the auspicious "Shri" symbol
  - Kindling the sacred fire (Agni Prajvalan)
  - Invoking and offering to the Dikpalas (Guardians of the Directions) and Kshetrapalas (Guardians of the Site)
  - Worshipping with offerings (Arghya)
  - Establishing Kalashas (Water Pots)
  - The actual Panchamrut bath, which includes:
    - Water (Jal)
    - Fruit Juices (Phal Ras - e.g., Sugarcane, Coconut, Mango)
    - Ghee (Ghruta)
    - Milk (Dugdha)
    - Curd (Dadhi)
    - Medicinal Preparations (Saushadhi)
  - Applying sandalwood paste (Chandan Lepanam)
  - Bathing with fragrant water from four-cornered pots (Chatuhkon Kumbha Kalasha)
  - Performing the Mangal Aarti (Auspicious Lamp Ceremony)
  - Bathing with fully fragrant water (Poorna Sugandhita Kalasha)
  - Shower of flowers (Pushpa Vrishti)
Peace Chants (Shanti Mantra and Brihat Shanti Mantra):
- These sections contain powerful mantras intended to dispel negativity, ward off obstacles, diseases, enemies, and ensure peace and prosperity for the individual, family, and society. They invoke the power of various deities and sacred syllables.
Aartis:
- The book includes the Panch Parmesthi Aarti, a hymn of praise for the five supreme beings in Jainism (Arihant, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyaya, Sadhu), and the Padmavati Aarti, dedicated to the Yakshini associated with Lord Parshvanatha.
Addressing Controversies (Specifically Women's Role):
- A significant portion of the book, particularly in the later pages (Pages 37-42), is dedicated to a detailed treatise by Pt. Vardhaman Parshvanath Shastri addressing the question: "Can women perform Jinabhishekam and offer alms?"
- Arguments Presented:
  - Jain scriptures outline daily duties (Shatkarma) for householders, encompassing both men and women.
  - There is no scriptural distinction in the fundamental religious duties between men and women.
  - Arguments against women's participation based on impurity are unfounded, as impurity has time limitations, and women do attain high spiritual states (like Arjika).
  - The text cites numerous examples from scriptures like Adipurana, Padmapurana, Harivanshapurana, and Jinadatta Charitra where women (e.g., Swayamprabha Devi, Sulochana, Indrani, Gandharvasena, Madanasundari) performed Jinapuja and Abhishekam with great devotion and merit.
  - It argues that preventing women from performing these rituals is based on obstinacy and superstition.
- Conclusion on Women's Rights: The author strongly asserts that women have equal rights to perform puja, Abhishek, and donate alms as men, based on scriptural evidence and the principle of equality in religious practice.
Concluding Remarks and Testimonials:
- The publisher expresses gratitude to all scholars and contributors involved in the compilation and printing.
- Testimonials from respected figures like Pt. Ulfatrayji Bhindwale, Bhattarak Shri Yashkirti Ji Maharaj, and Pt. Manikchand Kala are included, affirming the book's importance and the efficacy of Panchamrut Abhishekam.
- The publisher reiterates the purpose of this publication was to revive the practice of Panchamrut Abhishekam and promote scriptural dharma. It was published to commemorate the completion of their Sunday Vrata (Vivaravrata).

Overall Significance:

"Panchamrutabhishek Path" serves as a vital manual for Jain practitioners seeking to perform the sacred Panchamrut Abhishekam. It not only provides the ritualistic steps and mantras but also acts as a defense of traditional Jain practices against modern skepticism and misinterpretations, particularly championing the equal participation of women in devotional activities. The book emphasizes the spiritual benefits of these rituals, such as accruing merit, purifying the soul, and overcoming worldly afflictions.