Pandita Virvijayji Jain Educational Certificate Course

The "Pandita Virvijayji Jain Educational Certificate Course" is a structured religious study program for Jain children, designed to impart knowledge about Jainism from basic principles to more advanced concepts. This comprehensive curriculum is divided into six levels (Shreni 1 to 6), catering to children aged 6 years and above, with allowances for older participants who may not be eligible for the top three prizes.

Key Features and Content:

• Curriculum Design: The syllabus is carefully crafted by Muni Shri Deepratnasagarji, covering essential aspects of Jainism.

• Level Progression: Each level builds upon the previous one, gradually introducing more complex topics.

  • Shreni 1 (Ages 6-10): Focuses on foundational prayers like Navkar mantra, basic rituals (Vandan, Samayik), simple verses (Stuti, Duha), short stories (Arjun Mali, Shitalacharya, etc.), introduction to Jain geography (14 Rajlok), Tirthankar introduction (Rsabhdev, Shantinath, Parshvanath, Mahavir), and essential terms.
  • Shreni 2 (Ages 6-12): Expands on prayers (Jaggachintamani, Namoththunne), introduces more detailed rituals (Chaitya Vandan), verses, more stories (Aimutto, Maitaraji Muni, Ilachikumar, Shalibhadra, Sundari), Jain geography (Adhidveep, Manushya Kshetra), and introductions to Tirthankars 22, 2, 3, and 4, along with the names of 20 Viharman Tirthankaras and 11 Ganadhars. It also emphasizes that questions from Shreni 1 will be included.
  • Shreni 3 (Ages 6-14): Delves deeper into Pratikraman rituals (Samayik taking and breaking), worship methods (Prabhu Puja), more elaborate verses (Chaitya Vandan, Stavan), further stories (Suryayasha Raja, Kapil Muni, Adrakumar, Abhaykumar, Marudeva Mata), introduction to Jambudveep, and details about eight types of worship (Ashtaprakari Puja) and nine limbs of worship. It also covers Tirthankaras 5, 6, 7, and 8.
  • Shreni 4 (Ages 6-16): Continues with more advanced prayers (Aayariya Uvajhaye, Namoshtuvam Vardhamanay, Vishal Lochana), detailed Pratikraman rituals (Devasik Pratikraman), specific procedures like Muhapatti reading and Vandan Vidhi, further verses (Stavan, Thoy, Sajjhay), stories (Anathimuni, Gajsukumar, Dasharnabhadra, Kapardiyaksh, Tulsasi Shravika), Bharat Kshetra geography, and Tirthankara introductions (9, 10, 11, 12). A special study on the 50 "bols" (phrases/utterances) of Muhapatti is included.
  • Shreni 5 (Ages 6-18): Introduces new prayers (Bharhesar, Ajitshanti, Stotras), more complex rituals (Rai Pratikraman, Snatra Bhadavani Vidhi), verses, stories (Dharmaruchi Angar, Kuragdu, Masthus, Subhag, Pushpchula), detailed Jain geography (Sakaltiirth - Chaityas of all three worlds), and Tirthankara introductions (13, 14, 15, 17). A special focus on Snatra recitation is included.
  • Shreni 6 (Ages 6-20): Covers advanced prayers (SakalArhat, Ajitshanti, Atichar, sneezing Kaustsarg, Santhara Porisi, Mandla, GamanaGamana), comprehensive Pratikraman rituals (Paksik, Chaumasi, Samvatsari), detailed Poushadh Vidhi, Dwadasavarta Vandan, verses, stories (Valkalgiri, Bahubali, Prasannachandra Rajarshi, Devpal, Jinas-Sohagdevi), SakalTirth geography (Chaityas of all three worlds), and Tirthankara introductions (18, 19, 20, 21). It also includes specific practices related to Poushadh.

• Holistic Approach: The course emphasizes not only the recitation of scriptures and prayers but also the understanding of their meaning, the correct performance of rituals, the ethical teachings through stories, and basic knowledge of Jain geography and history.

• Practical Application: The "Vidhi-Abhyas" (Ritual Study) sections are crucial, aiming to teach the practical execution of Jain practices, with the understanding that teachers will guide students through practical demonstrations.

• Moral and Spiritual Guidance: The stories in the "Katha Vibhag" are designed to impart moral and spiritual lessons, drawing from the lives of great Jain personalities, highlighting virtues like penance, devotion, righteousness, and detachment.

• Accessibility: The course is published by Panditvarya Shri Virvijayji Jain Upashray, Ahmedabad, with a nominal price of Rs. 35/-, making it accessible to a wide audience. Contact details for the board and examination administrators are provided for inquiries and participation.

• Inspirational Context: The initiative is rooted in the legacy of Pandit Shri Virvijayji Maharaj, a renowned poet and scholar, celebrated for his devotional works, especially the "Snatra" and "Pooja" (worship) compositions. The course aims to honor his contributions by propagating Jain knowledge from his historical Upashray.

In essence, the "Pandita Virvijayji Jain Educational Certificate Course" is a systematic and comprehensive program aimed at nurturing the religious and ethical development of Jain youth, ensuring the continuity of Jain traditions and values through education.