Parmatma Ka Abhishek Ek Vigyan - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Parmatma ka Abhishek Ek Vigyan" (The Abhishek of the Supreme Soul: A Science) by Jineshratnasagar:

Title: Parmatma ka Abhishek Ek Vigyan (The Abhishek of the Supreme Soul: A Science) Author: Muni Shri Jineshratnasagarji M.S. Publisher: Adinath Prakashan

Overall Theme: This book explores the ritual of abhishek (ritual bathing or anointing) of Jain Tirthankaras (spiritual teachers) not just as a religious practice, but as a scientifically grounded ritual that benefits both the practitioner and the universe. It delves into the profound significance, methodology, and auspicious effects of abhishek, drawing upon ancient Jain scriptures and traditions.

Key Concepts and Sections:

The Foundation of Human Development (Page 19): The book begins by establishing that human development is based on three pillars: Yantra (temple architecture), Mantra (chants and prayers), and Tantra (rituals like abhishek). It explains that the physical form of the temple is the yantra, the hymns are the mantra, and the various acts of anointing with materials like saffron and sandalwood are the tantra. The interaction of these elements leads to chemical and energetic changes, producing beneficial results.
The Importance of Abhishek:
- Scientific Basis: The text emphasizes that the mixing of different substances during abhishek creates chemical reactions that alter properties. This is why the use of water from various holy places and rivers, mixed with diverse herbs, is encouraged.
- Purity and Consecration: Abhishek is presented as a vital process for consecrating both new and old, un-worshipped idols, yantras, and other sacred objects.
- Beneficial Effects: The book highlights that abhishek with sacred waters from various pilgrimage sites purifies and removes obstacles and impurities. Conversely, abhishek with milk is said to enhance health, prosperity, and fame.
- Scriptural Evidence: Quotations from Jain scriptures (like the Brihad Shanti Stotra) are used to illustrate the auspicious nature of abhishek, describing how it leads to prosperity, merit, and ultimately, liberation. The stories of King Shripal and Queen Mayanasundari, and the efficacy of the Laghu Shanti stotra in averting divine disturbances, are cited as examples of abhishek's power.
The Divine Abhishek of Lord Rishabhadeva (Pages 20, 27-33):
- Cosmic Significance: The text details the birth abhishek of Tirthankaras, as described in scriptures, performed by Indra and other celestial beings on Mount Meru using vast quantities of sacred waters from various sources.
- The Scale of Divine Rituals: It elaborates on the immense scale of these divine rituals, involving millions of pitchers of water, highlighting the immense power and presence of Tirthankaras.
- Human Imitation: The book discusses how humans, through devotion, emulate these divine rituals to achieve spiritual and material benefits.
The Importance of Water in Abhishek (Pages 20-23):
- Life-Sustaining Properties: Water is presented as the fundamental basis of life on Earth and in the human body. Its properties of transparency, uniformity, coolness, purity, invigorating nature, and continuous movement are discussed.
- Types of Water: Various categories of water (from rivers, springs, lakes, wells, etc.) are described, along with their different names and perceived properties.
- The Shiva Linga Analogy: A fascinating parallel is drawn between the shape of a Shiva Linga and modern nuclear power plants, both requiring a continuous flow of water to control their immense energy. This suggests a deep, underlying scientific understanding in ancient practices.
- Temple Waters: The text mentions the specific effects of water from particular holy sites (tirthas) and the significance of bathing and performing abhishek during specific planetary alignments or celestial events.
The Significance of Cow's Milk in Abhishek (Pages 23-25):
- Nourishment and Healing: Cow's milk is lauded as nectar, vital for strengthening the body, maintaining health, and resisting diseases. It is considered a complete food.
- Maternal Love: The unique origin of milk from nurturing females is linked to maternal love and compassion.
- Tirthankara Symbolism: The text draws a parallel between the white blood (milk) flowing in Tirthankaras' bodies (symbolizing their compassionate nature) and the use of milk in their abhishek.
- Personal Experience: The author shares personal experiences, stating that performing abhishek with milk has repeatedly led to improved health, prosperity, and fame.
The Antiquity of Abhishek Rituals (Pages 25-26):
- Scriptural Mentions: The book cites scriptural references to celestial beings bringing about rain and water for purification and blessings, indicating the ancient origins of these practices.
- Historical Evolution: It traces the lineage of abhishek rituals, from ancient times to the present, mentioning various prominent acharyas (spiritual teachers) who composed abhishek methods.
Effects of Abhishek (Pages 34-38):
- Historical Accounts: Numerous historical anecdotes are presented to demonstrate the miraculous effects of abhishek. These include:
  - Emperor Akbar's son-in-law's daughter's birth in an inauspicious constellation, resolved by performing a Jain snatra (abhishek ceremony).
  - King Bahu's leprosy being cured by the holy waters of Surajkund.
  - King Surajkund being transformed from a frog back to human form.
  - A foul-smelling woman's odor being removed by the water of Gajpad Kund.
  - The miraculous rains brought about by the abhishek of Lord Adinath during a severe drought in Gujarat, Saurashtra, and Kutch.
  - The successful containment of epidemics like cholera through abhishek ceremonies.
- Spiritual and Material Benefits: The text asserts that abhishek, especially when performed with prescribed materials and chants, can cure incurable diseases, remove misfortunes, alleviate fear and poverty, and bring about peace and prosperity.
Abhishek Vidhi (Methodology) (Pages 38-43):
- Purification: Detailed procedures for purifying materials like water, herbs, flowers, and fruits using specific mantras (like the Navkar Mantra and the Sarvosadhi Mantra) are provided.
- Mantra Recitation: The book includes various powerful mantras and stotras for calling forth deities, establishing them, and invoking their presence.
- Invocation and Installation: Step-by-step instructions are given for invoking, installing, and seeking the presence of the divine during the abhishek.
- Specific Stotras and Mantras: The text lists and explains the use of many specific stotras (hymns) and mantras, including:
  - Vajrapanjara Stotra (for protection)
  - Shri Siddha Chakra Danda
  - Shri 24 Tirthankar Vidya (mantras associated with each Tirthankara)
  - Shri Shakstavan (by Acharya Siddhasen Diwakar)
  - Bhaktamar Stotra (highly revered hymn)
  - Shri Parshvanathasya Mantradhiraj Stotra
  - Shri Sarv Karya Siddhiyak Shri Shantidhara Path
  - Shri Chintamani Parshvanath Stotra
  - Shri Shankheshwar Parshvanath Stotra
  - Shri Parshvanath Stotra
  - Brihad Shanti Stotra
  - Shri Vasudhara Path (for wealth)
  - 1008 names of Lord Arihant
Author's Philosophy: The author, Muni Jineshratnasagarji, emphasizes that these rituals are not mere superstitions but represent a profound understanding of the interplay between the physical, energetic, and spiritual realms. He highlights the foresight of the ancestors in creating practices that lead to universal welfare without causing harm, yielding pure, non-violent energy. He also praises the philanthropic contributions of individuals like Shri Shantilal "Khilone Wale" for supporting the publication of this work.

In essence, "Parmatma ka Abhishek Ek Vigyan" presents abhishek as a sacred science within Jainism, intricately connecting ritual practice with its tangible and intangible benefits for spiritual and material well-being, rooted in ancient wisdom and observed efficacy.