Pistalis Agam Puja - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the "Pistalis Agam Puja" by Shilchandrasuri, based on the provided text:

Book Title: Pistalis Agam Puja (पिस्तालीस आगम-पूजा) Author: Uttamvijayji (a disciple of Gunvijayji, who was a disciple of Vachak Jas) Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/229652/1

Overview and Purpose:

The "Pistalis Agam Puja" is a devotional work composed by Uttamvijayji, a follower in the lineage of Jain ascetics. The text comprises approximately 76 verses (kadiyo). Its creation in V.S. 1834 (1777 CE) was at the request of Ratnabai, wife of Sanghvi Tarachand of Surat. The puja was specifically composed to commemorate the Agam-tapa (a specific type of austerity observed in relation to the Agams) undertaken by the community of female devotees in Surat during a Chaturmas (a four-month monsoon retreat) and the subsequent celebration (ujamnu).

The text highlights the significant respect and reverence Jain followers hold for the 45 Agams (canonical scriptures). It acknowledges earlier pujas of the 45 Agams created by Pandit Birvijayji and Pandit Rupvijayji, which are still widely recited in Jain temples. This puja is presented as a continuation of that tradition.

Structure and Style:

Poetic Form: The puja is primarily a lyrical composition (geya rachna). Unlike traditional ritualistic pujas that prescribe specific materials for worship (like water, sandalwood, etc., known as ashta prakari puja), this puja focuses on praising and enumerating the Agams.
Dhals (Stanzas/Sections): The work is organized into seven dhals, each dedicated to praising a set of Agams or their themes.
No Ritualistic Elements: The text explicitly states that there is no prescribed ritualistic worship (like offering eight types of substances) involved. The intention is to honor the Agams through their names and the description of their glory. If a ritualistic element were intended, it would likely have eight dhals with specific instructions for each substance.
Duhas and Verses: The puja begins with introductory Duhas and then proceeds with the dhals.

Content Summary by Dhal/Section:

Introduction (Duhas): The introductory verses pay homage to the divine, specifically referring to "Shri Sankhshwar Jagdhani" (a revered Jain deity) and "Jinvani" (the divine word of the Jinas), also identified with Saraswati, the goddess of learning and the Shrutdevi (Goddess of Scriptural Knowledge). It establishes the purpose of the puja as praising the Agams, which are the sacred scriptures of the Jain Sangh. The author acknowledges the profound and often incomprehensible nature of the Agams, which reveal profound truths through Syadvada (the Jain doctrine of conditional predication). The text mentions the existence of 84 Agams in ancient times, with 45 remaining in the current era. The author humbly seeks acceptance for their composition, despite their limited understanding, attributing it to the divine inspiration of the poets.

Praise of the 12 Angas (Main Canons):

Dhal 1 (First Anga - Acharang): Praises the Acharang Sutra, describing it as the primary canon, containing twenty-five chapters, and emphasizes worship through devotion.
Dhal 1r (Second Anga - Sutrakritanga): Focuses on the Sutrakritanga, highlighting its two sections and 363 principles, and praising the scripture.
Dhal 2 (Third Anga - Sthananga): Devoted to the Sthananga Sutra, which enumerates ten categories of Jain principles and the essence of knowledge. It also mentions the Upangas like Antakriddasha.
Dhal 3 (Fourth Anga - Samavaya): Praises the Samavaya Sutra, which details various classifications and emphasizes the importance of discipline and overcoming negative tendencies through the guidance of gurus.
Dhal 4 (Fifth Anga - Bhagavati): Celebrates the Bhagavati Sutra (Vyakhya Prajnapti), mentioning its vastness (36,000 questions) and the profound teachings of Lord Mahavir through Gautama.
Dhal 5 (Sixth Anga - Jnatru-dharmakathanga): Honors the Jnatru-dharmakathanga, describing its narrative style and its importance for monks. It emphasizes the difficulty of fully comprehending the vastness of Jinavani.
Dhal 6 (Seventh Anga - Upasakadasa): Praises the Upasakadasa Sutra, which deals with the ten vows of lay followers (Shravakas), highlighting their steadfastness and the pursuit of eternal truths.
Dhal 7 (Eighth Anga - Antakriddasha): Focuses on the Antakriddasha Sutra, which speaks of the destruction of karma and liberation, particularly mentioning the liberation of the Yadava lineage. It emphasizes self-knowledge and devotion.
Dhal 8 (Ninth Anga - Anuttaraupapata-dashaha): Praises the Anuttaraupapata-dashaha Sutra, which discusses rebirth in higher realms, the importance of individual effort, and overcoming karma.
Dhal 9 (Tenth Anga - Prashna Vyakarana): Celebrates the Prashna Vyakarana Sutra, which advises against vices and emphasizes the practice of self-control and concentration.
Dhal 10 (Eleventh Anga - Vipaka Shruta): Honors the Vipaka Shruta Sutra, which deals with the results of actions (karma), and the importance of understanding the teachings for attaining spiritual well-being.
Dhal 11 (Duhas): Concludes the praise of the Angas, emphasizing the importance of worshipping the 12 Upangas composed by the Shrutadharas (those who remember the scriptures).

Praise of the 12 Upangas (Subsidiary Canons):

The text then proceeds to praise the 12 Upangas, each in a separate dhal, often referencing specific themes or stories associated with them:

Dhal 1 (First Upanga - Uvavaiya): Describes the Uvavaiya Sutra and its importance for understanding worldly affairs.
Dhal 1 (Second Upanga - Rayapaseniya): Praises the Rayapaseniya Sutra, mentioning the dialogue between King Pradeshi and the monk.
Dhal 2 (Third Upanga - Jivabhigama): Honors the Jivabhigama Sutra, which elaborates on the various classifications of souls.
Dhal 3 (Fourth Upanga - Panhavagana): Praises the Panhavagana Sutra, which discusses 36 qualities and the essence of the scriptures.
Dhal 4 (Fifth Upanga - Jambudvipapannatti): Celebrates the Jambudvipapannatti Sutra, describing the geography of Jambudvipa.
Dhal 5 (Sixth Upanga - Suryaprajnapati): Honors the Suryaprajnapati Sutra, which discusses the movement of the sun and time.
Dhal 6 (Seventh Upanga - Chandraprajnapati): Praises the Chandraprajnapati Sutra, which deals with the moon and the measurement of time.
Dhal 7 (Eighth Upanga - Nirya-dhvali): Focuses on the Nirya-dhvali Sutra, which describes the lives of divine beings and their actions.
Dhal 8 (Ninth Upanga - Kalpa-vada): Praises the Kalpa-vada Sutra, highlighting its auspiciousness and importance for overcoming suffering.
Dhal 9 (Tenth Upanga - Pushpa-vidya): Honors the Pushpa-vidya Sutra, which discusses various plants and their properties.
Dhal 10 (Eleventh Upanga - Pushpa-chulika): Celebrates the Pushpa-chulika Sutra, which continues the themes of plants and their spiritual significance.
Dhal 11 (Twelfth Upanga - Vanna-dhali): Praises the Vanna-dhali Sutra, which discusses various types of colors and their spiritual implications.
Dhal 12 (Concluding Verse): Concludes the praise of the Upangas, emphasizing their value and the reverence due to the Shrutadharas who composed them.

Praise of the Payannas (Sections within the Agams):

The text then shifts to praising the "Payannas," which are subdivisions or important sections within the Agams. There are 10 Payannas mentioned, each in a dhal.

Dhal 1-12: These dhals praise various Payannas, referencing their names and significance, such as Chausarana, Marana Vidhi, Vrata Pachakkhan, Ayur Pachakkhan, Santhara, Tandula, Chandravijaya, Devendrastaka, Ganavija, and Veerastuti. The verses often highlight the spiritual benefits of understanding and meditating on these sections, such as attaining liberation, overcoming suffering, and gaining knowledge.

Praise of the Chhedas (Texts on monastic conduct):

The puja then proceeds to praise the six Chhedas, which are texts dealing with monastic discipline and conduct.

Dhal 1-6: Each dhal is dedicated to a Chheda: Vratakalpa, Panchakalpa, Vyavahara, Dasa Kalpa, Laghu Nishitha, and Mahanishitha. The verses emphasize the importance of following the strict rules of conduct for monks and the spiritual merit derived from such adherence.

Praise of the Mula Sutras (Root Sutras):

Finally, the puja concludes by praising four important Mula Sutras:

Dhal 1-4: These dhals honor:
- Dashavaikalika Sutra: Mentioned as a favorite of Sambhava, it is praised for its depth of knowledge.
- Uttaradhyayana Sutra: Known for its 36 chapters, it represents the teachings of Lord Mahavir.
- Ogha Niryukti: Attributed to Bhadrabahu, it contains diverse meanings and emphasizes virtuous conduct.
- Avasyaka Sutra: Also attributed to Bhadrabahu, it outlines the six essential duties of monks.

Concluding Verses and Colophon:

The concluding verses reiterate the praise of the Agams, calling them inexhaustible treasures of knowledge and the means to overcome ignorance.
The composer, Uttamvijayji, expresses his joy in composing this work, comparing it to the simple language of a child. He dedicates it to the Agam-tapa performed by the group of female devotees in Surat and the prosperous Sangh led by Sanghvi Tarachand and Ratnabai.
The composition concludes with the date of completion: Sambat 1890 (1833 CE), Bhadrava Vad 5, Somvar (Monday). It also mentions the scribe, Dungarji, and the place of writing, Saraspur.

Significance:

The "Pistalis Agam Puja" is a valuable devotional text that serves to:

Promote knowledge of the Agams: By enumerating and briefly describing the Agams and their constituent parts, it encourages familiarity and respect for these scriptures.
Commemorate a specific event: It serves as a lasting tribute to the devotional efforts of the female devotees in Surat.
Preserve a tradition: It represents a continuation of the practice of creating pujas dedicated to the Agams.
Offer spiritual merit: The verses suggest that reciting or hearing this puja brings spiritual benefits and auspiciousness to the reciter and their household.