Poojan Vidhi Samput 04 Arhad Mahapoojan Vidhi - Book Summary

This document is a Jain Puja Vidhi (a ritualistic guide for worship) titled "Poojan Vidhi Samput 04 Arhad Mahapoojan Vidhi". It is authored by Maheshbhai F. Sheth and published by Siddhachakra Prakashan. The catalog link provided is for Jainqq.org.

The text outlines a detailed three-day Arhad Mahapujan Vidhi, a grand worship ritual dedicated to the Arhats (Jain Tirthankaras).

Here's a breakdown of the content:

Key Information and Dedications:

Title: Poojan Vidhi Samput 04 Arhad Mahapoojan Vidhi (This is part of a larger set of 12 books on Jain worship rituals).
Author: Maheshbhai F. Sheth
Publisher: Siddhachakra Prakashan
Date of Publication: First edition in Samvat 2065 (2009 AD).
Inspiration/Patronage: The puja is dedicated to Shri Shankheshwar Parshwanath, who is described as "Poojita by Dharanendra and Padmavati." It also mentions the blessings of Param Pujya Prabhushri Mad Vijay Rajendra Surishwarji Maharaj.
Benefactors (Labharthi): The puja is sponsored by the Lehar-Kundan Group (Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Haryana) and the Chandraben Gautamchandji Jain family from Mangalwa, Rajasthan.
Coordinator: Pandit Shri Maheshbhai F. Sheth.
Prastavik (Foreword): The foreword by Maheshbhai F. Sheth explains the need for reprinting the "Poojan Vidhi Samput" due to its quick sale and continuous demand from religious leaders and practitioners. He expresses gratitude to Shri Gautam J. Jain of Lehar-Kundan Group for their financial support, highlighting his devotion to Jainism, love for animal welfare, and support for community initiatives, including the construction of a Jain temple in his hometown.

The Ritual Itself (Tri-divasiya Shri Arha Mahapujan Vidhi):

The text then details the procedures for a three-day grand worship.

Day 1 (Page 5 onwards):
- Preparation of the site: Emphasizes purifying and decorating the worship area with flags, banners, torans, and Ashoka leaves. High-quality puja materials are to be brought.
- Stage setup: Details setting up a stage (12'x12') with pedestals for seven Pithas (seats) and Ashtamangala (eight auspicious symbols).
- Day 2 Ritual Setup: Preparation for the Saptapitha puja on the second day, including constructing a three-step Havan Kund (fire pit).
- Day 3 Ritual Setup: Arrangement of materials for Shodshopachar Puja (worship with 16 services) and Abhishek (ritualistic bathing).
- Pooja Participants: Encourages participants to dress ornately, like Indra and Indrani, with crowns, garlands, armlets, earrings, and golden tilak.
- Arrival and Initial Steps: Describes the joyous arrival at the temple. Before starting, the area is purified with fragrant incense. Abhimantrit (consecrated) water is sprinkled.
- Deity Installation: Idol of Adishwar Bhagwan (Rishabhanatha) or Shantinath Bhagwan (Chovisi or Panchtirthi) is to be placed on a throne.
- Initial Pujas: Mentions performing Snata Puja (bathing ritual) as per Pandit Virvijay, followed by Kumbh Sthapana (establishing water pots), Deepa Sthapana (establishing lamps), and Jawara Ropan (sowing auspicious grains).
- Jinaarchan Vidhi: The main Jinaarchan (worship of the Jina) begins.
- Purification Mantras: Details specific mantras for purifying the atmosphere (Vayu Kumar Dev), sprinkling water (Megh Kumar Dev), and purifying the ground (Bhoomi Devta).
- Mantra Snana and Self-Purification: Mantras for spiritual bathing and self-purification (Kshama-kashaya-dahana, Daya-shuddhi, Panchanga Vyas).
- Vajra Panjar Stotra: A protective hymn for self-defense.
- Kshetrapal Puja: Worship of Kshetrapal (Guardian deity) with a specific mantra.
Jinaarchan Vidhi (Detailed Worship):
- Consecration of Materials: Instructions to consecrate various puja materials (flowers, grains, incense, lamps) with mantras.
- Offering Materials: Using "Vasakshep" (colored rice) along with mantras and "Swaha" to consecrate offerings like Panchamrita (five nectars) and pure water, flowers, fruits, grains, incense, and lamps.
- Self-Tika and Tilak: Applying tilak with sandalwood and flowers on oneself.
- Water Kalash Prayer: Praying with a water kalash for the well-being of all beings and the world.
- Prayer for Peace: Chanting verses for universal peace and well-being.
- Ground Sprinkling: Sprinkling water on the ground with a specific mantra.
- Touching the Seat and Idol: Touching the throne and the idol with reverence.
- Placing Flowers: Offering flowers at the feet of the deity with specific mantras.
- Arghya, Padya, etc.: Offering various ritualistic items.
- Ashtaprakari Puja (Eight-Fold Worship): Detailed steps for offering water, sandalwood, flowers, akshata (rice), fruits, incense, lamps, and Naivedya (food offerings) with accompanying mantras and verses.
- Navagraha (Nine Planets) and Dash Dikpal (Ten Directions) Puja: Invoking and worshipping the Navagrahas and Dash Dikpalas with specific mantras and offerings.
- Worship of Ancestors and Other Deities: Offering respects to ancestors and the 198 types of deities.
- Panch Namokar Mantra Japa: Reciting the Panch Namokar Mantra.
- Naivedya Offering: Offering food items.
- Devadushya Vastra: Offering divine garments.
- Aarti and Mangal Deep: Performing the Aarti (worship with lamps) and Mangal Deep (auspicious lamp).
- Namutthunam: Chanting the Namutthunam verses.
- Shakrastav: Reciting the Shakrastav (hymn to Indra).
- Lagu Jina-Snata: A shorter version of the bathing ritual.
- Dhoop Puja: Incense offering.
Day 2 (Page 33 onwards):
- Saptapada (Seven Steps) Puja: Worship of the five Parmeshthis (Arihant, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyaya, Sadhu) in seven stages.
- Detailed Worship of Each Parmeshthi: Including specific mantras and offerings.
- Dash Dikpal Puja: Detailed worship of the ten directional guardians.
- Dwaadash Rashi (Twelve Zodiac Signs) Puja: Worship of the twelve zodiac signs.
- Ashtavimshati Nakshatra (Twenty-eight Lunar Mansions) Puja: Worship of the 28 Nakshatras.
- Navagraha Puja: Detailed worship of the Nine Planets.
- Shodash Vidya Devi Puja: Worship of the Sixteen Vidyadevis (goddesses of knowledge).
- Pradhana Devta Puja: Worship of primary deities like Ganesha, Kartikeya, Kshetrapal, Purush Devta, and various Bhavanapatis, Vyantaras, Jyotishkas, and Vaimanikas.
- Havan (Fire Ritual): Detailed instructions for performing the Havan with a specific Havan Kund and associated mantras for each deity, including offerings of milk and sweets.
Day 3 (Page 83 onwards):
- Brihat Snana Vidhi (Grand Bathing Ritual): Detailed instructions for performing the ritualistic bathing of the idol using various consecrated liquids like milk, yogurt, ghee, sugarcane juice, pure water, water mixed with Sahastramoolika, Shatamoolika, and Sarvoshadhi.
- Panchamrita Abhishekam: Performing Abhishek with Panchamrita (milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar).
- Offerings: Detailed steps for offering flowers, garlands, ornaments, fruits, Akshata, incense, lamps, Naivedya, grains, spices, betel nut, coconuts, sweet ladoos made from various ingredients, clothes, and monetary offerings.
- Ashtamangala Puja: Worship of the eight auspicious symbols.
- Aarti and Mangal Deep: Performing Aarti and Mangal Deep.
- Shanti Dandak: Chanting of the Shanti Dandak, a hymn for peace, three times to consecrate the Shanti Kalash (pot of peace).
- Visarjan (Conclusive Ritual): Performing Visarjan of the deities, Kshetrapal, and other deities with specific mantras.
- Kshama Yachana: Seeking forgiveness for any errors during the rituals.
- Chaitra Vandana: Paying respects to the idol, Kshetrapal, and other Pithas.

The document concludes with a comprehensive Puja Samagri List (list of materials required for the puja) covering various items like fruits, sweets, grains, spices, incense, flowers, clothing, and ritualistic articles. It also provides a detailed breakdown of the Adeshon ki Vigat (details of the order of rituals) for each of the three days.

In essence, this is a highly detailed and sacred text guiding Jain devotees through an elaborate and spiritually significant worship ceremony dedicated to the Tirthankaras.