Poojan Vidhi Samput 07 Gautamswami Mahapoojan Vidhi Rushimandal Mahapoojan Vidhi - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Poojan Vidhi Samput 07 Gautamswami Mahapoojan Vidhi Rushimandal Mahapoojan Vidhi" by Maheshbhai F. Sheth, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Poojan Vidhi Samput 07 Gautamswami Mahapoojan Vidhi Rushimandal Mahapoojan Vidhi Author: Maheshbhai F. Sheth Publisher: Siddhachakra Prakashan

Overall Purpose and Context:

This book is part of a larger series, "Poojan Vidhi Samput," which contains a collection of Jain rituals and procedures. Specifically, this volume focuses on the detailed procedures for performing Mahapooja (Great Worship) for Gautamswami and the Rushimandal. The purpose of such texts is to guide devotees in performing these sacred rituals with the correct steps, mantras, and devotional focus, thereby fostering spiritual growth and connection with the divine principles.

Key Components and Content:

The text meticulously outlines the steps for performing these complex pujas, covering various stages and elements. Based on the provided pages, the following can be inferred:

Introduction and Acknowledgements (Page 1-4):
- The book begins with invocations to various deities, including Shree Dharanendra, Padmavati, and Shree Shankheshwar Parshwanath.
- It mentions blessings from Param Pujya Prabhushri Shrimad Vijay Rajendra Surishwarji Maharajsaheb.
- The "benefactors" (Labharthi) are identified as the LEHAR-KUNDAN GROUP, with specific mention of Chandraben Gautamchandji Balad family, highlighting their dedication to dharma.
- The "coordinator" (Sanyojak) is identified as Pandit Shree Maheshbhai F. Sheth, indicating his expertise in conducting these rituals.
- The preface details the need for re-publication due to the popularity of the initial "Poojan Vidhi Samput" (a set of twelve booklets). It thanks the key supporters, particularly Gautambhai Jain of the Lehar-Kundan Group, for their financial contribution, and also acknowledges the inspiration and support of his wife, Chandraben.
- The preface emphasizes the philanthropic activities of the supporters, including sponsoring Chaturmas and their involvement in temple construction.
Gautamswami Mahapooja Vidhi (Pages 5-28):
- Initiation and Preparation: The text provides instructions to seek permission from the spiritual preceptor (Guru Bhagwant) before starting the puja. It outlines the necessary items and arrangements, including the mandal (diagram) and vasakshep (colored rice).
- Land Purification (Bhoomi Shuddhi): Specific mantras are provided for purifying the puja area, invoking deities like Vayu Kumar, Megh Kumar, and Bhumi Devata. This involves sprinkling water and applying sandalwood.
- Mantra Snan and Purification: The ritual includes "Mantra Snan" (bathing with mantras) to purify the self and the surroundings, followed by "Karbhash Dahan" (burning of inner impurities) and "Hriday Shuddhi" (purification of the heart).
- Nyasa (Placement Rituals): Detailed steps for "Kar Nyasa" (purifying the hands and fingers) and "Chhotika Nyasa" (warding off obstacles) are given, involving specific mantras and mudras.
- Panchanga Nyasa: This ritual involves invoking the blessings of the Parmeshthis on different parts of the body for protection.
- Vajrapanjara Stotram: This powerful hymn is recited for self-protection.
- Kshetrapal Pooja: An initial ritual to seek permission from the guardian deity of the place.
- Raksha Potli: Instructions for creating and binding a protective pouch with mantras.
- Invocation and Installation: The text details the procedures for invoking (Avahana) and establishing (Sthapana) the deities, including Gautamswami, using specific mantras and mudras.
- Sankalp Vidhi: A crucial step where the purpose of the puja is declared, and a specific mantra is used for the sankalp (resolution).
- Guru Paduka Pooja: Worship of the spiritual guru's sandals.
- Adhishthayak Dev-Devi Poojan: Worship of associated deities like Aparajita, Jaya, Saraswati, Mahalakshmi, etc.
- Ashtaprakari Pooja: The elaborate eight-fold worship (offering water, sandalwood, flowers, incense, lamp, unbroken rice, food, and fruit) is described for Lord Mahavir Swami and then for Gautamswami.
- Gautamswami Ashtak: A specific set of eight verses praising Gautamswami and seeking his blessings.
- Mantra Vidhan: A powerful mantra recitation (108 times) dedicated to Gautamswami for peace, prosperity, and fulfillment of desires.
- Dash Ganadhar Poojan: Worship of the ten principal disciples (Ganadhars) of Lord Mahavir.
- Valay Poojan (Ring Worship): This section describes multiple "Valays" (layers or circles) of worship, including:
  - Valay Bij: Worship of root syllables (kutaksharas).
  - Valay Trivali: Worship of the 28 primary siddhis (supernatural powers).
  - Valay Chaturth: Worship of the eight Mahasiddhis (great accomplishments).
  - Valay Pancham: Worship of the nine treasures (Navanidhi).
  - Valay Shashth: Worship of the sixteen Vidya-Devis (goddesses of knowledge).
  - Valay Saptam: Worship of the forty-five Agamas (Jain scriptures).
  - Valay Ashtam: Worship of the eight Mahasiddhis again.
  - Valay Navam: Worship of the Nine Treasures again.
- Bhootbali Poojan: A ritual for appeasing elemental beings.
- Samuh Mantra Jaap: Collective chanting of a mantra for Gautamswami.
- Aarti and Mangal Deep: Performing the devotional song (aarti) and offering the auspicious lamp.
- Shantikalsah and Visarjan: Performing the ritual of peace and then the ceremonial departure of the deities.
- Gautamswami Mahapooja Samagri List: A detailed list of all the materials required for the puja.
Rushimandal Mahapooja Vidhi (Pages 30-59):
- Preparation: It instructs to perform the initial rituals (Adhyavidhi) as described for Gautamswami puja (pages 1-6).
- Invocation and Installation: Similar to Gautamswami puja, it provides mantras for invoking and establishing the deities of the Rushimandal, including the 24 Tirthankaras and associated guardian deities.
- Rushimandal Stotra: A significant hymn dedicated to the Rushimandal, detailing its cosmic significance and the protective power of its elements. The stotra describes the spiritual essence of the Tirthankaras and the cosmic framework.
- Pooja of the 24 Tirthankaras: Detailed instructions for the eight-fold worship of each of the 24 Tirthankaras, starting from Lord Rishabhdev. This includes the specific mantras and offerings for each.
- Kutakshar Poojan: Worship of specific symbolic syllables.
- Arhadaadi Ashtak Poojan: Worship of the eight fundamental principles or deities in Jainism (Arhat, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyaya, Sadhu, Samyak Darshan, Samyak Gyan, Samyak Charitra).
- Pindakshar Poojan: Worship of deities associated with symbolic letter combinations.
- Gurupaduka Poojan: Worship of the Guru's sandals.
- Chaturnikayadev Poojan: Worship of the four classes of celestial beings (Bhavanvasi, Vyantar, Jyotishki, Vaimanik).
- Dwadashlabhdhidhar Maharishi Poojan: Worship of the twelve types of enlightened beings possessing specific powers.
- Dharanendra Devadi Poojan: Worship of the serpent king Dharanendra and his consorts Padmavati and Vairotya.
- Navagraha Poojan: Worship of the nine celestial bodies (planets).
- Dash Dikpal Poojan: Worship of the ten guardian deities of the directions.
- Chaturvimsati Jin Sevika Devi Poojan: Worship of the twenty-four attendant goddesses of the Tirthankaras.
- Ashta Mahasiddhis Poojan: Worship of the eight great spiritual powers.
- Navanidhi Poojan: Worship of the nine celestial treasures.
- Bhootbali Poojan: Appeasement of elemental spirits.
- Jaapya Mool Mantra: Collective chanting of a fundamental mantra.
- Final rituals: Concluding with Aarti, Shantikalsah, and Visarjan.
- Rushimandal Mahapooja Samagri List: A detailed list of materials for the Rushimandal puja.

Underlying Principles and Significance:

Devotion (Bhakti): The entire text emphasizes the importance of deep devotion, faith, and a pure heart in performing these rituals.
Spiritual Purification: Many steps are aimed at purifying the mind, body, and surroundings from negative energies and impurities.
Mantra Power: The text highlights the efficacy of specific mantras in invoking divine presence, protection, and blessings.
Symbolism: The rituals are rich in symbolism, with each element representing specific spiritual concepts and powers.
Guidance for Practitioners: This book serves as a practical guide for Jain priests (vidhikars) and devout followers who wish to perform these elaborate pujas.
Patronage and Community: The emphasis on benefactors and coordinators highlights the importance of community support and patronage in propagating religious practices.

In essence, "Poojan Vidhi Samput 07" is a comprehensive manual for performing highly revered Jain pujas, providing step-by-step instructions, mantras, and explanations to facilitate spiritual engagement and achieve the desired blessings and purification.