Prapanchasara Sangraha

This document is the text of the "Prapanchasara Sangraha" by Giryanendra Saraswati, as scanned and compiled by the Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra. The text is presented in Sanskrit with Gujarati script.

Based on the provided text, here's a comprehensive summary in English:

Book Title: Prapanchasara Sangraha (प्रपञ्चसारसंग्रह) Author: Giryanendra Saraswati (गिरयानेन्द्र सरस्वती) Publisher: Giryanendra Saraswati (गिरयानेन्द्र सरस्वती)

Overall Summary:

The "Prapanchasara Sangraha" is a comprehensive treatise on Tantra, specifically focusing on mantras, yantras, rituals, and their associated procedures. It appears to be a compilation and commentary on the "Prapanchasara" of Shankaracharya, aiming to provide a more accessible and practical guide for practitioners, especially those with limited knowledge. The text delves into the intricacies of mantra recitation, the construction and consecration of yantras, various forms of worship, purification rituals (bhuta shuddhi), the importance of diksha (initiation), and the qualities of a guru.

Key Themes and Sections (based on the text's flow and chapter references):

1. Invocation and Introduction: The text begins with auspicious invocations to Shri Mahavir, Shri Gautam Swami, Acharya Shrimad Buddhisagar Surishwarji M.S., Gandhar Bhagwant Shri Sudharmaswami, Acharya Shrimad Kailasagarsurishwarji M.S., and Shrimachchankracharya Bhagwatpad. It acknowledges the original work "Prapanchasara" by Shankaracharya and states the purpose of this compilation as a concise summary (सारभूत) for those with limited intellect (मन्दप्रज्ञा).

2. Mantra Science and Classification:

   • Types of Mantras: The text discusses different categories of mantras, including those related to deities (देवतामन्त्राः), vidyas (विद्यास्त्रीदेवतास्मताः), and the classification of mantras based on gender (पुमांसो मन्त्राः, स्त्रियो मनाः, नपुंसकाः).
   • Mantra Purity and Defects: A significant portion (pages 7-10) is dedicated to the detailed description of defective mantras (दुष्टमन्त्रोद्देश), their characteristics (लक्षणानि), and how to identify them. This includes identifying 'chhinna' (severed), 'rudhdha' (blocked), 'shakti heena' (lacking shakti), 'paraangmukh' (averse), 'badhiro' (deaf), 'netraheen' (blind), 'kilita' (pinned), 'stambhita' (stalled), 'dagdha' (burnt), 'bheeta' (frightened), 'malina' (impure), 'tiraskrita' (insulted), 'medita' (split), 'sushupta' (dormant), 'unmatta' (mad), 'hritveerya' (strength stolen), 'bheema' (terrible), 'balaha' (broken), 'kumar' (childish), 'mridha' (weak), 'nistrinska' (swordless), 'nirbeej' (seedless), 'siddhi heena' (lacking siddhi), 'koota' (faulty), 'niransha' (partless), 'satva heena' (lacking essence), 'kekara' (crooked), 'bija heena' (seedless), 'dhumina' (smoky), 'lingi' (phallic), 'mohita' (bewitched), 'sudhartaka' (thirsty), 'anihepa' (unheeded), 'kruddha' (angry), 'samirita' (agitated), 'atikroora' (very cruel), 'savreeda' (bashful), 'shanta manasa' (peaceful mind), 'sthanabhraṣhṭa' (fallen from position), 'vikala' (crippled), 'ativriddha' (very old), 'nissneha' (unaffectionate), 'pidita' (tormented). The text also explains the classification of 'bija' (seed syllables) and their structure.

3. Rituals and Practices:

   • Diksha (Initiation): The text emphasizes the necessity of diksha and discusses its glories and timing, referencing "Chakram Deepika" for details.
   • Aasanas (Seats): Various asanas like Padmasana, Swastikasana, and Yonimudrasana are described, along with their benefits, particularly Yonimudrasana for achieving mantra siddhis.
   • Nyasa (Application/Placement): The book extensively details various types of nyasa, including Anga Nyasa (limb application), Kara Nyasa (hand application), Lipi Nyasa (script application), and the more complex Shaktikama Kalpa Nyasa, including the twenty-four types of nyasas. It explains how to apply mantras to different parts of the body and their significance. The text also describes specific mudras like Alingana, Kararambha, Karkati, Gada, Chakra, Sankha, and Padma mudras.
   • Bhuta Shuddhi (Elemental Purification): Detailed methods for purifying the body through elemental invocation and dissolution are described, referencing "Rahasyagama" and "Chakram Deepika." This involves visualizing the elements and their transformation.
   • Pranayama: The text outlines various pranayama techniques, including Kumbhaka (breath retention) and the specific application of vowels (अ, उ, म) in relation to nasal passages.
   • Homa (Fire Ritual): The book provides extensive details on performing homas, including the preparation of the fire pit (Kunda), the types of Kundas (e.g., Chaturastra, Trikona), the measurement of the Kundas, and the specific offerings (samidha) required for different purposes. It also details the procedure for igniting the fire and the types of flames (jihvas).
   • Upacharas (Offerings): The text describes the Panchopacharas (five offerings: Gandha, Pushpa, Dhupa, Deepa, Naivedya) and the Shodashopacharas (sixteen offerings) in detail, explaining their manual representation through mudras and the associated mantras.
   • Yantras: The creation and veneration of various yantras are discussed, especially the Sri Chakra, its geometric construction, and the placement of seed syllables (bija) and mantra letters within it. It emphasizes the importance of yantras for the efficacy of mantras.
   • Devata Aradhana (Deity Worship): The text covers the worship of various deities, including Ganesha, Saraswati, Tripurasundari, Mahalakshmi, Narayana, Shiva, and especially the various forms of Durga and the Sri Vidya tradition.
   • Graha Puja (Worship of Planets): The book details the worship of the Navagrahas (nine planets) and their associated rituals.
   • Auspicious Times: It mentions the importance of auspicious times (tithi, vara, nakshatra) for performing rituals and receiving mantras.
   • Guru's Role: The text highlights the crucial role of the guru in imparting mantra knowledge and guiding the disciple.

4. Specific Mantra and Deity Focus:

   • Dasa Mahavidyas: The text extensively discusses the Dasa Mahavidyas, particularly invoking and detailing the worship of goddesses like Tripurasundari, Tara, Tripurabhairavi, Bhuvaneshwari, Bhadrakali, Matangi, Kamakshi, Mahalakshmi, and Bagalamukhi.
   • Hayagriva and Narasimha Mantras: Specific sections are dedicated to the mantras and practices associated with Hayagriva and Narasimha, highlighting their powers and applications.
   • Dhanvantari Mantra: The text includes a section on the Dhanvantari mantra, focusing on health and healing.
   • Shukra Mantra: There are references to Shukra (Venus) and its associated mantra for auspicious outcomes.
   • Saraswati Mantras: Multiple passages discuss various mantras for gaining knowledge, speech proficiency, and poetic skills, attributing them to different sages and traditions.
   • Durga Mantras: Various forms of Durga worship and related mantras (e.g., Mahishasuramardini, Kantakishalini, Chamunda, Bhadrakali) are detailed, with a focus on their protective and destructive powers.
   • Gopala Mantras: The text provides a substantial amount of information on Gopala mantras, their various forms (Dasaakshari, Ashtadashaakshari, Vimshatiakshari), their mantras, yantras, and associated rituals, emphasizing their role in prosperity and obtaining sons.
   • Vishnu Mantras: Various Vishnu mantras and related practices are outlined, including those for general well-being and specific benefits.
   • Shiva Mantras: While less extensive than Vishnu or Durga, Shiva mantras and practices are also mentioned, particularly in the context of certain nyasas.
   • General Mantra Practices: The text provides general guidelines on mantra Japa (recitation), its benefits, precautions, and the importance of purity and dedication.

5. Structure and Organization:

   • The text is divided into chapters (पटला - patalas). While the provided text doesn't explicitly number all chapters consecutively with titles, it clearly indicates transitions between different topics, often referencing other texts like "Chakram Deepika," "Shuk Tantra," "Shakti Tantra," "Rahasyagama," "Gayatri Mantra Prakashika," and "Shiva Gita" for further details.
   • The recurring phrases like "अनुलिलिख्य" (written), "संवृत" (covered/enclosed), "विलिखेत्" (one should write), "विभावयेत्" (one should contemplate), "न्यसेत्" (one should place), and "संपूज्य" (having worshipped) indicate the procedural nature of the text.

In essence, the Prapanchasara Sangraha serves as a comprehensive Tantric manual, offering detailed instructions on the application of mantras and yantras for various spiritual and material benefits, with a particular emphasis on the Sri Vidya and Vaishnava traditions. It aims to be a practical guide, explaining the 'how-to' of these complex practices.