Pratishtha Pradip Digambar Pratishtha Vidhi Vidhan - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Pratishtha Pradip Digambar Pratishtha Vidhi Vidhan" by Nathulal Jain, published by Veer Nirvan Granth Prakashan Samiti. The text details the rituals and procedures for Jain idol consecration (Pratishtha) within the Digambara tradition.

Here's a breakdown of the content:

Overall Purpose and Philosophy:

The book aims to provide a complete and authentic guide to Jain idol consecration, emphasizing adherence to ancient scriptural traditions (Agamas) and correcting deviations or self-interpreted rituals.
It highlights the spiritual purpose of Pratishtha: the destruction of ignorance (mithyatva) and the proper utilization of wealth for divine purposes.
The consecration of Jinabimba (idols) is believed to bring prosperity, peace, and well-being to the kingdom and its people, as stated in ancient texts.
The idols are considered embodiments of the virtues of the Tirthankaras, and through their worship, devotees can connect with the divine qualities of omniscience and detachment.
The text stresses the importance of seeking guidance from mature scholars and following the lineage of Acharyas for performing these rituals correctly, comparing it to obtaining sweet water from clouds rather than directly from the salty sea.

Author and His Expertise:

Pandit Nathulal Jain 'Shastri' is described as a profound scholar of Jain philosophy, logic, literature, astrology, and Ayurveda.
He is an expert in Jin-bimba Pratishtha and religious rituals, advocating for and guiding the Jain community towards Agam-based practices.
He has performed numerous consecrations across India without accepting any remuneration.
His extensive experience, spanning from 1927, and his scholarly background are highlighted as credentials for the authenticity of the text.

Key Concepts and Rituals Covered:

The book is structured into three parts and covers a vast array of topics related to temple and idol consecration:

Part I: Temple Construction and Initial Rituals

Need for the Text: Addresses the lack of complete, unified texts on Pratishtha and the variations in current practices.
Temple Location and Muhurta (Auspicious Timing): Details the selection of auspicious sites and timings for temple construction.
Excavation (Khanan Karya) and Foundation Laying (Shilanyas): Provides specific astrological considerations for the commencement of excavation and foundation laying, including auspicious directions, months, lunar days, and constellations.
Materials and Procedures: Lists the necessary materials for excavation and foundation rituals and outlines the step-by-step procedures, including purification rituals (Punyaahvachan, Shanti Path), worship of Vinayak (Ganesha), and the installation of the foundation stone with the temple's inscription.
Image (Pratima) Construction: Discusses the selection of suitable stone, examination for defects, and the detailed process of sculpting idols. It outlines measurements (Tala system) and aesthetic principles for creating sculptures of the Tirthankaras, emphasizing the representation of detachment and spiritual qualities.
Description of Tirthankara Attributes: Details the 8 Pratiharyas (eight auspicious symbols or phenomena associated with Tirthankaras) and the characteristic emblems of each Tirthankara.
Pratima Defects: Explains the consequences of flaws in the idol's craftsmanship.
Altar (Vedi) and Spire (Shikhar) Construction: Describes the dimensions and construction of altars and spires, emphasizing adherence to proportions and architectural principles.
Manastambha (Pillar of Pride/Dignity): Discusses the construction of the Manastambha, often erected in front of Jain temples.
Introduction to Tirthankaras: Provides a list of the 24 Tirthankaras and their details, including those from Videha region.
Auspicous Timings (Muhurta): Covers various astrological yogas (Siddhi Yoga, Amrita Siddhi Yoga, Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga, etc.) and considerations for timing various stages of the consecration. This includes auspicious days, Nakshatras, Tithis, and avoidance of inauspicious periods like planetary combustion.
Shat-Chowghadia (Six periods of the day for auspicious activities): Details auspicious timings based on lunar mansions and planetary influences.
Invitation and Festival Program: Outlines the structure of invitation cards and the program for the consecration festival.
Samavasharana and Siddha Kshetra Representation: Explains the setup for representing the Samavasharana (preaching hall) and Siddha Kshetra (place of liberated souls) during the ceremonies.
Guru's Permission and Request: Emphasizes the need for seeking the Guru's (Acharya's) permission and formally requesting the Pratishthacharya (chief priest).

Part II: Panchkalyanaka (Five Auspicious Events) and Rituals

Introduction to Panchkalyanaka: Explains that Pratishtha often involves the five auspicious events in the life of a Tirthankara: Garbha (conception), Janma (birth), Tapas (asceticism), Jnana (omniscience), and Nirvaana (liberation).
Detailed Rituals for Each Kalyana: Provides the sequence of events, rituals, mantras, and symbolism associated with each of the five auspicious events. This includes descriptions of celestial processions, the arrival of Indras, the worship of divine figures, purification rituals, and the actual installation of the idol.
Specific Mantras and Procedures: Covers crucial mantra rituals like Anganyasa (placement of divine energy on different body parts), Sankalpa (vow), Vinayak Puja (worship of Vinayak), Mandalam Puja, Abhishek (ritual bathing), Shanti Dhara (stream of peace), Jala Yatra (water procession), Homa (fire ritual), and various purification ceremonies.
Symbolism of Rituals: Explains the underlying meaning of various offerings and actions, such as the eight types of offerings (Ashta Dravya) in worship representing the destruction of eight Karmas and the attainment of eight specific virtues.
Importance of Digambara Munis: Stresses the indispensable role of Digambara monks in certain crucial mantra rituals, particularly during the Kalyana Karyas.

Part III: Specific Consecrations and Auxiliary Rituals

Pratishtha of Siddha Pratimas: Details the rituals for consecrating idols of Siddhas (liberated souls).
Pratishtha of Charan Chihna: Explains the consecration of footprints, often representing Tirthankaras or great Acharyas.
Pratishtha of Acharyas and other Great Souls: Covers the consecration rituals for idols or representations of Acharyas and other revered figures.
Pratishtha of Yantras and Scriptures: Describes the consecration of sacred diagrams (Yantras) and Jain scriptures.
Rathayatra (Chariot Procession): Explains the ritual of taking the idol in procession.
Bahu Bali Pratishtha: Provides specific rituals for the consecration of Lord Bahu Bali.
Explanation of Shanti Yajna Mantras: Elaborates on the mantras used in peace rituals.
Historical Context and Comparative Analysis: Discusses other Pratishtha texts and clarifies historical details.
Introduction to Tirthankaras and Their Emblems: Provides details about the Tirthankaras, their lineage, and their specific emblems.
Panchkalyanaka Dates: Lists the auspicious dates for the Panchkalyanaka events of the Tirthankaras.
Mantra Usage and Efficacy: Explains the importance of correct pronunciation, faith, and adherence to rules for mantra efficacy.
Diagrams of Yantras: Includes illustrations of various Yantras used in rituals.

Key Controversial/Clarified Points:

Role of Parents vs. Yajman: The book strongly argues against the practice of installing idols representing the parents of Tirthankaras. It clarifies that the scientific and traditional approach is to establish a 'Yajman' (patron) in the role of the presiding figure, not the biological parents of the Tirthankara, as this is considered an impropriety. The use of a 'petika' (box) is recommended for representing the conception and birth events.
Prohibited Practices: Criticizes practices like installing idols during the Dakshinayana (southward journey of the sun) and performing consecrations when Venus and Jupiter are combust (hidden by the sun), stating these violate scriptural timings and can bring misfortune. It also condemns commercialization of Pratishtha through auctions.
Use of Hindi vs. Sanskrit: Laments the decline of Sanskrit in rituals, noting that its replacement with Hindi diminishes the potency of mantras.
Havan (Fire Ritual): Defends the scriptural basis for performing Havan (fire rituals) in Jainism, refuting claims that it causes harm to fire or air element beings. It suggests a simpler, non-violent form of Havan using specific woods, clarified butter, and mantras, as a means of purification and environmental well-being, citing scriptural proof.
Dispensing with Rituals: While emphasizing scriptural adherence, the author also suggests a simplified ritual (Pratishtha Tilak method) to reduce costs and make consecrations more accessible.
Distinguishing Religious Purity: Clarifies that while external offerings are made, the true purpose is to internalize the virtues of the deity and detach from worldly possessions, as these offerings are considered 'Nirmalya' (unusable after being offered).
Idol Testing: Mentions that pre-made idols should be checked against scriptural specifications.
Importance of Digambara Gurus: Reiterates the mandatory presence of Digambara monks for certain crucial mantra rituals, including the 'Surimantra'.

Illustrative Appendices:

The book includes numerous diagrams and illustrations of:

Temple floor plans.
Yantras (sacred geometric diagrams) for various purposes, including those placed beneath idols.
The eight auspicious symbols (Pratiharas).
The eight types of auspicious substances for worship.
Diagrams related to the Mandala (ritualistic circular designs) used in ceremonies.
Illustrations of idol measurements and proportions.

In essence, "Pratishtha Pradip Digambar Pratishtha Vidhi Vidhan" is presented as an authoritative and comprehensive manual for conducting Jain idol consecrations according to the rigorous standards of the Digambara tradition, rooted in scriptural authority and the practical wisdom of experienced Acharyas. It serves as a guide for priests, temple committees, and devotees aiming to perform these significant religious ceremonies with utmost purity and efficacy.