Pratishtha Pujanjali - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Pratishtha Pujanjali" based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Pratishtha Pujanjali (प्रतिष्ठा पूजाञ्जलि) Author: Pt. Abhaykumar Shastri (पं. अभयकुमार शास्त्री) Publisher: Kundkund Kahan Digambar Jain Trust (श्री कुन्दकुन्द-कहान दिगम्बर जैन तीर्थ सुरक्षा ट्रस्ट)

Overall Purpose and Content:

"Pratishtha Pujanjali" is a compilation of prayers, hymns, rituals, and devotional verses primarily used in Jain Pratishtha Mahotsavs (consecration ceremonies). These ceremonies involve the installation and consecration of Jain idols and temples. The book aims to guide devotees through the various stages of worship and devotion, fostering spiritual upliftment and connection with the divine principles of Jainism. It covers a wide range of devotional practices, from morning prayers and invocations to specific worship rituals for various Tirthankaras and spiritual figures.

Key Sections and Themes:

Introduction and Publisher's Note (Pages 3-4):
- The Kundkund Kahan Digambar Jain Tirth Suraksha Trust, Mumbai, established under the guidance of spiritual luminary Shri Kanji Swami, is dedicated to preserving and promoting Jain heritage.
- The Trust's objectives include: surveying, developing, and renovating ancient Digambar Jain pilgrimage sites; protecting and publishing Jain scriptures; operating colleges for training Jain scholars; organizing spiritual camps; supporting the construction of Jain temples and study halls; and providing financial aid for education and medical needs.
- The book is published in conjunction with the Shri Parshvanath Panchkalyanak Pratishtha Mahotsav at Sammed Shikharji, highlighting the book's practical application in major Jain festivals.
- The Table of Contents (Vishayanukramanika) on page 4 reveals the extensive coverage of the book, including various stanzas (Ashtak, Panchak), invocations (Vandana, Puja), rituals (Abhishek, Pratikraman), and hymns dedicated to the Panch Parmeshthis, Tirthankaras, Munis, Jinvaani, and the principles of Jainism (like the Twelve Bhavanas).
Mala Charan (Mangalcharan) and Invocation (Pages 5-20):
- Panch Parmeshthi Vandana (Worship of the Five Supreme Beings): Begins with salutations to Arihants, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and Sadhus, emphasizing their auspicious and liberating qualities.
- Mangalashtak (Auspicious Eight Verses): Recited for well-being, these verses invoke the blessings of the Panch Parmeshthis, the twenty-four Tirthankaras, various sacred sites, and the five auspicious events (Kalyanakas) in the lives of Tirthankaras.
- Devotional Stanzas: Includes various verses like "Nirakhat Jinachandra Vadan" (Gazing upon the Moon-like Face of the Jina), "Mangal Panchak" (Five Auspicious Verses), "Ghadi Jinraj Darshan Ki" (The Moment of Jina's Darshan), and hymns praising the beauty and spiritual significance of Jin Pratimas (idols). These verses focus on the internal experience of devotion, the reflection of the self in the Jina's form, and the path to liberation shown by the Tirthankaras.
- Specific Pujas (Worship): Dedicated pujas are provided for:
  - Shri Dev-Shastra-Guru Pujan: Worship of the Divine (Jina), Scripture (Jinvaani), and the Spiritual Guide (Muni).
  - Shri Panch Parmeshthi Pujan: Detailed worship of the Five Supreme Beings.
  - Shri Siddha Pujan: Specific worship of the Siddhas.
  - Pujas for individual Tirthankaras: Including Pujas for Shri Adinath, Shri Shantinath, Shri Parshvanath, Shri Simandhar Swami, and Shri Veetaraag (a general term for Jinas).
  - Pratima Prakshal Path (Idol Cleansing Ritual): A ritualistic cleansing of the idol with pure water, symbolizing the purification of the soul. This section also includes important points regarding the correct practice, emphasizing that it's the idol, not the Arhat, that is cleansed.
  - Laghushishek Path: A shorter ritualistic bathing of the idol.
  - Aaradhana Path: A comprehensive path of worship and devotion, often attributed to Pandit Dyanatrai.
  - Shrir Arhant Sada Mangalmay: A prayer invoking the auspiciousness of the Arhats.
  - Vinay Path: Verses of humility and respect.
  - Pooja Peethika: The preamble or setup for worship.
  - Mangal Vidhan: Auspicious rituals.
Detailed Pujas for Key Figures:
- Panch Parmeshthi Pujan (Pages 34-36): Elaborate pujas for Arihant, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyaya, and Sadhu, each accompanied by the offering of eight substances (water, sandalwood, rice, flowers, incense, lamp, fruit, and offering).
- Tirthankar Pujas: Detailed pujas for various Tirthankaras, including:
  - Shri Adinath (Pages 41-45) - including Panch Kalyanak Arghyas.
  - Shri Shantinath (Pages 46-50) - including Panch Kalyanak Arghyas.
  - Shri Parshvanath (Pages 51-54) - including Panch Kalyanak Arghyas.
  - Shri Simandhar Swami (Pages 55-58) - the currently living Tirthankara in Mahavideh Kshetra.
  - Shri Veetaraag (Pages 59-63) - general worship of the detached souls.
  - Shri Muniraj (Pages 64-67) - worship of ascetics.
  - Pujas for all 24 Tirthankaras (Pages 68-74), along with a collective Arghya.
  - Pujas for the 20 Tirthankaras of Videh Kshetra (Pages 92-94).
  - Pujas for the 24 Future Tirthankaras (Pages 89-91).
  - Pujas for 48 types of Munis (Pages 113-118), highlighting their various accomplishments and vows.
  - Pujas for the 36 types of Acharyas (Pages 95-102), focusing on their adherence to virtues and conduct.
  - Pujas for the 25 types of Upadhyayas (Pages 103-106), emphasizing their role in scriptural knowledge.
Panch Kalyanak Pujas (Pages 121-166):
- The book contains specific Pujas and verses for each of the five auspicious events in the lives of Tirthankaras: Garbh Kalyan (Conception), Janma Kalyan (Birth), Tapa Kalyan (Asceticism), Gyan Kalyan (Omniscience), and Nirvana Kalyan (Liberation). These are presented for the 24 Tirthankaras.
Jaymala (Victory Garland):
- These are victory hymns or celebratory verses sung in praise of the deities, often recited during Pratishtha ceremonies. They are included for various Tirthankaras and spiritual figures.
Bhavana (Meditations/Reflections):
- Twelve Bhavanas (Pages 204-206): This section includes the twelve reflections or meditations prescribed in Jainism for spiritual progress: Anitya (Impermanence), Asharan (Helplessness), Sansar (Cycle of Birth and Death), Ekattva (Aloneness), Parayattva (Difference from Others), Ashuchi (Impurity), Asrava (Influx of Karma), Samvara (Stoppage of Karma), Nirjara (Shedding of Karma), Loka (The Universe), Bodhidurlabha (Rarity of Enlightenment), and Dharm (Righteousness).
Other Important Sections:
- Jin Marg (The Path of the Jina): Verses describing the sublime Jain path.
- Ashariiri Siddh Bhagwan (The Bodiless Siddha Lord): Praises the liberated souls.
- Darshan-Stuti (Praise of Darshan/Insight): Verses focusing on the importance of right faith.
- Shanti Path (Path of Peace): Prayers for peace and well-being.
- Visarjan Path (Farewell Ritual): Rituals for concluding a ceremony.
- Yagamandal Vidhan (Ritual of the Fire Altar): Procedures for fire rituals often performed in Pratishthas.
- Dasha Bhakti (Ten Devotional Aspects): A collection of verses on different aspects of devotion.
- Shruta Bhakti (Devotion to Scripture): Praises the Jain scriptures.
- Charitra Bhakti (Devotion to Conduct): Highlights the importance of Jain conduct and asceticism.
- Acharya Bhakti (Devotion to Acharyas): Praises the spiritual teachers.
- Yog Bhakti (Devotion through Yoga/Practice): Focuses on spiritual practices.
- Nirvana Bhakti (Devotion to Liberation): Celebrates the state of liberation.
- Tirthankar Bhakti (Devotion to Tirthankaras): Praises the Tirthankaras.
- Shanti Bhakti (Devotion for Peace): Prayers for peace.
- Samadhi Bhakti (Devotion to Tranquility): Prayers for mental peace.
- Samata Shodashi (Sixteen Verses on Equanimity): Emphasizing the importance of equanimity.
- Meera Sahaj Jeevan (My Simple Life): A reflection on a life of detachment.

Overall Message:

"Pratishtha Pujanjali" serves as a comprehensive guide for Jain devotional practices, particularly during consecration ceremonies. It underscores the importance of reverence for the Panch Parmeshthis, Tirthankaras, scriptures, and spiritual guides. The book emphasizes inner purification, meditation, the pursuit of knowledge, the practice of virtues like equanimity and non-violence, and ultimately, the path to liberation. It is a rich resource for fostering devotion and spiritual growth within the Jain tradition.