Puja Sangraha - Book Summary | JainGPT

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Puja Sangraha" by Shravak Bhimsinh Manek, based on the provided pages:

Overview of "Puja Sangraha"

"Puja Sangraha" is a compilation of Jain devotional hymns and rituals, primarily focused on the worship of the Tirthankaras and other significant figures and concepts within Jainism. This particular edition, published in Samvat 1955 (1898) in Mumbai by Shravak Bhimsinh Manek, is a collection of various works, including those by Muni Shri Atmaram Anand Vijayji and others. The text aims to provide a comprehensive guide to performing various pujas (devotional worship) and reciting stanzas (hymns) for spiritual merit and the attainment of liberation.

Key Contents and Structure:

The book is structured with an index (Anukramanika) listing the various pieces, followed by the detailed worship rituals and hymns. The primary focus is on the "Navpad Ji ni Puja" (Worship of the Nine Supreme Beings), which forms the core of the compilation.

Detailed Breakdown of Sections:

Title Page & Publisher Information:
- The title is "Puja Sangraha" (Collection of Worship).
- The author is identified as Muni Shri Atmaram Ji Anand Vijay Ji, along with other contributors.
- It was published by Shravak Bhimsinh Manek in Mumbai in 1898.
Index (Anukramanika):
- The index provides a clear roadmap of the book's contents, listing each puja or stavan with its corresponding page number.
- Prominent Pujas included:
  - Navpad Ji ni Puja (Worship of the Nine Supreme Beings) - credited to Shri Yashovijayji Upadhyay.
  - Navpad Kavya (Poem on the Nine Supreme Beings).
  - Vimshati Sthanak Puja (Worship of Twenty Categories) - by Shri Anand Vijayji and Atmaramji.
  - Sattar Nedi Puja (Worship of Seventy Categories) - by Atmaramji Maharaj.
  - Ashtaprakari Puja (Worship of Eight Types) - by Atmaramji.
- Various Stavans (Hymns): The index also lists numerous devotional hymns dedicated to different Tirthankaras (Rishabhdev, Neminath, Parshvanath, Mahavir), such as Rishabhjin Stavan, Dharmjin Stavan, Veer Jinestav, and Vitarag Stavan.
- Other Devotional Pieces: The collection includes pieces on Adhyatma Sadhyay (Spiritual Discourse), Vairagya Pad (Hymn on Detachment), hymns related to specific pilgrimage sites like Sametshikharji, and hymns praising the Guru.
- Biographical Elements: Notably, the index mentions "Gadhuli Nag Phelon" describing the birth story of Muni Atmaramji and "Gadhuli Nag Bejo" likely continuing biographical details.
Navpad Ji ni Puja (Worship of the Nine Supreme Beings):
- This section is the most extensive and detailed. It systematically describes the worship of each of the "Navpads," which represent the highest spiritual attainments in Jainism:
  - Arihant Pad: Worship of the perfected souls who have conquered their enemies (karmas). This section includes poetic verses and hymns praising their qualities like omniscience, compassion, and the possession of 32 divine attributes and 14 unique features.
  - Siddha Pad: Worship of the liberated souls who have achieved eternal bliss and are free from all karmic bondage. The hymns describe their pure, unmanifested form, eternal happiness, and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
  - Acharya Pad: Worship of the heads of the monastic order who guide the Sangha and uphold the Jain principles. Their virtues like knowledge, conduct, adherence to the fivefold conduct (Panchachar), and the 32 virtues are praised.
  - Upadhyay Pad: Worship of learned monks who teach the scriptures and their meanings. Their role in clarifying the Jain doctrine and guiding disciples is highlighted.
  - Muni Pad: Worship of ascetics who practice severe penance and renunciation, controlling their senses and passions. Their adherence to vows, the six virtues, and the fivefold restraints is emphasized.
  - Samaktatva Darshan Pad: Worship of Right Faith, the foundation of the Jain path, involving correct belief in the Tattvas (realities).
  - Samaktatva Gyan Pad: Worship of Right Knowledge, which dispels ignorance and leads to the understanding of the true nature of reality.
  - Charitra Pad: Worship of Right Conduct, the practice of ethical principles and vows that leads to the purification of the soul.
  - Tapa Pad: Worship of Austerity, the practice of various forms of penance to burn off karmas and achieve spiritual progress.
- Each puja section typically includes:
  - Poetic verses (Kavya): Often in specific meters like Indravajra, Bhujangaprayat, etc., describing the essence of the Pad.
  - Songs (Dhal): Sung in various traditional melodies (like "Ulalani," "Shripal na Rasni") that detail the specific worship actions and praises.
  - Mantras: Short invocations or seed syllables associated with the deity or principle being worshipped.
  - Specific rituals: Descriptions of offering items like water, sandalwood, flowers, etc.
Vimshati Sthanak Puja (Worship of Twenty Categories):
- This section details the worship of twenty significant categories or principles within Jainism, also presented with dohas (couplets), poetic verses, and hymns.
Sattar Nedi Puja (Worship of Seventy Categories):
- This section describes the worship rituals based on seventy different categories, likely related to aspects of asceticism, virtues, or other classifications. It includes detailed descriptions of offering various items like water, sandalwood, clothes, flowers, incense, lamps, food, etc.
Ashtaprakari Puja (Worship of Eight Types):
- This section focuses on the worship of the Tirthankaras using eight types of offerings, which are standard in Jain worship: water (Jal), sandalwood (Chandan), flowers (Pushpa), incense (Dhup), lamp (Deep), food (Naivedya), fruit (Phala), and scripture/amulet (Akshat/mantra). Each of the eight pujas is presented with hymns, couplets, and poetic verses.
Other Stavans and Sections:
- The latter part of the text includes various stavans dedicated to specific Tirthankaras and the Guru, reflecting a diverse range of devotional expressions.
- Sections on Adhyatma Sadhyay (spiritual discourse), Vairagya Pad (hymn on detachment), and a description of the pilgrimage to Sametshikharji are also present.
- The biographical pieces about Muni Atmaramji highlight his spiritual journey and teachings.

Purpose and Significance:

"Puja Sangraha" serves as a practical guide for Jain devotees to connect with the divine principles and Tirthankaras through systematic worship. The compilation of various authors and styles of hymns demonstrates the rich devotional tradition within Jainism. The emphasis on the "Navpad" highlights the ultimate goals of the Jain path: achieving the state of Arihant and Siddha through right faith, knowledge, and conduct, supported by asceticism and devotion. The text is designed for personal and private use, encouraging spiritual practice and devotion.