Ratnatray Mandal Vidhan - Book Summary

The Jain text "Ratnatray Mandal Vidhan" (Devanagari: रत्नत्रय मण्डल विधान), authored by Rajmal Pavaiya Kavivar and published by Akhil Bharatiya Jain Yuva Federation, is a comprehensive guide for performing rituals and pujas dedicated to the "Ratnatray" – the three jewels of Jainism: Samyagdarshan (Right Faith/Perception), Samyagyan (Right Knowledge), and Samyakcharitra (Right Conduct).

The book is structured as a detailed manual for a ritualistic worship ceremony, likely a Mandal Puja, which is a significant practice in Jainism. The primary focus of the text is to venerate and understand the profound significance of the Ratnatray, which are considered the path to liberation (Moksha).

Here's a breakdown of the content based on the provided index and page excerpts:

Core Theme: The central theme is the worship and invocation of the Ratnatray (रत्नत्रय), which are the fundamental principles for achieving spiritual liberation in Jainism.

Key Components and Structure:

Mangalacharan (मंगलाचरण): The text begins with auspicious verses invoking well-being and success, often praising the Panch Parmeshthi (five supreme beings) and the Ratnatray itself.
Pithika (पीठिका): This section likely serves as an introduction or preface, explaining the importance and efficacy of the Ratnatray as the direct path to overcoming worldly suffering and attaining salvation.
Ratnatray Mahima (रत्नत्रय महिमा): This part elaborates on the glory and power of the Ratnatray, highlighting its role in purifying the soul, destroying karma, and leading to the state of omniscience and liberation.
Samuday Puja (समुच्चय पूजन): This is a comprehensive puja dedicated to the Ratnatray as a whole. It includes:
- Invocation (Avahan) and Installation (Sthapan): Inviting and establishing the presence of the Ratnatray.
- Offerings (Arghyas): Various offerings like water (jal), sandalwood (chandan), rice (akshata), flowers (pushpa), incense (dhupa), lamp (deep), food (naivedya), and fruits (phala) are presented to the Ratnatray, each symbolizing the purification of specific inner qualities or the destruction of karmic obstacles. The mantras for these offerings typically invoke the Ratnatray as the destroyer of birth, old age, and death, and the remover of worldly afflictions.
- Jaymala (जयमाला): A garland of victory hymns praising the Ratnatray.
Individual Pujas for Each Jewel: The book then dedicates separate sections to the detailed worship of each of the three jewels:
- Shri Samyagdarshan Puja (श्री सम्यग्दर्शन पूजन): This section focuses on Right Faith. It details various aspects of Samyagdarshan, including:
  - Eight Limbs (Ashtanga): Pujas for each of the eight supporting virtues that strengthen Right Faith (e.g., Nishankita - freedom from doubt, Nishankanksha - freedom from desire for worldly rewards, Nirvichikitsa - freedom from disgust, etc.).
  - Purity from Defects (Dosh Rahit): Pujas to purify Samyagdarshan from 25 defects (pachis dosh), categorized into groups like the eight defects (Ashtadosh), eight types of pride (Ashtamad), six places of non-worship (Shat Anayatan), and three types of delusion (Trimoorthata - Deva-mudhata, Guru-mudhata, Loka-mudhata).
  - Maharghya and Jaymala: Final offerings and hymns for Samyagdarshan.
- Shri Samyagyan Puja (श्री सम्यग्ज्ञान पूजन): This section is dedicated to Right Knowledge. It covers:
  - Types of Knowledge: Pujas for the five types of knowledge (Mati, Shruta, Avadhi, Manahparyaya, Kevala Gyan).
  - Twelve Angas (Dwadashanga): Detailed worship of the twelve branches of Jain scriptures.
  - Four Anuogamas (Chatur Anuogama): Pujas related to Prathmanuyoga, Karananuyoga, Charan anuyoga, and Dravyanuyoga.
  - Eight Limbs of Knowledge (Ashta Anga): Pujas for the eight virtues related to Right Knowledge (e.g., Vyanjana - correct pronunciation, Artha - correct meaning, etc.).
  - Maharghya and Jaymala: Final offerings and hymns for Samyagyan.
- Shri Samyakcharitra Puja (श्री सम्यक्चारित्र पूजन): This section focuses on Right Conduct. It includes:
  - Five Great Vows (Panch Mahavratas): Pujas for Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy/chastity), and Aparigraha (non-possession). These are further detailed with specific sub-sections for Muni (monk) practitioners.
  - Five Committees (Pancha Samiti): Pujas for the five disciplined ways of conduct followed by monks: Irya (careful movement), Bhasha (careful speech), Eshana (careful alms-gathering), Adan Nikshepan (careful handling of objects), and Pratishthapan (careful disposal of waste). Each of these samitis is also presented with a separate puja.
  - Three Guardships (Trigupti): Pujas for control over mind (Manogupti), speech (Vachanagupti), and body (Kayagupti).
  - Maharghya and Jaymala: Final offerings and hymns for Samyakcharitra.
Pujas for Specific Vow Holders: The later sections of the book detail pujas dedicated to specific types of righteous beings who uphold these vows:
- Panch Mahavratadharak Muniraj Puja (श्री पंचमहाव्रतधारक मुनिराज पूजन): Worship of monks who adhere to the five great vows.
- Individual Vows: Separate pujas for monks observing Ahimsa (अहिंसाव्रतधारक), Satya (सत्यमहाव्रतधारक), Asteya (अचौर्यमहाव्रतधारक), Brahmacharya (ब्रह्मचर्यमहाव्रतधारक), and Aparigraha (अपरिग्रहमहाव्रतधारक).
- Pancha Samiti Pujas: As mentioned above, pujas for each of the five samitis: Irya (ईयसमितिधारक), Bhasha (भाषासमितिधारक), Eshana (एषणासमितिधारक), Adan Nikshepan (आदाननिक्षेपणसमितिधारक), and Pratishthapan (प्रतिष्ठापनसमितिधारक).
- Trigupti Pujas: Pujas for Manogupti (मनोगुप्तिधारक), Vachanagupti (वचनगुप्तिधारक), and Kayagupti (कायगुप्तिधारक).
Antim Mahāghya (अंतिम महार्घ्य): A final grand offering to the Ratnatray.
Shantipaath (शान्तिपाठ) and Kshamaapana (क्षमापना): Concluding prayers for peace and forgiveness for any errors made during the ritual.

Purpose and Significance:

The "Ratnatray Mandal Vidhan" is a practical guide for Jain devotees to perform a ritualistic worship centered on the core tenets of their faith. It aims to:

Deepen Understanding: Provide a ritualistic way to contemplate and internalize the principles of Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct.
Purification: Through the symbolic offerings and mantras, devotees aim to purify their mind, speech, and body, removing impurities and defects that hinder spiritual progress.
Spiritual Ascent: Facilitate the journey towards liberation by venerating the path established by the omniscient beings (Jinas) and the practices of highly evolved souls (monks).
Devotional Expression: Offer a structured way for devotees to express their devotion and reverence for the Ratnatray and the Jain path.

In essence, the book is a devotional and practical manual for engaging in a profound Jain ritual that underscores the centrality of the Three Jewels in the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment and ultimate freedom.