Rushimandal Stotra

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Rushimandal Stotra" by Chandanmal Nagori, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Rushimandal Stotra Author: Chandanmal Nagori Publisher: Sadgun Prasarak Mitra Mandal

Overall Purpose and Content: This book is a detailed guide to the Rushimandal Stotra, a significant Jain devotional text. It goes beyond simply presenting the stotra itself, offering a comprehensive explanation of its associated rituals, Mantras, Yantras, and meditative practices. The aim is to provide readers with a complete understanding and the means to engage in the devotional practice of the Rushimandal Stotra.

Key Sections and Themes:

1. Introduction and Acknowledgements (Pages 1-6):

   • The book is presented by Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra and Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuri Gyanmandir.
   • It is the first edition, with 1000 copies printed.
   • The compiler, Seth Chandanmalji Nagori, is from Chhoti Sadri (Mewar).
   • The book includes explanations of the stotra's meaning (Bhavarth), methods for creating the Yantra, rituals (Vidhi Vidhan), ancient practices (Aamna), consecration (Sakalikaran), and concluding rituals (Uttar Kriya).
   • It acknowledges the contribution of Mrs. Bai Jasud Seth Jeevabhai Pitamberdas of Ahmedabad for supporting the publication by purchasing 200 copies.
   • The book is dedicated to Acharya Shri Vijaynitisurishwarji Maharaj.

2. Preamble (Prastavana) (Pages 7-10):

   • The compiler, Chandanmal Nagori, expresses humility, acknowledging that his work is a compilation from previous Acharyas and that he is not an expert in Mantra Shastra. He hopes for the grace of knowledgeable individuals.
   • He addresses the prevalent belief and disbelief in Mantra Shakti in society, citing numerous examples where Mantra power has achieved difficult tasks.
   • The Power of Mantras: Mantras are created by powerful individuals imbued with specific siddhis (powers). The presiding deities of the mantras aid in fulfilling tasks.
   • Correct Chanting: Emphasizes the importance of correct pronunciation, rhythm, and focusing the mind during chanting for success.
   • Content Overview: The book covers approximately 39 topics, with separate chapters for Mantras, Yantras, and rituals for clarity.
   • Rushimandal's Core: It highlights that the book first explains the glory of the Rushimandal Mantra, then provides the root text, its meaning, Yantra creation, and meditative practices.
   • The "Hrim" Beejakshar: Details the significance of the Maya Beej "Hrim" and explains its five divisions with illustrations.
   • Illustrations: Notes that there are about eight illustrations that enhance the book's value and aid in the worship of the Rushimandal mantra and Yantra.
   • Apology for Errors: Requests forgiveness for any printing errors that may have occurred.
   • Date: The preamble is dated Ahmedabad, Bhadrapad Shukla 15, Samvat 1996 (September 28, 1939).

3. Table of Contents (Anukramanika) (Page 10):

   • Lists the various topics covered, including the Rushimandal Stotra, Mantra, Bhavarth, Yantra creation, Padstha Dhyeya, Maya Beej, Sakalikaran, Aamna, various purification rituals (Bhumishuddhi, Anganyas, Hridayshuddhi, etc.), invocation (Aavahan), establishment (Sthapana), specific rituals like Avaguntan, Chotka, Amritikaran, Puja, Jap, Uttar Kriya, etc., and concludes with Avart and Malavichar.

4. List of Illustrations (Chitrsoochi) (Page 11):

   • Lists the images included: Acharya Maharaj Vijaynitisuriji, Shri Mahavir Bhagwan, Siddha Chakra, Hrim with 24 Jin connection, Shri Gautam Swami, Rushimandal Yantra, "Ha" Beejakshar Maya Beej, and Avart.

5. List of First Customers (Pratham Grahak Banane Walon Ke Naam) (Pages 12-14):

   • Lists individuals and organizations who purchased copies, indicating the book's reception and support.

6. The Root Mantra (Rushimandal Mool Mantra) (Page 15):

   • Presents the core mantra: Om Hrim Aim Swa Ah Sa (with some variations in pronunciation often associated with Jain mantras) followed by "Samaygdarshan Gyana Charitrebhyo Namah."

7. Glory of the Stotra, Mantra, and Maya Beej "Hrim" (Pages 16-25):

   • Immeasurable Glory: The stotra's glory is described as boundless and cherished by the faithful.
   • Focus on "Hrim": The stotra emphasizes meditation on the seed syllable "Hrim." It involves visualizing a white lotus with eight petals and placing the eight letters of "Om Namo Arihantanam" within them. The focus then shifts to meditating on the radiant "Hrim" Bija within a moon-like glow.
   • Origin: The stotra's author is stated to be a Tirthankar Bhagwan, compiled by Ganadhar Gautam Swami.
   • Transformative Power of "Hrim": Consistent meditation on "Hrim" for six months can lead to seeing flames emanate from one's mouth. After a year, one might see actual flames. Continued practice can lead to the direct vision of the Omniscient Lord. This leads to liberation and the attainment of the supreme state.
   • Mantras in Jainism: Mantras are defined as specific arrangements of letters that have a particular effect. The book cites examples like "Garudi Mantra" for snake charmers and mentions that Jain Acharyas are renowned for their expertise in Mantra Shastra.
   • Examples from Scriptures: Lists several Agam Sutras (like Arunovavai Sutra, Varunavavai Sutra, etc.) that discuss the pleasing of deities through mantras and rituals.
   • The Power of Ascetics: The purity and truthfulness of mantra creators directly impact the mantra's effectiveness. Translations or explanations of mantras can convey meaning but may not replicate the original power.
   • Importance of Mental Purity: Devotees should understand the mantra's true nature and maintain mental purity during meditation. Visualizing the presiding deity is crucial.
   • Divine Intervention: The stotra is a means to overcome suffering and receive protection from deities.
   • The Navkar Mantra: Highlights the significance of the Navkar Mantra in Jainism as a fundamental practice.

8. Rushimandal Stotra (The actual verses) (Pages 25-34):

   • This section contains the verses of the Rushimandal Stotra in Sanskrit, with Sanskrit transliteration. The verses describe the divine syllable "Hrim," its components, and the invocation of various celestial beings and deities for protection and blessings.

9. Rushimandal Stotra - Bhavarth (Meaning/Explanation) (Pages 34-49):

   • This section provides a detailed, verse-by-verse explanation of the stotra in Hindi. It elaborates on the pronunciation, spiritual significance, and visualization associated with each verse.
   • Detailed Breakdown of "Hrim": Explains how the syllable "Hrim" is formed from various phonetic components and its connection to the 24 Tirthankaras.
   • Protection Mantras: Verses 28-41 detail protective verses invoking the power of the "Chakra" (wheel) of the Deva-Deva (Lord of Lords) to ward off various negative influences like Dakini, Rakini, demons, animals, and malevolent humans.
   • Invocation of Goddesses: Verses 46-48 list 24 divine goddesses and invoke them for bestowing qualities like beauty, fame, courage, and intelligence.
   • Benefits of Recitation: Emphasizes that chanting the stotra provides protection in various dangerous situations (war, fire, water, wild animals, cremation grounds, forests) and helps regain lost kingdoms, positions, and wealth. It also grants desired boons like a spouse, son, or wealth.
   • Yantra Significance: Describes the benefits of writing the Yantra on gold, silver, copper, or brass and worshipping it, stating that it brings eight great siddhis. Wearing it (on the neck or arm) provides protection from all fears and afflictions.

10. Method of Creating the Rushimandal Yantra (Rushimandal Yantra Bananeki Tarkeeb) (Pages 54-63):

    • Materials and Timing: Advises choosing an auspicious day and time, preferably when one's lunar energy (Chandra Swar) is active. The Yantra can be made on plates of gold, silver, copper, brass, or a mixture of metals, depending on one's capability.
    • Craftsmanship: The plate should be made perfectly round and clean. The Yantra should be inscribed using Ashtagandha (a paste of eight sacred ingredients: saffron, musk, agar, gorochana, camphor, sandalwood, hingul).
    • Rituals During Creation: Suggests performing penance (like Telak) and maintaining silence while creating the Yantra. It should be done after establishing and worshipping the Siddha Chakra Mandal, facing the east.
    • Tools: Recommends using a gold or silver pen. A new wooden pen is also acceptable, but iron nibs should be avoided.
    • Accuracy: Stresses the importance of meticulous checking for errors in vowel length, anuswar, etc.
    • Engraving and Consecration: After completion, the inscribed lines should be carefully etched. The Yantra should then be consecrated, ideally at a place of worship, or by a knowledgeable Muni through a ritual (Vasakshep Prakshep). If Muni's help isn't available, worshipping the Navpadji Maharaj and establishing the Rushimandal Yantra alongside the Siddha Chakra Mandal is recommended.
    • Placement: Keeping the Yantra in one's home is highly beneficial. If not possible, it should be kept in a temple and worshipped daily.
    • Detailed Yantra Design: Provides a step-by-step guide for drawing the Yantra, involving multiple concentric circles with specific alphabets, Bija Mantras, names of the 24 Tirthankaras and goddesses placed in designated sections, often with specific color associations.

11. Padstha Dhyeya Swaroop (Meditative Form of Padstha Dhyana) (Pages 65-70):

    • Explains the meditative practice of "Padstha Dhyana" as described by Acharya Hemchandracharya in the Yoga Shastra.
    • This involves visualizing various lotuses in different body parts (navel, heart, mouth) and mentally placing specific letters, vowels, consonants, and Bija Mantras within them, often associated with specific colors.
    • The goal is to achieve concentration and eventually connect with the divine, leading to spiritual attainment.
    • Detailed descriptions of visualizing the divine form, the flow of nectar, and the union of the individual soul with the supreme soul ("Soham").

12. Rushimandal Maya Beej (The Maya Beej "Hrim") (Pages 71-73):

    • Explains that "Om" is the Pranava and "Hrim" is the Maya Beej.
    • "Beej" (seed) signifies the power to create, and "Maya" (illusion/play/power) signifies its expansion. "Hrim" possesses the inherent power to generate vowels and consonants.
    • Illustrations show the five divisions of "Hrim," emphasizing how these parts combine to form various letters. The text encourages readers to understand this concept and its profound connection to knowledge and spiritual liberation.

13. Rushimandal Sakalikaran (Sakalikaran Rituals) (Pages 74-81):

    • Details various purification and consecration rituals performed before commencing the main mantra chanting.
    • Mantras for Purification: Provides specific mantras for self-purification (Atma Shuddhi), life-force installation (Prana Pratishtha), armor creation (Kavach Nirmal), hand purification (Hasta Nirmal), body purification (Kaya Shuddhi), heart purification (Hriday Shuddhi), mouth purification (Mukh Shuddhi), eye purification (Chakshu Shuddhi), head purification (Mastak Shuddhi), head protection (Mastak Raksha), Shikha binding (Shikha Bandhan), mouth protection (Mukh Raksha), Indra's armor (Indrasya Kavach), family protection (Parivar Raksha), and obstacle removal (Upadrav Shanti).
    • Simplified Sakalikaran: Offers simpler versions of these rituals for those who find the detailed ones difficult.

14. Rushimandal Alamban (Object of Meditation/Focus) (Pages 82-83):

    • Stresses the importance of using the correct object of focus for mantra Siddhi. It warns against using incorrect visualizations like Yakshas or Mani Bhadra instead of the 24 Tirthankaras.
    • The Rushimandal Yantra itself is the most suitable object of focus.
    • Provides guidance on setting up the Yantra for worship, including its placement on a raised platform, lighting a ghee lamp, and burning incense.
    • Recommends daily worship of the Yantra with Ashtdravya (eight sacred offerings).

15. Rushimandal Dhyana Vidhi (Meditation Method) (Pages 84-87):

    • Emphasizes the crucial role of concentration and detachment from worldly desires for successful meditation.
    • Highlights the importance of purity in the place, body, clothing, and materials used.
    • Explains three types of chanting:
      • Manas Jap (Mental Chanting): Most superior, leading to unparalleled joy, destruction of desires, peace, contentment, and liberation.
      • Upanshu Jap (Whispered Chanting): The chant is barely audible to others, promoting control over the mind, reducing worldly attachment, and increasing spiritual fervor.
      • Bhashya Jap (Audible Chanting): The chant is clearly audible, leading to purity of speech and increased attractiveness. It also helps stabilize the mind and achieve union with the mantra.

16. Rushimandal Mantra Bhed (Variations of the Rushimandal Mantra) (Pages 88-90):

    • Explains that different variations of mantras can serve different purposes (peace, destruction, attraction, subjugation).
    • Attributes the lack of Siddhi to insufficient knowledge of these variations and a lack of perseverance.
    • Emphasizes the omnipresent and life-giving nature of the "Om" syllable.
    • Discusses the impact of concluding syllables like "Namah" (peace-inducing) and "Phat" (power-enhancing) and the role of "Swaha" in bestowing Siddhi and amplifying mantra power.
    • Stresses the importance of correct pronunciation of syllables, including short, long, and conjunct letters.

17. Rushimandal Aamna (Traditional Practices/Rules) (Pages 91-93):

    • Discusses the traditional secrecy surrounding the Aamna (specific rules/practices) of the Rushimandal, citing the need to protect against misuse by the unrighteous.
    • Acknowledges that in the current era (Kaliyuga), immediate Siddhi is rare, but still possible for the pure-hearted.
    • Given the widespread publication of the Yantra, keeping the Aamna secret is deemed futile.
    • Key Aamna Points:
      • The root mantra has 27 syllables, with "Om" considered the life-force and not counted.
      • The mantra ends with "Namah" for peace, but for powerful results, "Phat" and "Swaha" can be used instead.
      • The verse starting with "Bhurbhuvah" (verse 56) should be chanted with "Om" at the beginning.
    • Encourages readers to follow the methods based on their convenience and understanding.

18. Uttar Kriya Vidhi (Concluding Rituals) (Pages 94-102):

    • Details the post-chanting rituals, including various purifications and worship procedures.
    • Visho-pachar (Twenty Acts of Worship): Lists the 20 steps: Bhumishuddhi, Anganyas, Sakalikaran, Atma Raksha, Hriday Shuddhi, Mantra Snan, Kalsh Dahan, Karanyas, Aavahan, Sthapana, Sannidhan, Sannirodh, Avaguntan, Chotika, Amritikaran, Puja, Jap, Kshobhan-Kshamana, Visarjan, and Prarthana-Stuti.
    • Provides specific mantras and hand gestures (mudras) for each of these acts, emphasizing purity and devotion.
    • Worship Details: Explains how to perform the Asht Dravya Puja, invoking deities, and concluding with Aarti, Chaityavandan, and peace chanting.
    • Sankalpa: Guides the devotee through the process of making a Sankalpa (vow/intention) for the ritual.

19. Rushimandal Puja (Specific Worship) (Pages 103-105):

    • Further details the worship rituals, including mantras for daily routines (brushing teeth, washing face) and specific deities.
    • Reiterates the use of Sakalikaran and Karanyas.
    • Provides the mantra for invoking the 24 Tirthankaras and their presiding deities.

20. Uttar Kriya Vidhi (Concluding Rituals) (Pages 106-108):

    • Explains the procedure for the concluding rituals, including the Homa (fire sacrifice).
    • Homa Preparation: Describes how to construct a Homa altar (mandap), its purification, and the placement of deities.
    • Homa Materials: Specifies the types of wood suitable for the Homa (Palash, Peepal, Khejda, Chandan, etc.) and the quantities.
    • Offering Procedure: Details the method of offering oblations into the sacred fire, emphasizing respectful surrender rather than just dropping them.

21. Avart (Counting Method) (Page 109-110):

    • Explains the practice of counting repetitions using fingers, a method that bypasses the need for a mala (rosary).
    • Describes the "Hrim-Avart" method, detailing how to use the fingers of the hand to count up to 24, corresponding to the 24 Tirthankaras.

22. Malavichar (Consideration of Malas) (Page 111):

    • Lists various types of malas (rosaries) made from pearls, coral, sandalwood, etc.
    • For Rushimandal meditation, it recommends white or yellow malas made of crystal, kerava, or thread.

In essence, this book provides a comprehensive and practical guide to the Rushimandal Stotra, covering its spiritual depth, ritualistic procedures, and meditative techniques, making it an invaluable resource for Jain devotees interested in this practice.