Sadhu Sadhvi Kaldharm Vidhi

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Sadhu Sadhvi Kaldharm Vidhi," focusing on the rituals and procedures when a Jain monk (Sadhu) or nun (Sadhvi) passes away:

Overall Purpose:

The book details the specific rituals and procedures to be followed when a Sadhu or Sadhvi attains "Kaldharm" (literally "time-bound dharma," meaning death). It emphasizes purity, adherence to Jain principles, and the solemnity of the occasion.

Key Stages and Procedures:

1. Immediate Actions Upon Death (Page 1-2):

• Relocation of the 'Sthapnacharya': If the "Sthapnacharya" (installed Acharya) is present, they must be moved to another location immediately upon the death of the Sadhu/Sadhvi. The Sthapnacharya should never remain near the deceased.
• Preparation of Belongings: Any extra belongings (Upadhi) that might be a burden should be removed beforehand. At the time of death, all belongings with the deceased must be removed.
• Purification:
  • An iron nail is to be driven into the ground near the deceased's head.
  • Woolen items and bedding (Kambli, Santhariyu) should be purified by sprinkling Gomutra (cow's urine).
  • Other cotton belongings are to be soaked in hot or non-living (Achit) water by lay followers (Shravaks).
• Washing Ritual (Vasiravvani Vidhi):
  • A senior Sadhu or any Sadhu should approach the deceased, touch them with a stick, offer Khama Saman (a gesture of respect and repentance), and perform Irhiyavahi Padikkaman (a ritual of repentance for actions).
  • Specific lineage names (Gana, Vansh, Shakha, Kul) and the names of senior Acharyas and Upadhyayas of the deceased's lineage must be recited.
  • The deceased Sadhu/Sadhvi's name is then mentioned, followed by a recitation of "Mahaparittavani a karemi kausagga" and a single Navkar mantra in Kaussagga (a meditative posture).
  • The Pragat Navkar (open recitation of Navkar) is then recited.
  • While sprinkling rice grains (Vasakshhep) on the head, the word "Vasire, vasire, vasare" is chanted.

2. Rituals During the Mourning Period (Page 3-7):

• Attending to the Deceased:
  • If a Sadhu/Sadhvi has to perform their Pratikraman (daily confession ritual) and the deceased is present, the Pratikraman should be done in a separate place. If that's not possible, it should be done mentally with a screen separating the deceased.
  • If lay followers are not present and a Sadhu needs to stay awake overnight with the deceased, a mature and steady Sadhu should do so. A "Matra" (a vessel containing a special liquid) should be kept near the "Matru" (likely a reference to a ritualistic substance or object) in case the deceased body shows any signs of movement.
• Lay Follower's Duties (Shravak's Duties):
  • Shaving the head, beard, and mustache of the deceased.
  • Making small cuts on the tips of the fingers.
  • Tying the fingers and toes with white thread.
  • Seating the deceased in a chair and bathing them with raw water.
  • Wiping the body with new, soft clothes.
  • Anointing the body with sandalwood, saffron, and other fragrant substances.
  • For a Sadhu, dressing them in new waistcloths (Chalpatta) and tying new cloths (Khadara) over them.
  • Decorating the clothes with inverted "Sathiya" (auspicious symbols) made of saffron at the four corners and in the center.
  • Other garments and accessories should be lightly sprinkled with saffron.
  • If a Palkhi (palanquin) is used, an inverted "Sathiya" made of flour should be placed where the deceased is seated, and the body should be securely tied to the Palkhi.
  • If a "Nanami" (bier) is used instead of a Palkhi, a strong cloth should be spread, with an inverted "Sathiya" in the center, and the deceased should be laid down.
  • For a Sadhvi, the female followers should also make inverted "Sathiya" with saffron on the clothes to be worn, and lightly sprinkle saffron on other garments.
  • Dressing the deceased in a "Langot" (loincloth) in the shape of the first vowel.
  • Or, making cuts in the cloth to tie the Langot.
  • Wearing a lower garment (Lehnga) up to the shins.
  • Wearing another Lehnga up to the ankles and tying a belt around the waist.
  • Wearing a long sari up to the heels and tying a string on top.
  • Replacing the "Kechua" (a type of upper garment) with a cloth, then wearing a "Kechua," and then covering with a cloth.
  • For those placed on a Nanami, a cloth long enough to cover the heels should be used, with the face left uncovered.
  • An iron nail should be driven into the ground near the head wherever the deceased is placed on the Nanami or Palkhi.
  • Placing a "Charvali" (a type of bowl or container) and "Muhpatti" (mouth cloth) on the right side of the deceased.
  • On the left side, placing a broken bowl with a ladle (Laddu) and a "Jholi" (bag).
• Astrology and Effigies:
  • The Nakshatra (lunar mansion) at the time of death is considered.
  • If the Nakshatra is Rohini, Vishakha, Punarvasu, Uttara Ashadha, Uttara Phalguni, or Uttara Bhadrapada, two straw effigies should be placed near the deceased.
  • If the Nakshatra is Jyeshtha, Ardra, Swati, Shatabhisha, Bharani, Ashlesha, or Abhijit, no effigy should be placed.
  • If the Nakshatra is any of the remaining fifteen, one effigy should be placed.
  • For each effigy placed, one Charvali, one Muhpatti, and a Jholi with a broken bowl and ladle should be placed.
• Preservation and Embellishment:
  • Stuffing cotton in the mouth and ears to prevent insects from entering.
  • Tying a mouth cloth on the face of both Sadhus and Sadhvis.
  • Decorating the Nanami or Palkhi with zari and other fine clothes.
  • Tying the deceased properly to the Nanami or Palkhi.
  • Performing a Puja with Vasakshhep (rice grains).
  • Carrying the decorated Palkhi or Nanami at an auspicious time.
  • The Nanami should be carried with the feet in front and the head at the back.
• Funeral Procession:
  • The procession should not be accompanied by wailing, but rather with celebration and the sound of musical instruments.
  • A Shravak should walk ahead carrying burning cow dung in a copper vessel.
  • Rice grains, almonds, and other items should be scattered (Uchhalta) in front of the deceased, chanting "Jai Jai Nanda, Jai Jai Bhadra."
  • All Shravaks should walk slowly and respectfully.
  • The Nanami or Palkhi should be taken to a suitable, lifeless ground or a designated location.
• Cremation/Burial:
  • The cremation ground should be purified beforehand.
  • Cremation should be performed with fine wood like sandalwood, along with pure ghee.
  • After complete ashes are formed, they should be immersed in a water body or disposed of appropriately.
• Post-Cremation Rituals:
  • Shravaks should take a bath and become pure before returning to the Upashray (monastery).
  • The community should listen to auspicious discourses, including teachings on the impermanent nature of life, from the Guru.
  • A "Sharitasnatra" (a type of ceremony) or other celebrations can be held.

3. Essential Items for the Funeral (Page 8-10):

This section lists various items required for the rituals, including:

• Laddu containers (for distributing to dogs on the way)
• Bamboo lamps
• Brass or clay bowls
• Fuel for fire (burning cow dung)
• Incense
• Cotton
• Almonds (for scattering)
• Coconuts (for igniting fire)
• Baskets
• Items for the Nanami or Palkhi (bamboo, cloth, saffron, silver, gold thread, flags, etc.)
• Wood and cow dung cakes
• Grain (for distribution to the poor)
• Sandalwood, resin, gulal (colored powder), red strings
• Copper or brass pots

4. Post-Funeral Devotion and Rituals (Page 10-14):

• Purification of the Upashray: After the Palkhi or Nanami is taken away, cow's urine should be sprinkled in the Upashray. The place where the deceased was kept should be purified with non-living water.
• Wearing Inverted Clothes: The disciples of the deceased or the Sadhu/Sadhvi with the shortest period of initiation should wear inverted clothes, keeping the "Adya" (a type of cloth) in the right armpit.
• Ritualistic Washing and Repentance: The clothes are then washed away from the entrance. A "Kajo" (likely a ritualistic vessel or tray) with an inverted "Sathiya" is also involved. The "Kajo" is then placed and "Irhiyavahi Padikkaman" is performed.
• Inverted Devavandan (Devotional Greeting):
  • Recitation of the first stuti of "Kalyan Kad."
  • Kaussagga for one Navkar mantra.
  • Recitation of "Annthai," "Arihant Cheiyanu."
  • Recitation of other stutis in a reverse order.
  • Offering Khama Saman and reciting "Legas."
  • Kaussagga up to "Chasuni'mmalayara."
  • Performing "Irhiyavahi."
  • After this, offering Khama Saman and then "Mitham Dukdam."
• Collective Devavandan:
  • Arrangement of a "Nanu" (likely a sacred seat or altar) in the Upashray.
  • Placing four idols or Chaturmukh Bimba in the four directions, with auspicious symbols made of saffron underneath.
  • Lighting four ghee lamps around the Nanu.
  • Placing coconuts on five Swastik symbols made of rice grains around and below the Nanu.
  • If a Sadhu has passed away, the Chaturvidh Sangh (four divisions of the Jain community: Sadhus, Sadhvis, Shravaks, Shravikas) performs Devavandan together.
  • If a Sadhvi has passed away, all Sadhvis and Shravikas present perform Devavandan.
• Specific Devavandan Procedures:
  • Offering Khama Saman and performing "Irhiyavahi Padikkaman" before starting the collective Devavandan.
  • Reciting three "Chetyavandan" specifically for Lord Parshvanath.
  • Reciting specific verses related to worldly desires and purity in the stanzas.
  • Singing "Ajit Shanti" instead of a normal stavan without any melody.
• Post-Devavandan Rituals:
  • Offering Khama Saman and asking permission for Kaussagga for "Kshudropadrav" (minor obstacles).
  • Performing Kaussagga for four "Legas."
  • After the Kaussagga, a senior person recites a specific stuti for protection.
  • Reciting "Bahuchhanti" or "Moti Shanti."
  • Completing the Kaussagga and reciting the open "Legas."
  • Offering Khama Saman and "Mitham Dukdam" for any ritualistic omissions.
• Respecting Seniors: After Devavandan, all Sadhus should bow to their seniors according to their initiation order. The book notes that currently, bowing is done only to one senior.
• Listening to Teachings: It is important to listen to the virtues and peaceful passing (Samadhi) of the deceased from the senior members, and to endeavor to cultivate similar qualities.
• News from Other Villages: If news of a Sadhu or Sadhvi's death arrives from a distant village, the Sadhvis and Shravikas should perform Devavandan as described.

In essence, the book provides a detailed guide for the Jain community on how to honor and perform the final rites for their monastic members with utmost respect, purity, and adherence to their spiritual traditions.