Saptopadhanvidhi - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Saptopadhanvidhi" by Mangalsagar, published by Jindattsuri Gyanbhandar. The text details a specific set of seven Upadhan (vow observance) rituals within Jainism.

Book Title: Saptopadhanvidhi (सप्तोपधानविधि) Author: Munishri Mangalsagar (मुनि-मङ्गलसागरः) Publisher: Jindattsuri Gyanbhandar, Surat (जिनदत्तसूरिज्ञानभण्डार, सुरत) Compilation: Munishri Mangalsagar (सङ्कलनकर्ता मुनि-मङ्गलसागरः) Assisted by: Based on the guidance of Upadhyay Shri Sukh Sagarji (उपाध्यायपदालतश्रीसुखसागरमुनिवरोपदेशात्) Published with Financial Aid from: Meghraj Kamalkamal Lunia of Rajnandgaon (राजनांदगांव वास्तव्य-श्रेष्टिवर्य्यमेघराजकाममललूणिया वितीर्णद्रव्यसाहाय्येन) Printing: Nirnay Sagar Press, Bombay (निर्णयसागर प्रेस, बम्बई) First Edition: V.S. 2009 (Equivalent to 1952 AD) (वि० सं० २००९)

Overview of the Text:

The "Saptopadhanvidhi" is a detailed guide outlining the practices and rituals associated with undertaking seven specific types of Upadhan fasts or vows, which are considered significant acts of spiritual discipline in Jainism. The text emphasizes the importance of penance (tapas) for the purification of the soul and the attainment of liberation (moksha). It highlights Upadhan as a particularly extraordinary form of penance.

The Seven Upadhans:

The text explicitly lists the seven Upadhans as:

Panchamangal Mahashrutaskandha: (पञ्चमङ्गल-महाश्रुतस्कन्धम्) - Related to the Navkar mantra.
Iriyavahi Shrutaskandha: (इरियावहिवाश्रुतस्कन्धम्) - Related to the Iriyavahi Sutra.
Bhavarhi Arhantstav: (भाषारिहन्तस्तवम्) - Praise of the Arhats in their true form.
Sthavar Arhantstav: (ठदेणारिहंतस्तवम्) - Praise of the Arhats residing in specific places (temples).
Namar Arhantstav: (नामारांरिहन्तस्तवम्) - Praise of the Arhats by name.
Duvvar Arhantstav: (दुव्वारिहन्तस्तवम्) - Praise of the Arhats in difficult circumstances.
Siddhstav Shrutaskandha: (सिद्धस्तव श्रुतस्कन्धम्) - Praise of the Siddhas.

Purpose and Significance of Upadhan:

The text begins by lamenting the suffering inherent in the cycle of birth and death (samsara) due to passions and desires. It states that penance is the primary means to overcome sins and achieve liberation. Upadhan is presented as a highly potent form of penance where specific scriptures and mantras (like the Navkar mantra) are internalized and followed with great devotion.

Adaptation and Structure:

The text acknowledges that ancient practices might have been modified by Acharyas to make them more accessible considering the changing times and circumstances. The current practice involves completing these seven Upadhans over a period of 20 days, sometimes 18 days, with a total of 12 "Sardha Dwadash" (roughly 12.5) fasting days. The text mentions that Upadhan can be undertaken in three phases, with the first phase lasting 51 days, the second 35 days, and the third 28 days, to complete all seven Upadhans.

The book itself is a compilation from various ancient texts like "Vardhamana Mahaneesheeth Sutra," "Vidhipratha," "Achar Dinakar," and "Samachari Shatak."

Key Rituals and Procedures Detailed:

The "Saptopadhanvidhi" provides a step-by-step guide for performing these Upadhan rituals, covering various aspects:

Entry Ceremony (Upadhan Pravesh): Detailed procedures for the day before starting the Upadhan, involving seeking permission from the Guru and making initial vows.
Daily Routine: Includes morning and evening reflections (pratikraman), purification of the living space (vasati shodhan), Jina puja (worship of Jinas), observance of Paushadh (fasting day), and meditation (kayotsarga).
Nandi Rachana: A significant ritual involving the setup of a sacred space or altar (Nandi) with specific offerings and invocations to various deities and celestial beings (dikpalas). This involves detailed mantras and actions.
Upadhan Utkshep Vidhi: The ritual for commencing the specific Upadhan vow, involving seeking blessings and setting the intention.
Chaitya Vandan: The worship of Jina temples and idols, including specific hymns and prostrations.
Upadeshmala Swadhyay: Recitation and contemplation of specific verses from the Upadeshmala, believed to impart spiritual wisdom.
Vachana Vidhi: The process of receiving the "Vachana" (teaching or recitation of scriptures) from the Guru. This involves specific fasting durations and the correct pronunciation and understanding of the verses.
Anujna Vidhi: The ritual of seeking permission and blessings to wear the sacred garland (mala) after completing the Upadhan.
Nandi Sutra: Recitation of a specific Jain scripture, possibly related to the classification and understanding of knowledge (Jnana).
Upadhan Mala Mahatmya: The significance and benefits of wearing the sacred garland after completing the Upadhan.
Upadhan Nikshep Vidhi: The ritual for concluding the Upadhan vow.
Purna-vigai Parana Vidhi: The procedure for breaking the fast or vow after its completion, including necessary purifications and repentance.
Daily Obligations (Nitya Kartavya Vidhi): A section detailing the essential daily practices for those observing Upadhan, including personal cleanliness, temple visits, specific prayers, and dietary regulations.
Reasons for Alocana (Repentance): A list of various minor transgressions or errors that necessitate seeking forgiveness and repentance from the Guru.
Specific Rules and Guidelines: Various detailed rules for maintaining purity, hygiene, and proper conduct during the Upadhan period, including guidelines for women, children, and those with physical limitations. It also outlines specific procedures for handling utensils, clothing, and the living space.

Key Themes and Emphases:

Austerity (Tapas): The central theme is the importance of rigorous penance for spiritual progress.
Purity and Cleanliness: Strict adherence to rules of purity, both physical and ritualistic, is paramount.
Devotion and Reverence: Deep devotion to the Guru, the Jinas, and the Jain scriptures is emphasized throughout the rituals.
Discipline and Observance: The text meticulously details the sequence of actions, prayers, and vows to be followed.
Attainment of Liberation: The ultimate goal of these practices is liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Community and Guidance: The role of the Guru and the community (Sangh) is crucial in guiding and supporting the observance of these vows.

In essence, "Saptopadhanvidhi" serves as a practical manual for Jain followers aspiring to undertake a rigorous spiritual discipline, providing detailed instructions for each of the seven Upadhan rituals, their associated ceremonies, and the underlying principles of Jain practice.