Sarva Dev Samanyo Dev Pujan Prayog - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Sarva Dev Samanyo Dev Pujan Prayog" by Amrutlal Shastri, based on the provided pages:

Title: Sarva Dev Samanyo Dev Pujan Prayog (The Worship Practice of All Gods, Common to All Deities)

Author/Compiler: Amrutlal Trikamji Shastri

Publisher: Amrutlal Trikamji Shastri (initially), later published by Satyabhamabai Pandurang.

Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/020661/1

Core Purpose:

This text is a comprehensive guide to performing Hindu religious rituals and pujas (worship) that are considered common and applicable to a wide range of deities. While the title mentions "Jain Education International" and "For Private and Personal Use Only" prominently, indicating a connection to Jain educational or devotional contexts, the content itself describes Vedic and Puranic (Hindu) worship practices. This suggests the text is either:

A Jain compilation or adaptation of Hindu rituals for a specific purpose or audience within the Jain tradition.
A broader compilation of religious practices relevant to individuals who may also identify with Jainism or be interested in comparative religious studies.

Key Content and Structure:

The text meticulously outlines the step-by-step process of performing a puja, covering various stages and elements. Based on the provided pages, the key components include:

Invocation and Purification:
- Shikha Bandhanam (Tying the tuft of hair): A ritualistic act of tying the hair, often accompanied by specific mantras.
- Kusha Pavitra (Sacred grass): Holding sacred grass in the hands for purification.
- Tripundra/Tilak (Forehead marking): Applying auspicious markings on the forehead.
- Achaman (Sipping water): A ritualistic sipping of water for purification, with specific mantras for different traditions (e.g., for the uninitiated).
- Pranayama (Breath control): Performing controlled breathing exercises with Vedic mantras (like the Gayatri mantra) for spiritual and physical purification.
Peace Chants (Shanti Suktam):
- Recitation of verses from Vedic texts aimed at invoking peace and well-being for all beings and the universe. This section includes prayers for general peace, protection from negativity, and blessings.
Devotional Salutations:
- Paying respects to various deities and important figures:
  - Shri Mahaganadhipati (Lord Ganesha)
  - Ishta Devata (Chosen deity)
  - Kula Devata (Family deity)
  - Grama Devata (Village deity)
  - Sthana Devata (Deity of the place)
  - Vastu Devata (Deity of the dwelling)
  - Vani (Saraswati) and Hiranyagarbha (Brahma)
  - Shri Lakshmi Narayana
  - Uma Maheshwara
  - Shachi Purandara (Indra and Shachi)
  - Parents
  - All Brahmins and all deities.
- Recitation of names of Ganesha to avert obstacles.
Sankalpa (Resolution/Intention):
- A detailed declaration of the purpose of the ritual, specifying the time, place, lineage, personal details, and the desired outcome (e.g., for prosperity, success, health, protection from negative influences, family well-being, appeasing planetary deities). This section demonstrates the structured and precise nature of Vedic rituals.
Directional Protection (Dig Rakshana):
- Chanting mantras and scattering mustard seeds in all directions to ward off evil spirits and negative energies before commencing the main puja.
Kalasha Archana (Worship of the Water Pot):
- Setting up a pot filled with water, invoking Varuna (the deity of water), and dedicating it as a sacred vessel for the puja. This involves invoking the presence of various deities and sacred rivers within the kalasha.
Worship of Puja Utensils:
- Shankha Puja (Conch Shell Worship): Invoking the deities associated with the conch shell and worshipping it.
- Ghanta Puja (Bell Worship): Invoking Garuda (the vehicle of Vishnu) associated with the bell and worshipping it. The ringing of the bell is for inviting deities and repelling demons.
- Deepa Puja (Lamp Worship): Praising the lamp as a representation of divine light and an all-witnessing entity.
Deity Invocation and Meditation (Dhyana & Avahana):
- Detailed instructions for meditating on specific deities (Shiva, Vishnu, Surya, Ganesha, Shakti/Devi) and invoking their presence.
- Avahana (Invocation): Calling the deity to be present.
- Pratishthapana (Establishment): Invoking the deity to be firmly established.
- The text provides specific mantras and descriptions for meditating on each major deity.
Sixteen Upacharas (Sixteen Acts of Worship):
- The core of the puja involves offering sixteen symbolic items or services to the deity:
  - Asana (Seat): Offering a seat.
  - Padya (Water for feet): Offering water to wash the feet.
  - Arghya (Water for hands): Offering water to wash hands.
  - Achamaniya (Water for sipping): Offering water for sipping.
  - Snana (Bath): Offering various purifying baths (milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar, sandalwood water, medicinal paste).
  - Vastra (Garment): Offering clothes.
  - Upavita (Sacred Thread): Offering the sacred thread.
  - Gandha (Sandalwood paste/fragrance): Offering scented paste.
  - Akshata (Unbroken rice): Offering consecrated rice.
  - Pushpa (Flowers): Offering flowers and garlands.
  - Durbankura (Sprouts of Durva grass): Offering Durva grass, known for its auspiciousness.
  - Saubhagya Dravya (Auspicious items): Offering turmeric, kumkum, sindoor, kajal.
  - Dhupa (Incense): Offering fragrant incense.
  - Dipa (Lamp): Offering a lamp.
  - Naivedya (Food offering): Offering various types of food and sweets.
  - Tambula (Betel leaf preparation): Offering betel leaves with nuts and spices.
  - Phala (Fruits): Offering fruits.
  - Dakshina (Donation/Gift): Offering money or gold.
  - Aratrika (Waving of lamps): Performing the ritual of waving lamps.
  - Mantrapushpanjali (Flower offering with mantras): Offering flowers with chanted prayers.
  - Pradakshina (Circumambulation): Performing circumambulation around the deity.
  - Namaskara (Prostration/Salutations): Offering prostrations and salutations.
Stuti Patha (Hymns of Praise):
- Recitation of devotional hymns and prayers, including verses acknowledging limitations in performing the puja perfectly and seeking forgiveness.
Samarpanam (Offering of the Ritual):
- Concluding the puja by offering the entire act of worship to the deity, accepting it as complete despite any shortcomings.
- Tatsadbrahmarpanamastu: A final dedication of the deed to Brahman.
Post-Puja Rituals:
- Shankha Bhramanam (Whirling the conch): A ritual involving the conch shell.
- Deva Tirtha Grahan: Drinking the sacred water (prasada) from the deity's worship.
- Nirmalya Marjanam (Wiping with remnants): Using the sacred water from the deity's worship to wipe the head.
- Vishnu Smaranam: Recalling Lord Vishnu for completion and perfection.

Key Themes and Observations:

Syncretism: The title "Sarva Dev Samanyo Dev Pujan Prayog" and the inclusion of Vedic and Puranic rituals suggest a practice that bridges different traditions, potentially for a broader audience or as a way to understand commonalities in worship.
Ritualistic Precision: The text emphasizes the detailed, methodical, and mantra-driven nature of Hindu worship. Each step has a specific purpose and prescribed invocation.
Devotional Expression: Despite the technical instructions, the underlying purpose is devotional, aiming to please and connect with the divine.
Commentary ("Amritavarshini Tika"): The mention of "Amritavarshini Tika" indicates that the text is likely accompanied by explanatory notes or interpretations, making the complex rituals more accessible.
Compilation and Standardization: The work by Amrutlal Shastri appears to be an effort to compile, organize, and perhaps standardize these worship practices, making them available for personal and private use.
Historical Context: The publication date (1951) places it in a period where efforts were made to document and disseminate traditional religious knowledge.

In essence, "Sarva Dev Samanyo Dev Pujan Prayog" is a practical manual for performing Hindu worship, presented in a structured format and intended for devotional purposes, with a potential link or relevance to the Jain tradition through its compiler and publisher.