Savdhan Devdravya Vyavastha Margadarshak

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Savdhan Devdravya Vyavastha Margadarshak" (Caution: Guide to the Management of Devdravya):

This book, authored by Acharya Shri Vichakshansurishwarji, serves as a guide on the proper management of Devdravya (sacred wealth belonging to Jain deities and temples). It emphasizes the importance of safeguarding and utilizing this wealth according to Jain scriptures and principles, aiming to prevent its misuse and promote spiritual merit.

Key Themes and Content:

• Importance of Devdravya: The text begins by highlighting the immense spiritual significance of Devdravya. It states that protecting Devdravya reduces one's cycles of birth and death, while increasing it can lead to becoming a Tirthankar (a spiritual propagator). Conversely, misusing or consuming Devdravya is severely condemned, with the text warning that it can lead to multiple rebirths in hell.
• Qualifications of those who Manage Devdravya: The book meticulously outlines the qualities required for individuals appointed to manage Dharmdravya (religious wealth, including Devdravya) and religious institutions. Based on the "Dravya Saptatika" and other scriptures, an ideal manager (a Shravak) should possess:
  • A good and financially stable family, free from religious or societal transgressions.
  • Financially acquired wealth through honest means.
  • Respectability and honor from authorities.
  • Good lineage and upbringing.
  • A generous and open heart, not prone to stinginess.
  • Inner strength and stability to remain steadfast in difficulties.
  • Intelligence and wisdom to overcome challenges.
  • Deep devotion to Dharma, ensuring no unrighteous actions are taken.
  • Devotion to their Guru, who can guide them in proper management.
  • Eight qualities of service and understanding of religious principles.
  • Knowledge of methods to increase Devdravya, always acting within Jain injunctions.
• Prohibitions on the Use of Devdravya: The text strongly advises against Shravaks (lay followers) residing in houses belonging to Devdravya, even for rent, unless it's a special case with Sangh permission and fair market rent is paid. It criticizes the practice of using money collected for home temples for their renovation or decoration, emphasizing that all such collections should be dedicated to the Sangh's temples.
• Duties of Trustees: Trustees of religious institutions have several crucial duties:
  • Adherence to Scriptures: They must prioritize scriptural guidelines over personal or majority opinions.
  • Timely Payment: Pledged donations and contributions must be deposited promptly into the Sangh's treasury.
  • Recovery of Dues: They should actively pursue outstanding payments from others.
  • Temple and Upashray Care: They must ensure regular visits to temples and Upashrays (places of Jain monks and nuns), maintain cleanliness, and address any disrespect (Ashatana) shown to deities or holy places.
  • Guru's Guidance: They should visit their Gurus, listen to their teachings, share their management practices, and implement any corrections suggested.
  • Promoting Dharma: Efforts should be made to increase the number of devotees in temples and participants in religious observances.
  • Active Participation: Trustees should actively participate in religious festivals and events that promote Jainism.
  • Preventing Disputes: They must work to maintain harmony within the Jain community and resolve any conflicts amicably.
  • No Personal Use of Staff: Temple pujaris or staff should not be used for personal tasks without proper compensation.
  • Service, Not Power: The trustee position is a role of service, not an avenue for power, prestige, or enjoyment.
• Consequences of Mismanagement and Misuse: The book details severe consequences for misusing Devdravya, including poverty, suffering in this life, and multiple rebirths in lower realms. Numerous stories and examples are cited to illustrate these points:
  • Devsen Sheth's Mother: Her story highlights the sin of using temple lamps for household purposes, leading to rebirth as an ox.
  • Shubhankar Sheth: His tale demonstrates the sin of exchanging temple rice for personal consumption, even with a seemingly equal exchange, leading to his own financial loss and the monk's spiritual downfall.
• Proper Accounting and Segregation of Funds: The text stresses the critical importance of maintaining separate accounts and funds for Devdravya, Gyan Dravya (knowledge-related wealth), and Sadharan Dravya (general funds). Using a single "kothli" (bag/account) for all types of funds is condemned as it can lead to inadvertent misuse of Devdravya for other purposes, incurring sin.
• Specific Guidelines for Donors and Participants:
  • Bidding for Religious Services: Those who bid for religious ceremonies or offerings must pay the pledged amount immediately or with interest if delayed. This ensures the proper flow of funds and prevents the accumulation of debt and sin.
  • Timeliness: Prompt payment is emphasized as it generates immediate spiritual merit and avoids the erosion of enthusiasm.
• Munishhelana (Monks' Conference) Decisions: The book includes decisions from a Jain monks' conference, reiterating that temple funds (Devdravya) should only be used for idol making, temple construction, and renovation. Any funds collected for Prabhu's (the deity's) purpose, even outside the temple premises, are considered Devdravya. Offerings related to Upadhan (a specific religious austerity) should also be categorized as Devdravya. Lay followers are encouraged to use their own wealth for temple rituals, but if necessary, Devdravya can be used for essential rituals when other resources are unavailable. Temple administrators are advised to allocate remaining funds for temple renovations and new constructions after ensuring necessary reserves.
• The Importance of Renovation: A significant point highlighted is that renovating old temples generates eight times more merit than building new ones.
• Examples of Jain Sites: The book also mentions specific Jain pilgrimage sites and temples, such as Ayad in Udaipur and Dayalshah Kila in Kankroli, encouraging donations for their maintenance and renovation.

In essence, "Savdhan Devdravya Vyavastha Margadarshak" is a comprehensive treatise that guides Jain community members, particularly trustees and lay followers, on the ethical and scriptural responsibilities concerning the management of sacred wealth. It aims to foster a culture of integrity, piety, and diligent stewardship of Devdravya for the spiritual upliftment of individuals and the Jain community.