Siddha Parmeshthi Vidhan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Siddha Parmeshthi Vidhan" by Rajmal Pavaiya, based on the provided text:

Overall Purpose:

The "Siddha Parmeshthi Vidhan" (also referred to as "Karma Dahan Vidhan" - the ritual of burning karma) is a Jain text designed to guide devotees in the worship and contemplation of the Siddha Parmeshthi, the liberated souls who have attained perfection in Jainism. The primary aim of this ritual and the accompanying text is to inspire and facilitate the process of karma annihilation, leading to the soul's liberation and attainment of the Siddha state.

Key Themes and Structure:

The text is structured as a guide for a devotional ritual, incorporating prayers, verses, and specific steps for worship. The central theme revolves around understanding the nature of karma, its obstruction of the soul's inherent qualities, and the path to its eradication.

Core Concepts Explained and Worshipped:

• The Siddha Parmeshthi: The text extols the Siddhas as embodiments of pure consciousness, possessing infinite knowledge, perception, bliss, and strength. They are described as residing at the apex of the universe (Trilokagra), forever free from the cycle of birth, death, and suffering.
• The Eight Karmas (Ashta Karma): A significant portion of the text is dedicated to detailing the eight types of karma that bind the soul and obscure its true nature. These are categorized into:
  • Ghati Karmas (Destructive Karmas):
    • Jnānāvaraṇīya (Knowledge-obscuring karma)
    • Darshanāvaraṇīya (Perception-obscuring karma)
    • Mohanīya (Delusion-causing karma)
    • Antarāya (Obstructing karma)
  • Aghāti Karmas (Non-destructive Karmas):
    • Vēdanīya (Feeling-producing karma)
    • Āyu (Lifespan-determining karma)
    • Nāma (Body-determining karma)
    • Gōtra (Status-determining karma)
• The Path to Liberation (Moksha Marga): The text emphasizes that the destruction of these eight karmas is the direct path to achieving the Siddha state. It outlines the necessary steps, starting with the attainment of Right Faith (Samyak Darshan) and Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra).
• The Worship Ritual: The core of the "Vidhan" involves a detailed worship ceremony using eight symbolic substances (Ashta Dravya), each offered with specific mantras and verses. These substances represent the purification of the soul by destroying specific karmas and manifesting the soul's inherent virtues:
  • Water (Jal): To destroy birth, old age, and death (Āyu karma).
  • Sandalwood (Chandan): To destroy the heat of worldly suffering (Vēdanīya karma).
  • Unbroken Rice (Akshata): To attain an indestructible state (Nāma karma related aspects, purity).
  • Flowers (Pushpa): To destroy the passions of desire and attachment (Mohanīya karma, Kamabāṇa).
  • Sweetened Rice (Naivēdya): To destroy the hunger of worldly desires (Vēdanīya karma, Kṣudhāroga).
  • Lamp (Dipa): To destroy the darkness of ignorance (Mohanīya karma, Mohāndhakāra).
  • Incense (Dhūpa): To burn away the eight karmas (Ashta Karma).
  • Fruit (Phala): To attain the fruit of liberation (Moksha Phala).
  • Arghya (A Complete Offering): Representing the offering of the eight virtues by destroying the eight karmas.

Specific Sections and Prayers:

The text includes several sections of prayers and verses:

• Mangalacharan (Auspicious Invocation): Begins with prayers to the Siddhas, Tirthankaras, pure consciousness, the soul's dharma, and the principle of right determination.
• Peethika (Introduction): Explains the purpose of the ritual – the proper method for destroying karma – and expresses the devotee's intention to achieve the pure, karma-free state of the Siddhas. It elaborates on the destruction of each karma and the manifestation of the soul's infinite virtues.
• Detailed Worship of Each Karma: The latter part of the text is structured as specific worship rituals (Pūjan Kr. 1 to 8) focusing on the eradication of each of the eight karmas individually. Each section involves:
  • Sthapana (Establishment): Invoking the presence of the Siddhas.
  • Offerings: Presenting the eight symbolic substances with mantras specifically tailored to the karma being addressed.
  • Arghyavali (Sequence of Offerings): Detailed verses for each offering, connecting it to the destruction of particular karmic manifestations.
  • Mahārghya (Great Offering): A consolidated offering.
  • Jayamālā (Garland of Victory): Hymns celebrating the victory over karma and the attainment of the Siddha state.
  • Āshīrvād (Blessings): Concluding verses seeking blessings for liberation.
• Japya Mantra: A specific mantra for repetition: "Om Hrim Shrim Anantānanta Siddhaparameshthibhyo Namah".
• Shanti Path (Peace Chant): A prayer for universal peace and the attainment of the soul's true nature.
• Kshamapana (Request for Forgiveness): A prayer seeking forgiveness for any errors made during the ritual.

Publisher's Note (Prakashkiya):

The publisher, Kundkund Pravachan Prasaran Sansthan, expresses joy in publishing this text, which is beneficial for self-welfare. They are dedicated to spreading the philosophical knowledge disseminated by their spiritual guide (Gurudevshri). The publication highlights the spiritual impact of their organization, which has contributed to the construction of temples and the propagation of Lord Mahavir's teachings. The specific publication of this "Vidhan" is made possible by the generous support of Mrs. Kanika, wife of Mr. Praveenkumarji Luhadia of Delhi.

In essence, "Siddha Parmeshthi Vidhan" is a devotional manual that empowers individuals to actively engage in the process of self-purification and spiritual attainment by understanding the mechanisms of karma and performing rituals that symbolically and spiritually lead to the eradication of karmic obstacles and the realization of the Siddha state.