Smruti Tattvasya Part 02 - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Smruti Tattvasya Part 02" by Raghunandan Bhattacharya, based on the provided catalog link and the beginning pages of the text.

Book Title: Smruti Tattvasya Part 02 Author: Raghunandan Bhattacharya Publisher: Jivanand Vidyasagar

Overall Scope: "Smruti Tattvasya Part 02" is the second volume of a larger work focusing on various "Tattvas" (principles or elements) related to memory, rituals, social conduct, and purification, drawing heavily from Vedic and Puranic traditions. While the catalog indicates a Jain text and the context is within a Jain Aradhana Kendra, the content summarized here, based on the provided pages, appears to be predominantly rooted in Brahmanical/Hindu scriptures and practices, particularly those concerning Dharma Shastras, Puranas, and Vedic rituals. The text likely aims to provide guidance on the correct performance and understanding of these principles.

Key Tattvas Covered (as indicated by the title on page 2 and the index):

The second part of "Smruti Tattvasya" appears to cover a wide array of topics, each treated as a distinct "Tattva":

Ekadashi Tattva: This section is extensively detailed in the provided text, focusing on the observance of the Ekadashi fast. It discusses its importance, rules of observance, food restrictions (like avoidance of grains, grains associated with certain days), exceptions, and the spiritual significance of fasting on this day, often linked to Vishnu worship. It also touches upon related concepts like the importance of Tulsi and Rudraksha.
Uddaha Tattva: Likely deals with the principles and rules surrounding cremation or funeral rites.
Vrata Tattva: Focuses on the concept of vows (Vratas), their types, observance, and the merits associated with them. It may cover the coordination of different vows and the etiquette of breaking fasts.
Daya Tattva: This Tattva likely elaborates on the principles of charity, division of wealth, inheritance, and the rights of various family members (sons, daughters, etc.) in matters of property. It might also discuss what constitutes divisible and indivisible property.
Vyavahara Tattva: This is a significant section dealing with worldly conduct, legal procedures, and societal norms. It appears to cover aspects like evidence, dispute resolution, oaths, judgments, and possibly contract law or transactional principles.
Shuddhi Tattva: Focuses on purification rituals, concepts of impurity (Ashaucha) due to birth, death, or other circumstances, and the methods to regain purity. It likely details purification processes for various situations, including dealing with death, childbirth, and even specific types of impurities (e.g., from foreigners, during pregnancy).
Vastu Yaga Tattva: Deals with the rituals and principles related to Vastu Shastra, likely concerning the construction and consecration of buildings and other structures, including purification rites for land and buildings.
Kritya Tattva: This Tattva might refer to daily duties, rituals, or specific acts of religious observance throughout the year, possibly covering monthly or yearly observances.
Yajurvedi Shashvat Tattva: This section specifically addresses principles related to the Yajurveda and possibly eternal or perpetual duties (Shashvat).
Deva Pratishtha Tattva: Focuses on the consecration of deities and idols, including the methods, timings, and significance of such rituals.
Jalashayo Visarjan Tattva: Deals with the principles and rituals associated with the offering or consecration of water bodies (like ponds, wells).
Vrishotsarga Tattva: This Tattva concerns the ritualistic offering of a bull.
Shri Purushottam Tattva: Likely focuses on the principle or worship of Lord Purushottam (Vishnu).
Divya Tattva: This Tattva might relate to divine matters, celestial beings, or sacred times and places.
Matha Pratishtha Tattva: Deals with the consecration and principles related to monasteries or religious institutions.
Shudra Kritya Vicharana Tattva: Discusses the duties and considerations related to the Shudra varna.
Yajurvedi Vrishotsarga Tattva: A specific section on the Vrishotsarga ritual as it pertains to the Yajurveda tradition.
Deeksha Tattva: Focuses on the principles and rituals associated with initiation (Deeksha).
Durga Archana Paddhati: A specific methodology for the worship of Goddess Durga.

Detailed Summary of the Ekadashi Tattva Section (Pages 8-78):

The provided text heavily focuses on the Ekadashi Tattva. This section is highly detailed and resembles a commentary or treatise on the Ekadashi fast. Key points discussed include:

Nature of Ekadashi Vrata: Described as a significant Vaishnava vow, to be observed on both the Shukla (waxing) and Krishna (waning) Pakshas. Observing it is equated with living with Vishnu.
Sins and Ekadashi: It is stated that observing Ekadashi on the chosen day destroys terrible sins. Missing the vow due to ignorance leads to a worse fate.
Timing and Duration: Emphasis is placed on abstaining from food for the entire day and night (Ahoratra) of Ekadashi, not just a part of the day. Various Puranic and scriptural sources (like Varaha Purana, Bhavishya Purana, Vishnu Dharma Uttara, Katyayana) are cited to define the correct timing and observance.
Methods of Observance: Discusses various forms of fasting including fasting completely (Nirahara), eating only one meal (Ekabhakta), eating at night (Nakta), and eating food that is not solicited (Ayachita).
Prohibited Actions: Details actions that invalidate the fast, such as sleeping during the day (Diva Swap), sexual intercourse (Maithuna), using certain oils, eating specific foods, and even certain types of conversation. The text distinguishes between actions that break the fast (Vratabhanga) and those that merely diminish its merit.
Vrata Lakshana (Definition of a Vow): Discusses whether a vow is the resolve itself or the act of performing the vow.
Sankalpa (Resolve): The importance and procedure of making a Sankalpa (vow/resolve) are explained, noting it should be done in the morning.
Special Ekadashis: Mentions "Trisprusha Ekadashi" (when Ekadashi touches three Tithis) and rules related to Dashami tithi (the preceding day) when it is conjoined with Ekadashi.
Exceptions and Substitutes: Discusses allowances for the weak, ill, or elderly, suggesting alternatives like mental worship (Manasa Karma) or partial fasting.
Foods and Restrictions: Elaborates on permissible (Havishya) and prohibited foods, emphasizing purity.
Purity and Impurity (Shuddhi): Discusses various rules related to purity, including bathing, eating specific foods, and avoiding contact with impure persons or substances.
Brahmana Role: Highlights the importance of Brahmins, their role in rituals, and the need for offerings (Dakshina) to them.
"Om Tat Sat" Directive: Explains the significance of the phrase "Om Tat Sat" in Vedic karma, including offerings, donations, and penances.
Nitya and Kamya Vratas: Distinguishes between vows that are obligatory (Nitya) and those performed for specific desires (Kamya).
Consequences of Breaking Vows: Outlines the negative repercussions of not adhering to vows.
Purity of Offerings: Discusses rules regarding what can be offered to deities, including flowers, food, and the importance of purity in such offerings.
Specific Rules: Mentions details like avoiding certain actions on Ekadashi, the specific times for commencing and concluding fasts (like Parana), and the significance of Tulsi and Rudraksha.
Merits of Ekadashi: Mentions that Ekadashi leads to the fulfillment of four Purusharthas (Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha).

Overall Tone and Style: The text is highly scholarly and relies on extensive citation of various scriptures, Smritis, Puranas, and authoritative texts like the Vedas and Upanishads. It engages in detailed interpretative discussions (like Kalam Adhikaran Nyaya) to establish the correct understanding of rituals and principles. The language is Sanskrit, and the style is authoritative and explanatory, aiming to provide definitive guidance on complex religious and social matters.

Note: While the catalog and the Kendra affiliation suggest a Jain context, the extensive references to Vishnu, Hari Vasara, and Vedic deities indicate a strong influence of or focus on traditions that are not typically associated with Jainism. This might suggest the book is a broader treatise on Dharmic practices relevant to a wider audience, or potentially a text used in a comparative religious studies context. However, based strictly on the provided text excerpts, the emphasis is heavily on Brahmanical Puranic and Vedic traditions.