Vasupujya Swami Pratishtha Vidhi Suchak Stavan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Vasupujya Swami Pratishtha Vidhi Suchak Stavan" by Diptipragnashreeji, based on the provided pages:

Title: Vasupujya Swami Pratishtha Vidhi Suchak Stavan (A Hymn Indicating the Consecration Ritual of Lord Vasupujya Swami) Author: Diptipragnashreeji (Editor/Compiler) Original Composer: Muni Premvijayji Maharaj (disciple of Acharya Shri Saubhagyalakshmisuriji Maharaj) Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan Historical Context & Location:

• The hymn describes the consecration of a grand temple dedicated to Lord Vasupujya Swami.
• This very temple still exists in Surat's Gopipura area and is known as the "Lalmanidada's Derasar."
• The descendants of the temple's founder, Shah Ratanchand, are still present and have undertaken its renovation and re-consecration in VS 2032 (1975-76 AD).
• The impactful idol of "Manibhadra Dev" mentioned in the hymn is also present there, likely the reason for the temple's popular name.
• The hymn mentions that the founder-shravak (lay follower) Ratanchand belongs to the lineage of Samrasha Oswal, who also undertook renovations of Shatrunjay Tirth.

Content and Structure:

The hymn's primary purpose is to vividly describe the consecration (Pratishtha) ceremony and the Anjanshalaka ritual for the Vasupujya temple. It details the daily activities and rituals performed over ten days.

Key Aspects Detailed in the Hymn:

1. Foundational Information:

   • The hymn begins with salutations to Lord Vasupujya, acknowledging his auspicious name and divine qualities.
   • It highlights the lineage of the founder, Ratanchand, connecting him to Samrasha Oswal and a lineage that freed many prisoners.

2. Temple Construction and Dedication:

   • Ratanchand, inspired by listening to the story of Lord Vasupujya, decided to build the temple, spending generously.
   • The hymn describes the beautiful assembly hall (Rangmandap) and the inner sanctum (Garbhavas), noting their grandeur and the joy of the monastic and lay community (Sangh).
   • The construction involved beautifully crafted stone slabs brought from distant lands, radiating a pure white light like the moon.

3. Idol Creation:

   • The idol of Lord Vasupujya was sculpted with precise measurements, mentioning specific details about its limbs (e.g., 77 parts for the body, 72 for limbs, symbolizing perfection).
   • The idol was made to bring joy to all devotees.

4. Devotional Adornments and Deities:

   • The hymn mentions the presence of Yaksha Kumar and Devi Chanda, protectors of Lord Vasupujya's feet, and Manibhadra, who provides peace and prosperity, highlighting their significance.

5. The Consecration Ritual (Pratishtha Vidhi) - A Day-by-Day Account:

   • Day 1 (Implied): Begins with preparatory rituals like constructing an elevated altar (vedika), placing auspicious items like five swastiks, coconuts, five jewels, and applying fragrant pastes.
   • Jal-Yatra (Water Procession): Describes the sacred water procession, with decorated elephants, a chariot resembling the one described in the fifth Anga (likely a Jain scripture), and the participation of the four-fold Jain community (monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen), accompanied by music, flags, and singing.
   • Kumbh Sthapan (Vessel Installation): Details the installation of sacred vessels (kumbh) adorned with auspicious symbols, offerings, and prayers to invoke deities. The ritual involves women singing, offering prayers for obstacle-free completion, and invoking blessings. It also mentions the use of Ghee lamps and specific auspicious timings. The hymn attributes the effectiveness of these rituals to the spiritual power of Saubhagyalakshmisuriji.
   • Subsequent Days (Days 2-10 are particularly detailed):
     • Day 2: Involves writing auspicious symbols like Nandavarta on golden plates.
     • Day 3: Invocation of Kshetrapal (guardian deity) and worship of Navagraha (nine planets) and Dash Digpal (ten directional deities).
     • Day 4: Devotion to Siddhachakra (a significant Jain mandala).
     • Day 5: Worship of the "Vissthanik" (twenty-situated positions in asceticism), linking it to the spiritual journey of King Padmottar, who practiced this.
     • Life Events of Vasupujya Swami: The hymn interweaves the consecration rituals with key events in Lord Vasupujya's life, likely as a parallel or representation:
       • His birth in the heavens and subsequent descent.
       • The fourteen auspicious dreams seen by his mother, Jayadevi.
       • His birth, attended by celestial beings and purification rituals.
       • The celestial coronation by the Indras.
       • His marriage to Padmavati.
       • His renunciation (Diksha) at the age of 16, accompanied by King Shatrunjay and others.
       • His attainment of Kevala Jnana (omniscience).
       • The Anjanshalaka ritual itself, performed on the second day of Vaishakh month in the year VS 1843 (1786-87 AD).
     • The hymn details the elaborate preparations for these rituals, including decorating the idols, offering various materials, and performing specific chants and prayers.

6. Significance of the Hymn:

   • The hymn is considered historical because it provides the consecration year/date (V.S. 1843, Vaishakh Sudi 2, Leo ascendant).
   • It serves as a guide to the consecration rituals, aligning with Jain Agamas and scriptures.
   • It is a compilation from a manuscript written in VS 1852, which was partially illegible due to water or oil damage, hence some parts are omitted.
   • The hymn ultimately expresses the spiritual progress and devotion of Ratanchand and the entire community, led by the guru, thus bringing prosperity and auspiciousness.

In essence, this "Stavan" is a detailed and devotional poetic narrative that not only celebrates the consecration of a Lord Vasupujya temple but also serves as a historical record and a guide to the intricate rituals involved in such ceremonies within Jainism, while also recounting the significant life events of the Tirthankara.