Veer Ekadash Gandhar Puja

This document is the "Veer Ekadash Gandhar Puja" (Worship of the Eleven Gandharas of Veer), authored by Acharya Shrimad Vijayavallabhsuri. It was published by Granth Bhandar in Bombay with the assistance of Seth Pragji Dharmaso of Porbandar.

The text begins with a historical and biographical introduction to the influential Jhañjhaṇ family and, in particular, to Mandan, a prominent minister, scholar, and poet. The preface highlights the scholarly and prosperous lives of Jain families in earlier times and laments the current decline in learning within the Jain community. It suggests that a lack of education is the primary cause of this decline.

The book then details the genesis of the "Ekadash Gandhar Puja." Two letters are presented:

1. From Muni Durlabh Vijay of Pratapgarh: This letter, dated February 1, 1925, requests Acharya Vijayavallabh Suri to compose a puja for the eleven Gandharas in pure Hindi, praising the Acharya's poetic abilities.
2. From Shri Atmanand Jain Shwetambar Gurukul, Gujranwala: This letter, dated February 20, 1925, further elaborates on the request, mentioning a specific temple with the charan padukas (foot imprints) of the eleven Gandharas, where Jain devotees were becoming increasingly interested in their worship. The writer emphasizes the need for the puja to be completed and published before Diwali.

The response from Acharya Vijayavallabh Suri indicates his willingness to fulfill the request, seeking clarification on the desired length and musical meters (chāls and rāga-rāgiṇīs) for the puja.

The main body of the text then presents the "Ekadash Gandhar Puja" itself. It outlines the proper ritualistic procedures for performing the puja, including the installation of the Gandharas' padukas or images, the performance of snatra puja (bathing ceremony), and the offering of eight types of substances. The text emphasizes the importance of devotion (bhava) and allows for variations based on individual capacity.

Following the general instructions, the document details the worship of each of the eleven Gandharas individually. For each Gandhara, it provides:

• A Doha (couplet) introducing their lineage, parents, birthplace, and early life.
• A Lāvanī (musical verse) describing their initial doubts or misconceptions, their journey to Lord Mahavir, their dialogue with the Lord, and their eventual enlightenment and acceptance of Jain principles.
• A Mantra for invocation.
• A Kavya (poem) summarizing their role as Gandharas and their connection to the teachings of Lord Mahavir.

The eleven Gandharas whose pujas are detailed are:

1. Shri Indrabhuti (Gautam Swami)
2. Shri Agnibhuti
3. Shri Vayubhuti
4. Shri Vyaktaswami
5. Shri Sudharma Swami
6. Shri Mandita Swami
7. Shri Maurya Putra Swami
8. Shri Akampita Swami
9. Shri Achala Bhrata (presumably Achalabhrata)
10. Shri Metarya Swami
11. Shri Prabhasa Swami

The text also includes instructions on how to perform devavandan (veneration of deities) for the Gandharas, referencing the works of Shri Gyanvimal Suri. It provides the names of the eleven Gandharas and the procedure for performing chaitravandan (temple worship).

Finally, the document concludes with a "Kalash Dhanyashri" (Concluding Auspicious Verse) summarizing the significance of the eleven Gandharas in relation to Lord Mahavir and mentioning the composition date and location of the puja. It also includes an Aarti for the Jain Tirthankaras and Gandharas.

In essence, the "Veer Ekadash Gandhar Puja" is a devotional text that serves as a guide for worshipping the eleven chief disciples (Gandharas) of Lord Mahavir, providing their biographical details, the spiritual dialogues they had with Lord Mahavir to resolve their doubts, and the prescribed rituals for their veneration. It is presented within a broader context of Jain history and the importance of scriptural study and devotion.