Veervijayji Krut Ashtaprakari Puja

This document is the Gujarati text of "Ashtaprakari Puja" (Worship of Eight Types), originally composed by Acharya Veervijayji and its commentary and compilation done by Muni Charitravijayji. The book was published by Sorath Vanthali Jain Vidyashala in 1915 (Vir Samvat 2441, Vikram Samvat 1971).

Here's a summary of the content, based on the provided pages:

Overall Purpose:

The text serves as a detailed guide to performing the Ashtaprakari Puja, a significant ritualistic worship in Jainism. It explains the significance of each of the eight types of offerings (water, sandalwood, flowers, incense, lamp, unbroken rice, offering, and fruit) and their symbolic meaning, aiming to deepen the devotee's spiritual understanding and connection.

Key Sections and Themes:

1. Introduction (Prastavana - Pages 4-11):

   • Importance of Devotion (Bhakti): The introduction emphasizes devotion as a fundamental human practice that connects individuals to the sacred and drives progress in all religions. It highlights devotion as a force that conquures ego and guides one away from unethical actions.
   • Role of Worship (Upasana): Worship is presented as a means to please the divine and achieve spiritual goals. It's stated that worship can achieve what even scriptures and teachers might not, reaching even those who don't fully comprehend.
   • The Significance of Form and Emotion: The text argues for the importance of both outward forms (dravya) and inner devotion (bhava) in worship. It posits that the material offerings help in generating the correct emotional state.
   • Jain Sects: It briefly mentions the three main Jain sects (Svetambara, Digambara, and Sthanakavasi) and notes that Svetambara and Digambara traditions are known for their elaborate worship.
   • Evolution of Jain Worship: The text traces the history of Jain worship, noting the shift from Sanskrit and Prakrit hymns to vernacular compositions as knowledge declined and opposition to idol worship grew. It credits several Acharyas (Jnanvimal Suri, Yashvijayji Upadhyay, Sakalchandji Upadhyay, Vijayalakshmi Suri, Veervijayji Maharaj) for creating accessible devotional literature.
   • Veervijayji Maharaj: The introduction specifically highlights Veervijayji Maharaj, an 18th-century scholar whose works are popular in Gujarat. His scholarship was so renowned that the 'upashraya' (monastic dwelling) where he stayed became known by his name. He is credited with composing various pujas in simple language and melodious tunes.
   • The Need for this Book: The current work is a response to the growing understanding of the rationale and meaning behind rituals due to Western education. The goal is to make Veervijayji Maharaj's pujas more understandable through commentary.
   • Chronology of Veervijayji's Pujas: The text lists the order in which Veervijayji Maharaj composed various pujas, starting with Ashtaprakari Puja in 1858 (Vir Samvat 1858), followed by others.
   • Eightfold Worship (Ashtaprakari): It clarifies that other forms of worship, like Chausath Prakari, Navanu Prakari, etc., are also essentially Ashtaprakari as they involve the same eight substances, with variations in the devotional sentiments.
   • Meaning of Each Offering: The introduction explains the symbolic meaning of each of the eight offerings:
     • Water (Jal): To wash away impurities, symbolizing the cleansing of karmic matter.
     • Sandalwood (Chandan): Its coolness symbolizes the desire for inner coolness and peace.
     • Flowers (Pushpa): Symbolizes the fragrance of the soul.
     • Incense (Dhup): Its upward movement symbolizes burning away karmic impurities through meditation.
     • Lamp (Deep): Symbolizes the illumination of true knowledge.
     • Unbroken Rice (Akshat): Symbolizes attaining liberation (akshaya pada) by destroying the four states of existence.
     • Offering (Naivedya): Symbolizes detachment from worldly pleasures and the aspiration for a state of being without nourishment (moksha).
     • Fruit (Phal): Symbolizes the attainment of the fruit of liberation.

2. The Eight Pujas (Pages 12-64): This section details each of the eight types of worship, including:

   • Doha (Couplets): Verses setting the context or prayer.
   • Dhal (Stanzas/Songs): Melodious verses sung during the worship.
   • Bhavarth (Meaning): A direct translation and explanation of the verses.
   • Vivechan (Commentary): Detailed explanations of the spiritual and ritualistic significance, often including philosophical insights and historical anecdotes.
   • Katha (Stories): Illustrative stories from Jain tradition to highlight the results of performing these rituals with correct understanding and devotion.

   The Pujas covered are:

   • First: Water Puja (Jal Puja): Emphasizes cleansing of both the idol and the soul.
   • Second: Sandalwood Puja (Chandan Puja): Focuses on inner coolness and the fragrance of virtues.
   • Third: Flower Puja (Pushpa Puja): Symbolizes the fragrance of the soul and devotion.
   • Fourth: Incense Puja (Dhup Puja): Represents burning away karmic obstacles through meditation and aspiration for upward movement.
   • Fifth: Lamp Puja (Deepak Puja): Symbolizes the illumination of true knowledge and overcoming ignorance.
   • Sixth: Unbroken Rice Puja (Akshat Puja): Represents attaining eternal liberation.
   • Seventh: Offering Puja (Naivedya Puja): Signifies detachment from worldly desires and the aspiration for the state of being without nourishment in liberation.
   • Eighth: Fruit Puja (Phal Puja): Symbolizes the ultimate fruit of liberation.

3. Kalash (Concluding Verses - Pages 65-66):

   • These verses summarize the benefits of performing the Ashtaprakari Puja, leading to spiritual progress, wisdom, and the attainment of the eightfold attainments.
   • They invoke the lineage of Acharyas and the auspicious date of composition.
   • The author, Veervijayji, acknowledges the limitations of his own understanding in describing the virtues of the Tirthankaras, comparing it to a child describing the ocean.
   • The verses encourage the assembly (Sangh) to embrace the teachings and find joy in the path of liberation.

Overall Message and Significance:

The "Ashtaprakari Puja" by Veervijayji, as explained by Charitravijayji, is a comprehensive guide to devotional practices within Jainism. It emphasizes that true worship involves not just the outward rituals with prescribed substances but also the cultivation of inner virtues and understanding. The text aims to imbue the devotee with the spiritual significance of each offering, ultimately guiding them towards liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The inclusion of illustrative stories reinforces the teachings and demonstrates the positive outcomes of sincere devotion and adherence to Jain principles.