Vidhan - Book Summary | JainGPT

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Vidhan" by an unknown author and publisher, based on the provided pages. The text appears to be a collection of various Vidhan (rituals or procedures for worship) for different Jain deities, principles, and concepts.

Here's a breakdown of the content:

Overall Structure and Content:

The book "Vidhan" is a compendium of various rituals and worship procedures within Jainism. The table of contents reveals a diverse range of Vidhans, indicating its purpose is to guide practitioners in worshipping specific Jinas (Tirthankaras), important Jain concepts, and celestial beings.

Key Sections and Their Content:

Shrutaskandh Puja Vidhan (Pages 3-16):
- This is the most extensively detailed section, focusing on the worship of Shrutaskandh (the collection of Jain scriptures, particularly the Twelve Angas).
- It begins with the invocation and installation of the Shrutaskandh, followed by an eight-fold worship (Ashtaprakari Puja) using substances like water, sandalwood, rice, flowers, food offering, lamp, incense, and fruit.
- The text then goes into detailed explanations of the Twelve Angas (Acharanga, Sutrakrita, Sthana, Samavaya, Vyakhyaprajnapti, Jnatru-katha, Upasaka-dasa, Antakṛt-dasa, Anuttar-a-upapatada-daśā, Prasna-vyakarana, Vipaka-sutra, Drishtivada). Each Anga is described along with its procedural number of verses (pad) and the worship offering (Arghya) is prescribed for each.
- It also includes worship procedures for the Five Parikarmas (Chandra Prajnapti, Surya Prajnapti, Jambu Pradipti, Dveepa-sagara Prajnapti, Kalpa Prajnapti), Sutra, Pratham-anuyog, the Fourteen Purvas, and the Five Chulikas.
- Finally, it mentions Angabahya Prakirnaka (outlying scriptures) and Vastuprahrita-anuyoga, indicating a comprehensive approach to understanding and worshipping the Jain scriptural tradition.
- The section concludes with a Jayamala (victory garland) and Aashirvad (blessings).
Shri Bhaktamar Vidhan (Pages 33-55):
- This section focuses on the worship of the Bhaktamar Stotra, a famous devotional hymn in Jainism.
- It includes a Pithika (preface) on the proper methodology and materials for the ritual.
- The Vrishabhdev Stuti (praise of Lord Rishabhdev, the first Tirthankara) is presented in various poetic meters (Vasantatilaka, Sragdhara), highlighting his qualities.
- The worship then proceeds with the installation of the deity and an eight-fold offering.
- The Bhaktamar Stotra itself is presented, along with the corresponding offerings for each verse, emphasizing its devotional and protective significance. It also mentions the worship of Govaktra Yaksha and Chakreshwari Devi, auxiliary deities.
Shri Shantinath Vidhan (Pages 56-98):
- This Vidhan is dedicated to Lord Shantinath, the 16th Tirthankara, known for his association with peace.
- The Prastavana (introduction) emphasizes the importance of reciting Jain scriptures and the lineage of Acharyas and readers.
- It narrates the Mahatmya (glory) of Lord Shantinath, including a story about a king whose kingdom was afflicted by a plague, and how the worship of Shantinath brought peace.
- The Mantra for peace is provided.
- The ritual involves the establishment of the deity, followed by an eight-fold worship, and then a detailed Mandala Puja (worship in a circular diagram), likely involving various deities and celestial beings associated with the planets and directions. The text lists the worship of 32 types of Indras and other celestial figures, followed by the worship of the nine planets.
- A Jayamala and Ashirvad conclude this section.
Shri Vrhat Nirvana Vidhan (Pages 99-108):
- This Vidhan is associated with the Nirvana Kalyanak (liberation) of Lord Mahavir Swami, the 24th Tirthankara.
- It includes the usual invocation and installation.
- The worship involves offerings for the Nirvana Kalyanak of Lord Mahavir, mentioning his birth, twenty-four divine attributes (atishay), and his final liberation.
- It specifically details the worship related to the Nirvana Bhoomi (place of liberation) of the 24 Tirthankaras, emphasizing the significance of visiting and worshipping these sacred sites.
- A detailed Jayamala praising Lord Mahavir's qualities and the concept of the 14 Purvas is included.
Sammeta Shikhara Vidhan (Pages 109-157):
- This Vidhan is dedicated to the worship of Sammeta Shikhara, a highly revered pilgrimage site in Jainism, where 20 Tirthankaras attained Nirvana.
- The text begins with the glory of Sammeta Shikhara and the significance of its worship.
- It then proceeds with the establishment of the ritual and the eight-fold worship.
- The core of this section is the detailed worship of the 24 Tirthankaras at their respective Nirvana sites on Sammeta Shikhara, referred to as Koot (summits). The text lists 24 specific Kootas and the Tirthankaras who attained Nirvana there, along with the number of their followers (Munis) who also attained liberation.
- It includes the worship of the 24 Ganadharas (chief disciples of Tirthankaras) and the 84 Siddha (liberated souls) as well.
- The section concludes with a Jayamala and Ashirvad.
Panchameru Poojan Vidhan (Pages 158-196):
- This section details the worship of the Panchameru, five mythical mountains in Jain cosmology, each with 80 Tirthankara shrines.
- It starts with the description of the Vrat Mahatmya (glory of the vow associated with this worship).
- The core ritual involves the establishment of the Panchameru conceptual representation and the worship of the Tirthankaras residing on them. The text meticulously lists the names of the mountains, the number of Tirthankaras, and their associated sacred places within these mountains, along with the offerings for each.
- The worship is divided into sections for each of the five Merus: Sudharshan Meru, Vijay Meru, Achal Meru, Mandir Meru, and Vidyunmali Meru. For each Meru, it details the associated mountains and Tirthankaras, along with their respective worship rituals.
- A Jayamala praising the Panchameru and their Tirthankaras is included.
Karma Dahana Vidhan (Pages 197-208):
- This Vidhan is focused on overcoming the Karma Bandha (bondage of karma) and achieving liberation.
- It begins with invocations and praises of the Siddhas (liberated souls).
- The eight-fold worship is performed for the Siddhas.
- The text then details the Jayamala which praises the qualities of the Tirthankaras and the process of overcoming karma through devotion and practice. It mentions the story of King Harishchandra and Nala, and the role of namokar mantra in attaining spiritual progress.
- The section concludes with blessings.
Shri Nandiśvara Dveep Poojan Vidhan (Pages 209-254):
- This Vidhan focuses on the worship of Nandiśvara Dveep, a central continent in Jain cosmology, considered a pure land where Tirthankaras, Chakravartis, and other highly virtuous beings reside.
- It begins with the invocation and establishment of Nandiśvara Dveep.
- The ritual involves the eight-fold worship of the deities residing on Nandiśvara Dveep, described in a structured manner based on the directions (East, South, West, North) and the locations within these directions (mountains and their associated Jinalayas).
- The text enumerates the Tirthankaras and their associated mountains and Yaksas/Yaksis on each of the four cardinal directions of Nandiśvara Dvipa.
- A Jayamala praising the Nandiśvara Dvipa and the deities is included.
Navagraha Arishta Nivarak Vidhan (Pages 227-232 & 266-409):
- This Vidhan is dedicated to warding off afflictions and negative influences caused by the Navagraha (nine planets) in Vedic astrology, but approached from a Jain perspective.
- It begins with invocations to the Tirthankaras, particularly Lord Parshvanath (associated with healing and protection) for warding off planetary afflictions.
- The text provides specific Vidhans for different planetary influences:
  - Surya-graha Arishta Nivarak Pujan (Pages 33-40): Worship of Lord Parshvanath for mitigating the negative effects of the Sun.
  - Chandra Arishta Nivarak Puja (Pages 40-46): Worship of Lord Chandraprabha for mitigating the negative effects of the Moon.
  - Mangala Arishta Nivarak Puja (Pages 46-55): Worship of Lord Vasupujya for mitigating the negative effects of Mars.
  - Budha Arishta Nivarak Puja (Pages 55-68): Worship of eight specific Tirthankaras for mitigating the negative effects of Mercury.
  - Guru Arishta Nivarak Puja (Pages 68-78): Worship of eight specific Tirthankaras for mitigating the negative effects of Jupiter.
  - Shukra Arishta Nivarak Puja (Pages 78-87): Worship of Lord Pushpadanta for mitigating the negative effects of Venus.
  - Shani Arishta Nivarak Puja (Pages 87-98): Worship of Lord Munisuvrata for mitigating the negative effects of Saturn.
  - Rahu Arishta Nivarak Puja (Pages 98-108): Worship of Lord Parshvanath for mitigating the negative effects of Rahu.
  - Ketu Arishta Nivarak Puja (Pages 108-116): Worship of Lord Malli and Lord Parshvanath for mitigating the negative effects of Ketu.
- Each section includes specific mantras, offerings, and a Jayamala.
Rishabhdev's Ashtak (Pages 34-38): A specific praise of Lord Rishabhdev, possibly intended as a prelude to or part of other rituals.
Laxmi Labdhi Puja (Pages 654-698): This section deals with the worship of Laxmi Labdhi (goddess of wealth and prosperity) and the rituals to attain it. It includes prayers and offerings related to attaining wealth, prosperity, and overcoming financial obstacles. It also details rituals for overcoming specific obstacles and negative influences.
Rishabhdev's Ashtak (Pages 366-368, 370-374): This section seems to be a compilation of various Ashtakas (eight-verse prayers) dedicated to Lord Rishabhdev, often highlighting his attributes and the blessings sought from him.
Chatur-vidha Vastu Puja (Pages 371-380): This section details the worship of the Chatur-vidha Vastu (four types of foundational elements or deities). It includes the worship of the Digpalas (guardians of the directions) and the Navagrahas (nine planets), followed by the worship of Dwarpalas (door guardians). The text provides specific mantras and offerings for each.
Maha Mrityunjaya Puja Vidhan (Pages 342-427): This Vidhan is dedicated to Maha Mrityunjaya, a powerful deity in Hinduism associated with overcoming death and diseases. The Jain context likely relates to seeking protection from harm and longevity. The ritual includes the establishment of a Yantra (mystical diagram) and specific mantras for invocation and worship.
Rativrata Vidhan (Pages 738-763): This Vidhan focuses on the Rativrata (a vow observed in Jainism, often associated with prosperity and well-being), possibly related to seeking auspicious outcomes or overcoming specific challenges. It includes specific rituals for the nine planets and their mitigation through the worship of Lord Parshvanath.
Dasha Lakshana Vidhan (Pages 587-653): This is a significant section detailing the Dasha Lakshana Dharma (ten virtues or qualities of Dharma). It includes:
- Introduction: Explaining the importance of these virtues.
- General Worship Procedure: Outlining the basic steps of the ritual.
- Individual Worship of Each Virtue: Dedicating a section to each of the ten virtues: Uttama Kshama (Patience), Uttama Mardava (Humility), Uttama Arjava (Straightforwardness), Uttama Shaucha (Purity), Uttama Satya (Truthfulness), Uttama Samyama (Self-control), Uttama Tapa (Austerity), Uttama Tyaga (Generosity), Uttama Tyaga (Renunciation), and Uttama Brahmacharya (Celibacy). Each section includes specific mantras and offerings.
- Jayamala and Ashirvad are provided.
Labdhi Vidhan (Pages 654-737): This extensive section deals with the worship of various Labdhi (supernatural powers or spiritual attainments) and the deities associated with them. It covers:
- General Worship: For the concept of Labdhi itself.
- Specific Labbhi Worship: Detailing rituals for the worship of deities related to specific attainments like Dana Labdhi (Charity), Labdhi (Gains/Merits), Bhoga Labdhi (Enjoyment), Upabhoga Labdhi (Prolonged Enjoyment), Virya Labdhi (Strength), Buddhi Labdhi (Intellect), Vyavavaya Labdhi (Practice), Prayogya Labdhi (Application), Karma (action), and others.
- It includes detailed descriptions of the associated deities (Yaksas and Yaksis) and their worship.
- A comprehensive Jayamala and Ashirvad are provided for this section.
Siddha Labdhi Puja (Pages 764-796): This section focuses on the worship of Siddha Labdhi (attainment of liberation) and the Siddhas (liberated souls). It includes detailed worship procedures and praises of the Siddhas, highlighting their pure and blissful state.
Rishishwar Puja (Pages 796-806): This section is dedicated to the worship of Rishis (sages or ascetics), particularly those who have attained great spiritual powers and virtues, like the 48 Rishis of the Tirthankara's samavasarana.
Ganadhara Valaya Puja (Pages 807-831): This Vidhan is for the worship of the Ganadharas, the chief disciples of the Tirthankaras, who compiled and organized the Jain scriptures. It describes the establishment of a circular diagram (Valaya) and worship procedures related to them, including specific mantras and praises.
Navagraha Arishta Nivarak Vidhan (Pages 227-232 and 266-409): As mentioned earlier, this section details rituals to mitigate negative planetary influences by worshipping specific Tirthankaras.
Dasha Lakshana Vidhan (Pages 587-653): This is a significant section focusing on the ten virtues (Dasha Lakshana Dharma) that are central to Jain practice: Patience, Humility, Straightforwardness, Purity, Truthfulness, Self-control, Austerity, Generosity, Non-attachment, and Celibacy. Each virtue is explained with its significance and a corresponding worship procedure.
Shri Yagamandala Vidhan Puja (Pages 424-475): This Vidhan describes the worship of the Yagamandala, a sacred diagram used in elaborate Jain rituals, often performed during Pratishtha (consecration) ceremonies. It involves the worship of various deities and celestial beings in a structured manner within the mandala.
Panch Kalyanaka Vidhan (Pages 738-764): This section outlines the worship related to the Panch Kalyanaka (five auspicious events in the life of a Tirthankara: birth, initiation, attainment of knowledge, attainment of divine assembly, and liberation/Nirvana). It presents rituals for each of these events, often linking them to specific Tirthankaras and their birth dates.
Chowshath Riddhi Vidhan (Pages 527-654): This Vidhan focuses on the worship of the Sixty-four Rddhis (supernatural powers or spiritual accomplishments) that are attained by ascetics and particularly by Tirthankaras. The text describes the procedure for worshipping these Rddhis, highlighting their significance in spiritual progress.
Namo Tassa Virassa Pujanam (Pages 764-796): This section appears to contain worship procedures related to the Namo Tassa Virassa (a core Jain mantra or phrase) and potentially the Siddha Chakra, emphasizing the nine auspicious entities in Jainism.
Ravi Vrata Vidhan (Pages 738-763): This Vidhan focuses on the Ravi Vrata (Sunday Vow), likely performed for general well-being, prosperity, and the mitigation of negative influences, particularly those associated with planetary alignments. It involves specific fasting and worship procedures on Sundays and offers protection against planetary afflictions, linking it to Lord Parshvanath.
Dash Lakshana Vidhan (Pages 587-653): This is a significant section detailing the ten virtues (Dasha Lakshana Dharma) that are central to Jain practice: Patience, Humility, Straightforwardness, Purity, Truthfulness, Self-control, Austerity, Generosity, Non-attachment, and Celibacy. Each virtue is explained with its significance and a corresponding worship procedure.
Labdhi Vidhan (Pages 654-737): This extensive section deals with the worship of various Labdhi (supernatural powers or spiritual attainments) and the deities associated with them. It covers:
- General Worship: For the concept of Labdhi itself.
- Specific Labbhi Worship: Dedicating rituals to the attainment of powers like Dana Labdhi (charity), Labdhi (general merit/gain), Bhoga Labdhi (enjoyment), Upabhoga Labdhi (prolonged enjoyment), Virya Labdhi (strength), Buddhi Labdhi (intellect), Vyavavaya Labdhi (practice), Prayogya Labdhi (application), Karma (action), and others.
- It includes detailed descriptions of the associated deities (Yaksas and Yaksis) and their worship.
- A comprehensive Jayamala and Ashirvad are provided for this section.
Kshāyak Samyak Labdhi Puja (Pages 764-796): This section focuses on the worship of Kshāyak Samyak Labdhi (the highest form of right faith) and the process of attaining it, which leads to liberation. It includes detailed worship procedures and praises for the path to spiritual purity.
Chaumukha Puja (Pages 342-427, 410-419): While not explicitly named as "Chowmukh Puja", the mention of worshipping deities in a circular pattern with specific seed syllables (bija aksharas) like "Aim Kraum Hrim" suggests the worship of the Chaumukha, a four-faced idol representing the liberated souls (Siddhas) or the Pancha-parameṣṭhi.

Overall Themes and Significance:

Devotion (Bhakti): The entire text is infused with a deep sense of devotion towards the Tirthankaras, Acharyas, and Jain principles. The elaborate rituals, offerings, and praises highlight the importance of bhakti in Jain practice.
Adherence to Principles: The meticulous detailing of the achara (conduct) and the avoidance of doshas (faults) in the Labdhi Vidhan and other sections emphasize the Jain emphasis on ethical conduct and adherence to spiritual principles.
Cosmic Understanding: The inclusion of rituals for Nandiśvara Dvipa and the Panchameru demonstrates the Jain cosmology and the reverence for these sacred, albeit mythical, realms.
Spiritual Attainment: Many of the Vidhans, especially those related to Labdhi and Tapa, aim at spiritual progress, purification, and ultimately, liberation (Moksha).
Preservation of Tradition: The text serves as a repository of Jain rituals and teachings, preserving them for future generations and providing a guide for practice.
Authorship: The inclusion of author names for some Vidhans (e.g., Acharya Shri Shrutsagar Ji, Acharya Shri Soma Sen, Shri Tarachand Ji Rewari, Kaviraj Jagatram Ji, Kavivar Jawaharlal, Kavi Shri Tekchand Ji, Kavi Shri Chand Ji, Kavi Shri Ravilal Ji, Shri Mansukh Sagar Ji, Kavivar Pandit Tekchand Ji, Shri Pandit Pravar Ashadhar Ji, Bra. Shitalprasad Ji, Pandit Shri Swarupchand Ji, Kavi Shri Abhinandan Guru, Shri Kalyan Kumar Jain 'Shashi', Shri Pannalal Shastri, Shri Shubchandracharya, Bra. Surajmal Ji, Kaviraj Vrindavan Ji, Sw. Kaviraj Kunwar Lal Ji, Pt. Vimal Kumar Soraiya) indicates a rich tradition of scholarly and devotional literature within Jainism.

In essence, "Vidhan" is a comprehensive manual for Jain worship, covering a wide spectrum of devotional practices aimed at spiritual purification, merit accumulation, and the ultimate goal of liberation.