Vijaydharmsurijini Ashtprakari Pooja - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Vijaydharmsurijini Ashtprakari Pooja" by Vijaydharmsuri, based on the provided pages:

Title: Vijaydharmsurijini Ashtprakari Pooja (The Eightfold Worship of Acharya Shri Vijaydharm Surishwarji Maharaj)

Author: Acharya Shri Vijaydharm Surishwarji Maharaj (with contributions from Upadhyay Shri Mangalvijayji Maharaj)

Publisher: Shri Vijaydharm Lakshmi Gyanmandir, Belanganj, Agra.

Overview: This book presents an "Ashtprakari Pooja" (Eightfold Worship) dedicated to the revered Jain Acharya Shri Vijaydharm Surishwarji Maharaj. The Ashtprakari Pooja is a traditional Jain ritual involving offering eight items to a deity or spiritual figure, symbolizing different aspects of devotion and spiritual progress. This particular compilation is significant as it focuses on glorifying the life and teachings of Acharya Shri Vijaydharm Surishwarji Maharaj, who is described as a "Param Prabhava: Jagpujya Shastra Visharad" (Most Influential, World-Worshipped, Scholar of Scriptures).

Key Aspects and Content:

Dedication to Acharya Shri Vijaydharm Surishwarji Maharaj: The text is a tribute to Acharya Shri Vijaydharm Surishwarji Maharaj, acknowledging his immense contributions to Jainism and society. He is credited with spreading Jain principles, undertaking efforts for the revival of pilgrimage sites, and ushering in a new era for the Jain community. His passing is noted, but his legacy is celebrated through this worship.
Compilation and Authorship: While the core worship is attributed to Acharya Shri Vijaydharm Surishwarji Maharaj, the compilation and arrangement of the devotional songs (Stavans), compositions (Gaduliyo), and hymns (Bhajans) are credited to Upadhyay Shri Mangalvijayji Maharaj. The preface mentions that other versions of Ashtprakari Pooja in Hindi and Sanskrit by other learned scholars were also previously published.
Purpose of the Pooja: The book aims to provide a means for devotees to praise and honor Acharya Shri Vijaydharm Surishwarji Maharaj, thereby elevating their own souls. It encourages the practice of his worship in various forms across different communities.
Structure of the Pooja: The book outlines the typical steps for performing the Ashtprakari Pooja. This includes:
- Installation of an idol or footprints: Placing a statue or footprints of the Acharya on a throne. If unavailable, an image engraved on copper or marble can be used.
- Invocation (Aahvan) and Consecration: Performing rituals with mantras and scattering rice (Vasa-kshep) if the idol or image is not yet consecrated.
- Offering the Eight Items: The core of the worship involves separate offerings for each of the eight items:
  1. Jal (Water): Symbolizing purity and cleansing.
  2. Chandan (Sandalwood Paste): Representing coolness, peace, and pleasant fragrance.
  3. Kusum (Flowers): Signifying beauty, devotion, and the ephemeral nature of life.
  4. Dhoop (Incense): Symbolizing the spreading of good deeds and purification of the atmosphere.
  5. Deepak (Lamp): Representing knowledge, enlightenment, and dispelling darkness.
  6. Akshat (Unbroken Rice): Symbolizing prosperity, purity, and unbroken devotion.
  7. Naivedya (Sweets/Food Offering): Representing nourishment and the offering of one's sustenance.
  8. Phal (Fruit): Symbolizing the fruition of good deeds and spiritual growth.
- Singing of Kalash: After the eight offerings, a song related to a "Kalash" (pot) is sung.
- Aarti: The ritual concludes with the performance of Aarti, a form of devotional worship with lamps.
Devotional Content: The book is rich with devotional songs (Dhal) and verses that narrate specific events and aspects of Acharya Shri Vijaydharm Surishwarji Maharaj's life, his teachings, and his spiritual journey. These include his birth, education, renunciation, his efforts in establishing schools, his travels, his interactions with scholars and rulers, his philosophical discourse, and his ultimate passing. The songs are set to various traditional meters (deshi) and ragas.
Examples of Depicted Life Events:
- His birth in Madhumati city to Kamaladevi and Mahasen.
- His early life, inclination towards learning, and eventual renunciation.
- His rigorous study and spiritual practice.
- His contributions to education and establishing religious institutions.
- His extensive travels and dissemination of Jain principles across various regions.
- His interactions and debates with prominent scholars and religious figures.
- His efforts in promoting vegetarianism and non-violence.
- His peaceful demise and the sense of loss felt by his followers.
Invocations and Mantras: The book includes specific mantras for invocation, installation, and presence, emphasizing the spiritual connection with the Acharya.
Supporting Texts: In addition to the main Pooja, the book also contains:
- Stavans (Hymns of Praise): Several hymns are included, such as "Vitarag Stavan" and "Shri Chandraprabh Jin Stavan," which are devotional songs dedicated to specific Tirthankaras and embodying general Jain principles.
- Gaduli (Songs/Compositions): Numerous "Dhal" sections within each worship item serve as devotional songs narrating the Acharya's life.
- Bhajans (Devotional Songs): Two "Bhajans" are included, focusing on the transient nature of life, the importance of righteous conduct, and the path to spiritual liberation.
- Other Stanzas: Various stanzas (Doha, Shlok) are interspersed throughout to provide philosophical context and praise.
- Stavan of Suparshvanath: A specific stavan dedicated to Lord Suparshvanath, the seventh Tirthankara, residing in Belanganj, Agra, is also present.
- Gahuli (Narrative Songs): Several "Gahuli" compositions delve into specific philosophical discussions from Jain scriptures like the Bhagavati Sutra, particularly regarding concepts like "Kriyamana Krit" (actions in progress) and the interpretation of scriptures.
Publisher's Information: The book emphasizes that it is a gift from the "Gyankhata" (knowledge fund) of Seth Laxmichandji Baid and his wife Sugunbai, making it accessible to everyone. The printing details and the year of publication (Veer Samvat 2451, Vikram Samvat 1983) are provided.

Overall Significance: "Vijaydharmsurijini Ashtprakari Pooja" serves as a devotional guide and a historical document, preserving the life and legacy of Acharya Shri Vijaydharm Surishwarji Maharaj. It is a testament to the Jain tradition of revering spiritual leaders through worship and song, offering devotees a path to connect with their spiritual heritage and to draw inspiration from the life of a great Jainacharya. The detailed narratives within the devotional songs offer valuable insights into the socio-religious landscape of the time and the impact of Acharya Shri Vijaydharm Surishwarji Maharaj's work.