Visu Panjosan Hundi - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Visu Panjosan Hundi" by Vachak Mula, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Visu Panjosan Hundi (વીસુ પ જોસણુ હુંડી) Author: Vachak Mula (વાચક મુલા) Context: The text is related to the "Rai Pratikraman" of the Anchala Gaccha (Vidhipaksha), specifically the verses for Tirth Vandan, also known as "Shri Kevalnani," which is a tradition of "Raj Khelvani" (a type of ritual or observance). Vachak Mula, the author, was a disciple of Shri Ratnaprabhagani under Shri Dharmamurti Suri of the Anchala Gaccha. He also composed the "Gajsukumar Chaupai" in Samvat 1624 and his "Shri Kevalnani Chaityavandan" remains popular.

Core Theme: The "Visu Panjosan Hundi" is a devotional work that expounds on the Jain practice of observing Paryushan (a period of intense spiritual discipline, fasting, and atonement). The title itself, "Visu Panjosan Hundi," likely refers to the "Visu" (twenty) days of observance, possibly related to a specific ritual or devotional offering. The text emphasizes the vidhi (proper method or ritual) for these observances, drawing upon authoritative Jain scriptures.

Key Concepts and Scriptural References:

Emphasis on Vidhi (Proper Method): The central message is the importance of adhering to the prescribed methods and rituals for spiritual practice. The author stresses that following the correct vidhi is the true path to overcoming worldly attachments and achieving liberation.
References to Key Jain Scriptures: The author consistently refers to well-known Jain texts to validate his teachings:
- Shri Kalpasutra: Mentioned as containing the conduct of ascetics and the Paryushan observances, with specific references to the 50 days (pachasa) and the importance of careful thought in the sutras.
- Nishith Churna: Cited for its teachings on the 50-day Paryushan and the rituals associated with the monsoon season.
- Kalpa Churna: Referred to for its explanations related to the 50 or 49 days and the concept of intercalation (extra months) in the calendar.
- Kalpa Niryukti: Mentioned for its sixteenth verse, which discusses the observance of Paryushan in abhivardhik years (years with an intercalary month).
- Jambudvipa Pannati: Used as a reference for understanding the cycle of time and the addition of months.
- Vaddhu Bhashya Shri Kalpa Taru: Mentioned in relation to the 20-day observances, contrasting it with a 50-day observance and noting that an 80-day observance is not mentioned.
Paryushan Observances: The text details the timing and nature of these observances:
- Timing: It discusses observances in the months of Ashadha (for Pratikraman), Bhadrav, and Kartik. Specific dates like Ashadha Purnima and Bhadrav Sud 5 are mentioned.
- Duration: The "Visu Panjosan" likely refers to a 20-day observance. The text contrasts this with 50-day and 80-day observances, suggesting the 20-day period is a valid and significant practice according to the scriptures.
- Intercalary Months: The text explains the significance of intercalary months (adhik masa) and how they affect the timing of observances, referencing them to the summer season and their importance in continuing the proper practice.
Importance of Guru's Guidance: The author highlights the praise of the suguru (good preceptor) for the 20-day Paryushan and the significance of the name "Nishith Churna." This underscores the role of enlightened teachers in understanding and practicing Jain rituals.
Spiritual Benefits: The text promises spiritual merit and liberation for those who faithfully observe these rituals. It speaks of overcoming negative tendencies (durmati dar nivari), achieving happiness, and attaining the abode of liberation (shiva pur than).
Specific Observances Mentioned:
- Pachasa (50 days): A recognized period of observance.
- Attthai Mahotsava (Eight-day festival): Mentioned in relation to the Jivabhigam and the confluence of 64 deities.
- Ayambil (a type of fasting): Mentioned in relation to specific days of the lunar fortnight.
- Upavas (fasting): Implied as a part of the observances.
- Pratikraman (atonement ritual): Specifically mentioned for Ashadha.
Philosophical Underpinnings: The text connects the practice of Paryushan to understanding the teachings of the Arihants (liberated beings) and emphasizes the purity of intention (bhavashu) and true knowledge (sachi janjo).

Structure of the Text:

The text is structured into several "Dhala" (stanzas or sections), each with a specific meter or "Deshi" (tune) for singing.

Dhala 1: Introduces the devotional context, invokes Lord Vasupujya and Goddess Saraswati, and immediately stresses the importance of correct vidhi for spiritual progress, referencing Kalpasutra and Nishith Churna regarding the 50-day observances.
Dhala 2: Discusses the significance of intercalary months as taught by Arihants and the importance of observing Paryushan with endurance, citing Kalpa Niryukti and the concept of 62 yogas in 5 years.
Dhala 3: Refers to "Vaddhu Bhashya Shri Kalpa Taru" regarding the 20-day observance and contrasts it with 50-day and 80-day practices. It emphasizes observing Paryushan to ward off negative forces and highlights the clarity of scripture in this matter.
Dhala 4: Reinforces the scriptural basis for continuous observances and their role in achieving liberation. It mentions the auspiciousness of the 64 deities' presence on certain days and the significance of the Attthai Mahotsava. It explicitly states that 80-day observances are considered less authentic compared to 50-day ones. It also connects the observances to the spiritual significance of the five Bharat, Airavat, and Mahavideh regions.
Concluding Verses (Aatham Pakhi Vishe Gathao): This section appears to be a separate addition focusing on specific rules for observances on the 6th, 8th, 13th, and 14th days of the lunar fortnight, possibly related to fasting or specific rituals like Pratikraman and Pratyakhyan (vows). It also mentions the practice in specific months like Ashadha, Bhadrapada, Kartika, Pausha, Phalguna, and Madhava.

In essence, "Visu Panjosan Hundi" is a scholarly yet accessible devotional poem that aims to guide practitioners in the correct performance of Jain spiritual observances, particularly Paryushan, by grounding these practices in the wisdom of ancient Jain scriptures and the guidance of their gurus. It serves as a spiritual "hundi" (a financial instrument, here metaphorically a document of spiritual merit or instruction) for understanding and performing these important rituals.