Vividh Pooja Sangraha

The book "Vividh Pooja Sangraha" published by Jain Prakashan Mandir, Ahmedabad, is a comprehensive collection of Jain devotional songs and rituals, known as "Pooja." This compilation aims to make the essence of Jain dharma accessible to a wide audience, including women, children, and the general populace, through the medium of devotional songs.

Key themes and principles highlighted in the book include:

• The Importance of Pooja: The book emphasizes that pooja is not just a ritualistic act but a heartfelt expression of devotion and a path to spiritual upliftment. It is presented as a simple and accessible way to connect with the divine, especially in the current era where strenuous spiritual practices might be challenging.
• Symbolism in Pooja: The text elaborates on the symbolic meaning of various items used in pooja. For instance, saffron represents perfect knowledge, fruits symbolize liberation, incense represents detachment and renunciation, water symbolizes the ocean of existence, and the swastika symbolizes the four states of existence (human, celestial, infernal, and sub-human). These symbols serve as constant reminders of core Jain principles.
• Inner Purity and Devotion: The book stresses that the success of pooja lies in the purity of the heart and mind, rather than the quantity or grandeur of the materials used. It encourages focusing on the inner spiritual devotion and the symbolic meaning of the rituals.
• Foundations of Jainism: The introduction underscores the spiritual foundation of Indian life, highlighting simplicity, honesty, equality, and renunciation as the four pillars of dharma. Temples and religious spaces should embody these virtues, avoiding ostentation, false displays, and worldly gossip.
• The Evolution of Bhakti Marg: It acknowledges the emergence of the Bhakti movement in the 11th century and the significant contribution of Jains to this movement through the composition of poojas and devotional songs, which played a crucial role in shaping Gujarati poetry.
• Compilation and Authorship: The book is a collection of works by various revered Jain scholars and poets, including Pandit Shri Virvijayji, Upadhya Sakalchandraji, Pandit Uttamvijayji, and the renowned Acharya Shri Yashovijayji, among others. It also pays homage to modern devotional singers.
• Personal Connection: The publisher expresses gratitude to his father, Shri Manilal Ugarchand Shah, for his deep devotion to pooja, and to his friend Shri Jaybhikshu for his contribution to the book's design and presentation.

Structure of the Book:

The book is divided into seven parts, each focusing on different types of poojas and hymns:

• Part 1: Snātrapūjā: This section is dedicated to the rituals and songs associated with the Snātrapūjā, which is often performed at the beginning of other poojas. It includes detailed rituals and specific poojas composed by scholars like Pandit Shri Virvijayji and Shri Devachandji.
• Part 2: Poojas by Pandit Shri Virvijayji: This part features specific poojas composed by Pandit Shri Virvijayji, such as the Panchkalyāṇak Pūjā and Navāṇu Prakārī Pūjā.
• Part 3: Diverse Poojas: It includes the Vīś Sthānak Tapa Pūjā by Shri Vijayalakshmisūri and the Sattar Bhedī Pūjā by Upadhya Shri Sakalchandraji.
• Part 4: Navpad Pūjā: This section focuses on the Navpad Pūjā, with compositions by Shri Yashovijayji and Paṇḍit Shri Padmvijayji.
• Part 5: Various Devotional Hymns: It contains poojas for Ashtapad, Nandishwar Dwip, and prayers dedicated to deities associated with karma.
• Part 6: Detailed Poojas and Rituals: This extensive section includes the 64 Prakārī Pūjā by Pandit Shri Virvijayji, along with other significant poojas like the Panchkalyāṇ Pūjā by Pandit Shri Rupvijayji, Navāṇu Abhisheka Pūjā by Shri Padm vijayji, and various other poojas by prominent acharyas. It also includes appendices with Shāntijin Aarti, Mangaldeep, and spiritual songs.
• Part 7: Specific Devotional Works: This part includes the 108 Prakārī Pūjā of Shri Neminath by Hansavijayji, Shri Mahavir Jinv Panchkalyāṇak Pūjā by Manek Singh Suri, Shri Dadāsāheb ki Pooja by Ramshraddhji, and Shri Rushimandal Pooja by Acharya Shri Vijayvallabh Suri. It also features poojas for overcoming specific karmas like Vedaniya, Mohaniya, and Antarāya.

In essence, "Vividh Pooja Sangraha" is a valuable resource for Jains seeking to deepen their spiritual practice through devotional rituals and songs, offering a blend of scholarly depth and accessibility.