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In a Jain temple, spending wealth yields results even greater than those obtained from the third light of Yoga Shastra, verse 119, or from an unfulfilled wish-fulfilling gem (Chintamani) and other such things. In the Shri Vitrag-Stotra 19/3, it is said: "How can one obtain results from something that is not pleased?" This is illogical. Do inert wish-fulfilling gems and other such things not yield results? They do. Similarly, the Jain idol also yields results. Even if there is no benefit from the worshiped ones, they are still beneficial to the worshiper. Just as remembering a mantra yields results of its form, and consuming fire yields results like heat, similarly, serving and worshipping the Jain idol should be understood as a cause of benefit. (Shra. Pu. 348) Here, we have described the method of creating a self-made idol. Similarly, one should worship idols created by others. And if no one has created an idol, one should still worship and pay homage to such an eternal idol according to the proper method and as appropriate. Jain idols are of three types: 1. Jain idols created by oneself out of devotion, established in a temple by oneself for the devotion of others. For example, many devotees create them nowadays. 2. Auspicious idols or images are established on auspicious mounds (Chaitya) or at the entrance of houses for auspiciousness. 3. There are eternal mounds (Chaitya) that no one creates, but eternal idols exist in the upper realms, lower realms, and the realm of transmigration (tiryagloka) in an eternal form. There is no place in the three realms that is not purified by the Jain idol. It is appropriate to worship Jain idols only after attributing the quality of non-attachment (Vitragabhav) to them.
2. Jain Temple - The second area where one should invest their wealth (seed) is the Jain abode. One should build a Jain temple by acquiring stones, wood, etc., naturally obtained from land free from inauspicious substances like bones, coal, etc., and paying generous wages to carpenters, masons, blacksmiths, artisans, etc., while carefully protecting the beings of the six categories of life (Shatjivanikaya). However, one should never force, cheat, or get this work done for free from the aforementioned individuals. If one has good wealth, one should build a temple like that of King Bharat, adorned with gem-studded stones, a golden base, pillars and steps made of gems, adorned with hundreds of gem-studded arches, a large pavilion with statues, etc., all adorned with excellent craftsmanship. The smoke from the burning fragrant incense like camphor, musk, and agarwood should touch the sky, and the sweet sounds of peacocks dancing joyfully due to the fear of clouds caused by the smoke should be heard. The sky should resonate with the sounds of auspicious musical instruments all around. The temple should be adorned with canopies made of various fabrics like celestial garments, etc., and adorned with pearls. It should be adorned with clusters of pearls hanging down. The group of gods should be descending from above and returning after seeing the temple. They should be singing, dancing, jumping, roaring like lions. The crowd should be overjoyed by the approval of the gods, seeing this effect. The temple should have various scenes and strange paintings that make many people feel like they are drawn by a painter. It should be adorned with whisks, umbrellas, flags, etc., and a large flag should be flying on its peak. The directions should be filled with the sounds of small flags with many bells fluttering. The group of gods, demons, and celestial nymphs should be singing music competitively, attracted by such wonders. The sweet songs of the singers should have defeated the sound of the celestial musicians' (Gandharva) musical instruments, and the celestial dancers should be constantly gathering there, dancing in rhythm and time, performing, and making gestures. The wealthy people should be amazed by seeing them. Millions of connoisseurs should gather there, attracted by the desire to see the plays with acting. Such a Jain temple should be built on the peak of a high mountain or in a land of blessings where the Jineshwara were born, initiated, attained omniscience, and attained liberation. Or, like King Samprati, one should build such a temple in every village, town, and neighborhood in a good location. This is the duty of a great Shravak.
But if one does not have such wealth, one should still build a Jain temple, even if it is like a hut made of grass. It is said: "Whoever builds a Jain temple even like a hut made of grass for the Jineshwara, and devoutly offers even a single flower, obtains such merit that cannot be measured. Then, the man who builds a large temple made of strong stone slabs is truly a man of good intentions.
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