Jain Journal 2002 10

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 43

JAIN JOURNAL VOL-XXXVII. NO. 2 OCT, 2002
During the period from Bhadrapada suddha pañcami to caturthi, it is called 'Daśalakṣaṇaparva and special pūjā is offered. On that day discussions will be held on 'Dharma' aspects like Uttama, Kṣama, Mārdava, Ārjava, Sauca, Satya. Samyama, Tapa, Tyāga, Akincana and Brahmacarya. The ten chapters of Tattvārtasūtra are recited --one chapter cach day for a period of ten days.
Aṣāḍha, Kärttika and Phalguna lunar months witness Aṣṭāhnika parva from sukla pañcami upto Aṣṭami. There are 52 caityalayas of different shapes and appearance in Nandisvara Dvīpa. In these caityalayas special pūjā is offered to the installed images.
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In every basadi on the occasion of annual ceremony and on the great occasion of Maha Mastakābhiṣēka once in 12 years Mahāmastakābhiṣēka is performed to Gommata of Śravanabelagola and Gommata of Dharmasthala-special pūjā is performed in a grand manner along with abhiṣcka. In addition to the daily pūjā formalities, pañcāmṛtābhiṣēka will be connducted. In this regard the instructions of Bhaṭṭakalika samhita are:
"garbhādi pancakalyanam arhantam yadvine bhavēt/ tatha Nandiśvare ratnatraya parvani cărcatām// snapanam kriyatē nānā rasair ṣku ghrtādi/
tatra gītādi mangalyam kālapūjā bhaver iyam //
While worshipping Jincśvara with pañcakalyaṇa, in Nandīśvara vratārcana, abhiṣēka is conducted with pañcāmṛta, and it will be accompanied by devotional songs, hymns, musical instruments and mangalavādya. This idea is found in some śrāvakācāra scriptures also.
Bhaṭṭakalanka says that pañcamrta consists of water, tender coconut water, milk, curds and ghee. Pūjā offered with these is pañcāmṛtābhişēka. In some instances ghee, tender coconut water and cūrṇas are mentioned.
The process of abhiṣēka and the ingradients used not only arouse devotion in the devotees but it will also protect the image from hazards of Nature.
In Jain culture there are many occasions when special pūjā is conducted. Also special pūjā is performed on days of vrata-nompi. In Jain faith worship of Yantra' and practising 'Mantra' (spells) became popular in course of time. But these practices were followed only to attain spiritual power and not to acquire destructive powers.