Jain Society Greater Atlanta 2008 11 Pratistha

Author(s): Jain Center of Greater Atlanta
Publisher: USA Jain Center Greater Atlanta

Page 35

Meaning of Various Poojas and Vidhis
by Narendra Nandu
Shri Kumbh Sthapana Puja: According to our rich Indian tradition, we put a Kumbh in a new place such as a new shop or a new house before we move in. Putting a Kumbh signifies an auspicious beginning. It is symbolic for good luck. There is an Indian belief that a couple or a person who puts the Kumbh in a new place (before its use) will be blessed with good luck through his/her own self-efforts. Similarly, according to our scripture, we begin our Pratishta Mahotsav by placing the auspicious Kumbh reciting the Namokar Maha Mantra, Uvasaggaharam and Moti Shanti and having a continuous flow (akhand dhara) from the Kumbh by a couple. This is an auspicious ritual and brings inner as well as eternal peace.
Shri Akhand Dipak Sthapana Puja: According to our scripture, we should install Akhand Dipak (continuous light from a candle like flame) for the most auspicious Pratistha Mahotsav event. This is performed next to the right of the Kumbh. It is believed that the place where the Akhand Dipak is installed will be free of any external disturbances (updrav). At this place, the heavenly beings with right perception (Samyak Darshan) are present to guard. Dipak is a symbol of inner peace and awakens our pure consciousness. It represents the brightness of right knowledge (Samyak Gnana) and removes the darkness of our ignorance.
Shri Jwara Ropan: Auspicious aspiration, happiness and peace are qualities that are wished to every living being in the universe. In this auspicious ritual, four or more unmarried girls (Kunwari Kanya) mix the rich farm clay and grains in a clay utensil and then gently pour pure water in the mixture. This is like a process of sowing good seeds that will grow into a very green and healthy plant. Similarly, during this auspicious ritual, it is prayed that our Sangh will grow spiritually stronger to represent the teachings of Bhagwan Mahavir.
Julkkiskelual
the Veetrag Bhagwan, nine planets among others are also devotees of him. They are very powerful. As we invite other Sanghs to our Pratistha Mahotsav, we invite these nine planets (Nav Graha) to our Pratishta Mahotsav by performing certain rituals in accordance with our scripture. Ashtaprakari Puja is performed by reciting appropriate Mantras for all of the planets. We pray for peace, contentment, growth and protection of our entire Sangh (Community). Using cotton rosary (mala), with unique colors for each planet, the auspicious Mantras are recited. This ritual is believed to at least spiritually benefit the families who are participating with the right aspiration and affects others positively.
Shri Dush Dikpal Patla-Poojan: In this auspicious ritual, we invite Dush Dikpal (protectors of the ten different directions: east, west, north, south, northeast, northwest, southeast, southwest, sky (aakash) and below the earth (pataal)) as we invite the nine planets to our Pratistha Mahotsav by performing certain rituals in accordance with our scripture. We also perform their Ashtaprakari Puja. Because of the presence of powerful heavenly beings, our Pratishta Mahotsav will be celebrated auspiciously without any disturbance. We also pray to these heavenly beings help in maintaining and enhancing the peace, contentment, growth and protection of our Sangh (Community).
Shri Ashta Mangal Patla-Poojan: After the birth of a Tirthankar, Indra Maharaja (King of heavenly beings) takes him to the Meru Parvat (Mount Meru) and performs the Abhishek Puja. Then the Indra Maharaja makes Ashta Mangal, which are eight auspicious sacred symbols listed below:
1. Four-armed cross (Swastika, known as Sathiya) 2. A rhomboid mark (Shrivatsa)
3. Nine pointed diagram (Nandyavart) 4. Powder flask (Vardhamanak)
Shri Nav Grah Patla-Poojan: As we are devotees of 5. Full vase (Kalash)