Jain Society Greater Atlanta 2008 11 Pratistha

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

Page 37

Saraswati, Shantidev and footsteps of two preceptors (Charan-paduka) on the right hand side of Mandal. These two preceptors are Padliptasuri and Vardhmansuri Maharaj Sahebs-compilers of this worship.
All the Pujas in Nandavarta are carried out by offering Vasskepa, Chandan-Saffron and with flowers. The Poojan is performed in the following sequence:
3. 16 Goddesses of Knowledge. They look after the followers of Arihant Bhagwan.
1. All eight auspicious elements starting from Arihant to of the gods and goddesses are chanted for their Poojan, Samyag Charitra a mixture of Ghee, Sugar and Googad is poured into the Kund with a spoon made from Cisam.
2. All 24 mothers of 24 Tirthankars
5. 64 Indras, who are profusely mentioned in Snatra Puja, are being offered Puja which is then offered to the 64 queens of Indras.
The Yantra is placed in front of the Mandal. Poojan of
4. Nine Lokantik Gods who are destined to salvation in Kshetrapal is performed in the beginning and the Poojan of the next birth. Yantra follows it according to the sequence, in the middle of Mandal. Chanting of the mantras for the 183 gods and goddesses continue according to their sequence in the Yantra and Mandal, by pouring the mixture that is prepared earlier in the Kund. 52 Veer and 64 Yoginism as well as 9 planets (NavGrah) and Dus Dikpal (Protectors of the ten different
8. 10 Dikpals. They are the saviors of 10 different directions), are also honored in this Poojan. directions.
6. 24 yaksha of 24 Tirthankars are offered Pujas.
7. 24 yakshini are offered Pujas.
The land on which the Poojan is going to be held is purified with the chanting of the mantra of Panch Parmeshti (five venerable souls) and then the mantra of Bhagwati devi is recited. The body is then purified and protected through the recitation of Atmaraksha mantra.
A triangular Kund is being prepared with raw bricks on the right side of Bhagwati Mandal Yantra. The fire is then produced with woods. When the recitation of the Mantra
9. 9 planets.
Pratishta (Ceremonial Installation) Vidhi: This spiritual
10. All the heavenly gods are remembered on this pious process involves cementing Pratimaji on its platform
occasion and honored with Pujas.
11. Then comes 12 parshadas (courtyards) of Samosaran, (Palatial creation where Tirthankars sit on golden and jeweled throne and give discourses).
(Gadi). There will be the same number of the metal sticks under the Gadi as the participating families. Each participating family will remove one strip and cement that particular place where the metal strip is removed. Then
12. Dwarpal (Doorkeeper) of 1st Gadha (Castle) of they will move back to allow other participants to do Samosaran. the same. Before and during this process, the auspicious Mantras are recited.
18. Then all the gods and goddesses who were invited to protect the rights and rituals of this Poojan are being thanked and requested with honor and chanting of Visarjan (withdrawing) Mantra to return to their respective places. 19. Then Chaityavandan and forgiveness prayer for any mistakes occur during reciting any Mantra and offering Pujas.
13. Dwarpal of 2nd Gadha (Castle).
14. Dwarpal of 3rd Gadha (Castle).
15. Afterwards flowers mixed with rice are showered upon Shikhar Kalash Sthapan & Shikhar Dhvaja Sthapan: all Mantrik letters. Shikhar is a pyramid-shaped dome placed on the top of the
16. Then a Yantra has to be wrapped in red cloth and kept temple, above the Mul Nayak and other main Pratimajis. aside, next to Kumbha Sthapna. Shikhar signifies the house of Veetrag Bhagwan who
17. Aarti of 108 lamps, Mangal Deevo and Shantikalash has expounded the path of everlasting happiness for the follow this procedure. benefit of all living beings. The everlasting happiness, Moksha, is attained only through the combination of the right knowledge, the right perception and the right conduct. It signifies that non-violence is the supreme religion. It signifies the religion that involves self-effort and initiatives. It signifies that every living being is in control of his/her destiny.
Shri Bhagwati Mandal Poojan: This particular Poojan is for the guardian gods and goddesses who will be welcomed during the Pratishta in the Jinalay. Firstly, the Snatra Puja has to be performed. Then the gods will be placed on the right hand side of the Mandal while the goddesses will be placed on the left hand side of the Mandal. The Vidhi (Ritual) for the Poojan takes place after this.
It signifies the religion that appeals to our common sense and explains everything with proper reason. It is based on the laws of nature. This is the house of Universal religion. This is the holiest of holy things, the cause of benevolence, the house of the supreme religion, and it is wished that long live the teachings of Veetrag Bhagwan (Jain Shasan) for the benefit of all living beings.