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13
Pujäs and Poojans for the Pratishtha Mahotsav (Part 2) Description of Various Pujäs and Poojans
All Pujäs and Poojans are very important part of Jain Dharma. In Poojans lengthy ritual that lasts for many hours is performed by very learned persons by reciting Sanskrit Shloks and Mantras and involves many people in ceremony. These are done at big Mahotsavs, like during new temple opening ceremony, Pratishtha Mahotsav, or after someone's special penance like varshitap etc. Examples of some of the popular Poojans are: • Shri Siddhacharkra Poojan
Shri Bhaktamar Poojan • Shri Shantisnatra Poojan
Shri Rushimandal Poojan They are headed by Vidhikar and lots of times Acharyas (Maharaj Saheb) are also present. Pujäs are mostly composed of Gujarati Bhakti songs. Each Puja is for a particular occasion, eg. Panch Kalyanak Puja is performed on shubh functions, while Sattar Bhedi Puja is a MUST after Paryushan and Pratishtha Mahotsav.
Those who are involved in poojan should have Samvar bhav (stopping of influx of karmic matters) and not the Ashrav bhav (inflow of karmic matters) because our ultimate ambition is to achieve supreme and eternal bliss and peace.
FRIDAY 19 AUGUST 2005
Day 1 Snatra Puja
The details about the Snätra Pujä, the spiritual reasons for Snätra Pujä and the meaning of Snätra Pujä have been set out in Pages 8 to 11 of this book.
Shri Kumbh Sthäpanä Pujä
According our rich Indian tradition, we put a Kumbh in a new place like a new shop or a new house, before we move in there. Putting in 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 per our scripture to begin our Pratishthä Mahotsav, we place the auspicious Kumbh with recitation of Namokär Mahä Mantra, Uvasggaharam and Moti Shänti while we have a continuous flow (akhand dhärä) from the Kumbh by a couple. This is an auspicious ritual and it brings inner as well as eternal peace.
Shri Akhand Dipak Sthäpanä Pujä
According to our scripture, we should install Akhand Dipak(continuous light from a candle like flame) for the most auspicious Pratishtha Mahotsav event. This one is done 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 Gnäna) and removes the darkness of our ignorance.
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