________________
22
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 Veeträg Bhagawan (Jain Shäsan) for the benefit of all living beings.
The placement of Shikhar Kalash signifies the best Mangal. The best Mangal is to eradicate karma, to free our selves from the misery of Samsar (material world), to remove of the darkness of ignorance, to practice Right Religion and to practice the path that is beneficial to the Self (our soul). This is the holiest of holy places. Adhär Abhishek Puja is performed before the Shikhar Kalash is placed in the Shikhar. Thus, Shikhar Kalash is like a head of the temple.
Placement of Shikhar Dhvaja signifies the kingdom of our Veeträg Bhagawan who expounded the path of Moksha for the benefit of all living beings. It is a symbol of the Jain Shäsan-teachings of our Tirthankars. It signifies the kingdom of non-attachment and non-aversion that has always existed; it exists now and will exist forever. If the teachings of Veeträg Bhagawan are followed, the darkness of the ignorance will be permanently removed, the miserable cycle of birth and death will be permanently ended, the association with the foreign dust of karma will be completely terminated, and the true qualities of the souls will forever be realized. It symbolizes the everlasting happiness, Moksha. Adhär Abhishek Puja is performed before the Shikhar Dhvaja is placed on the Shikhar.
On seeing Shikhar and/ or its Dhvaja, one knows it is the most auspicious place, Jain Temple. He/she pays his/her respect to Veeträg Bhagwan by saying “Namo Jinänam" and gets an inspiration to visit the Jain temple.
Shri Bruhad Shanti Snatra Poojan (Special oblation for universal peace)
Shanti Snatra Poojan has been regarded as the most auspicious and beneficial. It is usually organized on the last day of any minor or major ceremony eg, to conclude the Pratishtha Mahotsav. On this occasion, oblations are performed to the image of the Lord 108 times with absolute devotion. During this poojan, Shri Bruhad Shänti consisting of 108 aphorisms, is recited involving unique ritual process. Moreover, worship is offered to the Lord with special and auspicious articles. As a beginning part of this ceremony, the Mangal Kumbh (The sacred vessel) is installed - Kumbh Sthäpanä; the holy light is installed - Akhand Dipak; worship is offered to the nine grahas (planets) - Nav Grah Poojan; and to other divinities - Dush Dikpäl Poojan and Ashta Mangal Poojan. On this occasion, 108 Sanskrit shlokas are chanted while prakshal and Ashtaprakäri Pujä are performed 108 times to the Pratimäji. At this time this great wish is expressed: «May felicity, bliss cheerfulness and holiness prevail everywhere. This Poojan is performed for the well being of entire Sangh, for its spiritual growth, for its inner happiness and peace, to calm down the outside disturbances and for curing uncontrollable diseases. After 108 Abhishek has been performed for the Pratimäji, ärati of 108
deeva, mangal deevo, Shänti Kalash and chaityavandan are performed. After the conclusion of this Poojan, the temple is sprinkled with the holy water (Naman). In addition each member of the Sangh takes this water to his/her residence and sprinkles it around for the inner and external peace.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
