S.M. Jain
Imitative rituals are galore in Jains. The festivities for consecration of idols known as panchakalyanaks are performed with much fun, fanfare, fervour and gaiety and is generally a vulgar display of wealth. These do not have any impact (Prabhavana) on others rather it causes animosity, illwill. There is no logic in the belief that by performing life drama of Arhats (Pregnancy, birth, renunciation, attainment of omniscience and salvation) and reciting of a few hymns or so called mantras the stone or metal idols will get endowed with qualities of Arhats. It is not true because thieves easily take away these idols. Of course ordinary human beings do need some objects for meditation. The idols of Arhats are certainly instrumental in reminding their qualities and preachings. Any idol without superstitious consecration ceremonies will serve the purpose. In Swetamber sect the idols are decorated in exquisite clothings and expensive ornaments on the plea that Tirthankaras were from rich, royal families. Swetambaras do agree that the Tirthankaras renounced all these except simple unstitched white clothes even as an ascetic. More paradoxical is the behaviour of followers of Sthanakvasi (Sadhumargi) Swetamber sect, who are against idol worship. They do not worship Jain idols but of all other gods and goddesses viz. Durga, Bhairava, Hanuman, Ganesh etc. It is estimated that about Rs.100.00 crores are being spent every year by Jains on these consecrations and other festivities. Fabolous amounts of money are spent on construction of gorgeous temples, costly gold paintings and icons of gold and even precious stones worth millions and crores. Anyone living according to Jain tenets cannot be fabulously rich:
शुद्धैर्धनैर्विवधन्ते सतामपि न संपसः:
[Atmanushasan -45].
In past and at present only those who earned money by द्धरेन means could afford these. Sins of earning ill-gotten money cannot be washed of by profligacy of such donations in the name of religion, which is not a marketable commodity. This is a substantial sum of money and should be utilised in helping poor, aged, widows, students, hospitals, drinking water facilities, schools, colleges, vocational training institutes, establishing industries, job centres to create employment. Wasting of amount uselessly in name of religion is sin.
