Answer

Bruhat Shanti is a Jain prayer/ritual performed for peace, protection, removal of obstacles, and spiritual well-being. The word “Bruhat” means “great” or “extensive,” and “Shanti” means “peace.” So, Bruhat Shanti means a great prayer for peace and auspiciousness.

Explanation

In Jain tradition, Bruhat Shanti is commonly recited or performed during important religious and life occasions, such as:

• Before or after major rituals
• During temple ceremonies
• For peace in the family or community
• For protection from difficulties and disturbances
• For creating a spiritually pure and peaceful atmosphere

It is especially associated with invoking auspiciousness through devotion to:

• Arihants
• Siddhas
• Acharyas
• Upadhyays
• Sadhus and Sadhvis
• Protective and auspicious divine beings respected within Jain tradition

However, in Jain Dharma, the deeper understanding is that true peace does not come merely from outer ritual. It comes from purification of one’s own soul through:

• Right faith
• Right knowledge
• Right conduct
• Ahimsa
• Self-restraint
• Forgiveness
• Reduction of passions like anger, ego, deceit, and greed

Spiritual Understanding

Bruhat Shanti is not meant to be understood as magic or superstition. Its purpose is to create a peaceful, devotional, and spiritually focused state of mind.

When performed with faith and humility, it helps a person:

• Calm the mind
• Develop positive spiritual vibrations
• Remember the qualities of liberated and enlightened souls
• Reduce fear and anxiety
• Strengthen devotion toward Jain Dharma

In Jain philosophy, outer peace is connected with inner purity. So the highest form of shanti is the peace of the soul, which comes by weakening karma and moving toward moksha.

Takeaway

Bruhat Shanti is a respected Jain prayer/ritual for peace and auspiciousness. Its true value lies not only in the recitation, but in the inner attitude of devotion, purity, humility, and commitment to the Jain path of ahimsa and self-discipline.