Answer

Shri Shantinath Mandal Vidhan is a Jain devotional ritual dedicated to Bhagwan Shantinath, the 16th Tirthankar of the present Avasarpini time cycle.

It is performed with deep devotion through:

• Worship of Bhagwan Shantinath
• Offering of puja dravyas
• Recitation of mantras, stutis, and vidhan verses
• Creation or worship of a sacred mandal
• Prayer for inner peace, purity, right faith, and spiritual upliftment

Explanation

The word “Shantinath” means “Lord of Peace.” Bhagwan Shantinath is revered for his supreme qualities of:

• Samyak Darshan – right faith
• Samyak Gyan – right knowledge
• Samyak Charitra – right conduct
• Perfect equanimity and non-violence

In Mandal Vidhan, devotees symbolically worship the divine qualities of the Tirthankar. The mandal represents a sacred spiritual arrangement, and the offerings are not meant for worldly gain, but for cultivating purity, humility, detachment, and devotion.

Spiritual Understanding

In Jain Dharma, Bhagwan Shantinath does not grant favors like a creator-god. Rather, worship helps the devotee remember and develop the qualities of the Arihant:

• Peace instead of anger
• Forgiveness instead of pride
• Detachment instead of attachment
• Self-discipline instead of passions

The true purpose of Shri Shantinath Mandal Vidhan is atma-shuddhi — purification of the soul.

Takeaway

Shri Shantinath Mandal Vidhan is a sacred Jain devotional practice centered on Bhagwan Shantinath, inspiring devotees to cultivate inner peace, non-violence, right conduct, and spiritual purity.