Introduction to Jainism and its Culture

SR No.: 001605
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Balbhadra Jain
Publisher: Kundkund Gyanpith Indore
Publication Year: 2002
Total Pages: 334
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Religion, & Culture
File Size: 21 MB

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traditional history also contains the incidents of Sagara's 60, 000 sons and Bhāgīratha. These are the references that take the history of Bharata area to the known period, and they are also available in the non-Jain scriptures. During Ajita Nātha's period King Brahmā finds a mention as the provider of food. A large religious organization of a hundred thousand munis (male ascetics) and three hundred and fifty thousand āryikās (female ascetics) was formed during that period. It must have worked towards the spread of the Sramana school of thought for a long period.
BHAGAVĀNA SAMBHAVA NĀTHA -- Sambhava was born to queen Sușeņā, the wife of King Jitar of Śrāvastī city. Looking at the rain clouds prince Sambhava became aware of the fleeting nature of the world. He renounced the world to become a sky-clad ascetic. The later part of his life was completely devoted to meditation and public welfare. He attained nirvana at Sammeda Sikhara. He had 105 Gañadharas (principal disciples), two hundred thousand munis, and three hundred twenty thousand äryikās in his religious organization. His attending deities were Trimukha Yakșa and Prajñāpti Yakşiņi.
The birthplace of Sambhava Nātha was Śrāvastī, an important city. Today it is in ruins and the department of archaeology has made numerous excavations finding important evidences. These findings include remains of Jain stūpas and temples, images, and copper plates. These evidences have been dated to a period extending from 4th century B. C. to 12th century A. D. Near the Imaliyā gate stands the dilapidated temple of Bhagavāna Sambhava Nātha. This is now called the Somanātha temple, which is just a distorted form of Sambhava Nātha. Archaeologists believe that there were as many as 18 temples here. However, now only shrubs and trees can be seen in and around these remains. Some people also believe that this was also the place of birth of Bhagavāna Chandraprabha. During Bhagavāna Mahāvira's period King Prasenjita ruled here. Jain works contain a lot of information about Śrāvasti. It also finds mention in Harivaṁsa Purāņa and Karkandū Caritra.
BHAGAVĀNA ABHINANDANA NĀTHA -- Abhinandana Nātha was born to queen Siddhārthā, the wife of King Sanvara of Ayodhyā city, on Māgha sukla 12 when the moon was in the Aditi lunar mansion. The ephemeral nature of the world inspired King Abhinandana to renounce
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