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

Page 220

One day he saw a falling meteor and became aware of the transient nature of life. He renounced the world and became a sky-clad ascetic to pursue his spiritual goal. After the formal two-day fast, seeking alms he came to Pāțalīputra and was served food by King Dhanyasena. He then commenced harsh austerities and attained omniscience after one year. After establishing the religious order he wandered around spreading his spiritual message. In the end he attained nirvana at Sammeda Sikhara. His symbol was Vajra (thunderbolt). His attending deities were Kimpuruşa Yakṣa and Anantamati Yakşiņi. Sudarsana Balabhadra, Puruşasimha Nārāyaṇa, Nisambhu Pratinārāyaṇa were his contemporaries. The reign of third Cakravarti Madhavā falls under his period of influence. There is also a mention of omniscient Abhayaghoșa, a contemporary of Madhavā. The reign of Sanatkumāra Cakravarti falls during the intervening period between Dharma Nātha and Sānti Nātha. Ratnapurī, his birthplace, is at present located 15 miles away from Ayodhyā on the road to Barabanki in district Faizabad. The village is one and a half mile from the road and can be reached by an unpaved path. The name of the village is Rauna. On the banks of river Saryu there are two Digambara Jain temples. One has Tīrthankara images and the other has only carved footprints.
BHAGAVĀNA SĀNTI NÄTHA -- He was born to queen Acirā, the daughter of king of Gāndhāra and the wife of King Visvasena (belonging to the Ikşvāku family and Kāśyapa gotra) of Hastināpura city. His body had a golden glow as well as auspicious marks and signs including flag, arch, the sun, the moon, and conch-shell. In due course he married and ascended the throne. A few days after his coronation, fourteen divine things including Cakra (the disc weapon) and nine types of assets appeared in his treasury. He conquered all the six sections of Bharata area and became a Cakravarti ruler (emperor).
One day while putting ornaments he saw his double image in the mirror. This triggered the memories of his earlier incarnation. The incident steered him towards detachment. He renounced the world and became a sky-clad ascetic to pursue his spiritual goal. After the formal two-day fast seeking alms he came to Mandirapura city and was served food by King Sumitra. He then commenced rigorous austerities and attained omniscience after sixteen years. After establishing the religious order he wandered around spreading his spiritual message. In
203