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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ascetics by burning and also informed that he possessed the Vaikriya Ķddhi (miraculous power of transforming one's body). The great ascetic tested his own miraculous power and, when satisfied, at once reached Hastinapur. Bali was giving gifts to Brahmins in the yajña pavilion. Ascetic Vişņukumāra transformed him-self into a dwarf Brahmin and came to Bali to seek gift. He asked for a piece of land measuring his three steps. When Bali agreed Vişņu Kumāra transformed his body to a giant. He placed one foot on Sumeru Mountain and the other on Mānuşottara Mountain. This covered all the available land and the third step was still to be taken. Bali and other ministers trembled with fear. On Vişnukumāra's command the fire was extinguished and the ascetics released. A wave of joy engulfed the masses. To everyone's surprise, next morning the yajña land was covered with green grass. Devotees offered food to the ascetics. The religious people resolved to protect each other. In memory of this incident the festival of Raksā Bandhana (bond of protection) is celebrated every year.
Dīpāvali - After covering many countries during his wanderings Bhagavāna Mahāvīra arrived at Pāvāpurī. Knowing that the end of life was fast approaching he came to an island like raised land in the middle of a pond and sat in meditation seizing all activities. During the last quarter of the night on Kārtika krsņā fourteenth he destroyed all the non-vitiating karmas and attained nirvana. For his last view Indra, gods and humans collected in large numbers. On the nirvana of Bhagavāna every one said, “Now that the spiritual light is extinguished we shall lit physical light in his memory.” And the gods and humans celebrated the festival of lights. On Kārtika krsņā fifteenth millions of people gathered to celebrate Bhagavāna's nirvana kalyāņaka. This was not an ordinary event; it was the nirvana of the last Tirthankara of this cycle of time. By evening, this religious joy increased manifold because the leader of the principle disciples of Bhagavāna Mahāvīra, the head of all ascetic groups, Indrabhūti Gautam attained omniscience. With great joy and enthusiasm gods and kings of gods filled the skies with light of glittering gems. Millions of human beings lit earthen lamps. They also
formally worshiped the symbolic goddess of wealth and liberation, and : also Gautama Swāmī, the god of all ascetic groups (ganas).
In the Jain Harivamsa Purāņa this incident is described in the following words -
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