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## Third Study: Chulani Pita
[119] The term "Janani" signifies the respect, honor, and reverence for mothers in Indian tradition. A mother's service to her offspring creates a debt that cannot be repaid in any way. Therefore, this term points to the divine reverence and respect accorded to mothers.
Dr. Rudolf Hornle, based on an old interpretation, has defined "Dev-Guru" as the Guru of the Gods - Brihaspati. Thus, according to him, a mother is as worthy of worship as Brihaspati.
The literature of all Indian traditions acknowledges the extraordinary importance of a mother. According to the saying "Janani Janmabhumischa Swargadapi Gariyasi," a mother and one's homeland are considered greater than heaven. Manu has given even greater glory to a mother. He has considered a mother a thousand times more important than a father.
The Taittiriya Upanishad mentions that after completing his studies, when a teacher instructs his student for future life, he specifically tells him, "Consider your mother as equal to a deity, consider your father as equal to a deity, consider your teacher as equal to a deity, consider a guest as equal to a deity, perform blameless and faultless actions, do not perform blameworthy or faulty actions, follow the good conduct or excellent character served by your teachers."
Jain and Buddhist literature also consider a mother to hold a very high position. This particular adjective used here clearly reflects this aspect of Indian thought.
[134] Even after being told this by the deity, the Shramanopasaka Chulani Pita remained fearless and absorbed in his religious meditation.
[135] The deity then saw the Shramanopasaka Chulani Pita meditating fearlessly. Seeing him, the deity said, "Oh Chulani Pita! Shramanopasaka! You will continue to live like this (in the eight states of existence - Attha-Duhatta-Vasatte Akale Cheva Jiviyao) until you are liberated."
1. The Uvasagadasao Lecture III Page 94
Upadhyayaandasacharya Aacharyananam Shatam Pita. Sahastraam Tu Pitrun Maata Gauravenaatirichyate.
- Manusmriti 2. 145 3. Matrudevo Bhava. Pitrudevo Bhava. Aaryadevo Bhava. Atithidevo Bhava. Yaanyavadyani Karmaani, Taani Sevitavyani, No Itrani. Yaanyasmaakam Sucharitani, Taani Twayopasyani.
- Taittiriya Upanishad Valli 1. Anuvaak 11.2 4. See Sutra-Sankhya 98. 5. See Sutra-Sankhya 97.
2.