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The gradual development of Deities in Jaina Pantheon
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3. Ācārya Nāgārjuna - 4th century A.D. 4. Ācārya Yaśobhadrasūri - 4th century AD. 5. Ācārya Mānadevasūri - 4th century A.D. 6. Siddhasena Divākara - 4th century A.D. 7. Mallavādi - 5th century A.D. 8. Mānatungasūri - 7th century A.D. 9. Haribhadrasūri - 8th century A.D. 10. Bappabhatļasūri - 9th century A.D.
11. Siddharaśi - 9th century A.D. **12. Surācārya - 11th century A.D.
13 Jinesvarasūri - 11th century A.D. 14 Abhayadevasūri - 11th century A.D. 15 Virācārya - 11th century A.D. 16 Jinadattasūri - 12th century A.D. 17 Vādidevasūri - 12th century A.D. 18 Ā. Hemacandra - 12th century A.D. 19 Ā. Malayagiri - 13th century A.D. 20 Pārsvadevagaại - 12th century A.D. 21 Jinakusalasūri - 13th century A.D. 22 Jinaprabhasūri - 14th century A.D. These Ācāryas raised the glory of Jainism by Mantra, Yantra and Tantra power. Afterwards the worship of some divinities came into practice who gained more popularity than before. Till today a system prevails where before commence any work with a salutation to deities is offered 'Jina Śaśana Deva kī jay'. Even they are included in rites and rituals by many Jain Ācāryas. The practice of offering fruits and sweets came into existence, though only the offering to Viras like Ghantākarņa and Manibhadra were accepted as 'prasāda' by devotees. In the beginning, the auspicious symbols, 24 Tīrthankaras, their life incidences and philosophy 16 were carved for adoration. Then
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Viz. three jewels, svastika, nandyāvarta, wheel, etc.
