Ashtapad Maha Tirth 02

SR No.: 009860
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Rajnikant Shah, Others
Publisher: USA Jain Center America NY
Publication Year: 2012
Total Pages: 532
Language: Hindi, Sanskrit, Gujarati
Classification: Book_Devnagari
File Size: 26 MB

Page 410

Shri Ashtapad Maha Tirth - II
3. Nagas (Snakes) We find number of depictions of Nagas (Snakes) in Tibetan art. They are depicted separately or with god or goddess. In one depiction god is hooded with seven snakes. It reminds us of Parsvanatha who is always depicted with a snake's hood. The Naga (Snake) is Lanchhan Chinha) of Parsvanatha. Parsvayaksha is also hooded with snakes and he bears two Nagas in his two hands. 4. Padma (Lotus) The Lotus is a symbol of purity, renunciation and divinity. It is found depicted on the pitha of idols in Tibetan and Jain arts. It is the Lanchhan of Padmaprabha Swami. 5. Matsya (Fish) Fish is one of the eight auspicious symbols of the Jain tradition. Matsyayugal means a pair of Fish commonly regarded as sacred in the orient on account of their elegant beauty, size and life span. We find many of representations of fish in Tibetan art. The vehicle of Kinnar Yaksha and Kandarpa Yakshi of Dharamanatha is a Fish. 6. Kumbha (Vase) It is also one of the eight auspicious symbols of Jain tradition. It is a model on the traditional Indian clay water pot or Kumbha with a flat base, round body, narrow neck and fluted upper rim. Tibetan vases are very ornate. The Lanchhan (chinha) of Mallinatha is Kumbha. 7. Shankha (Conch Shell) The conch is also considered auspicious It appears in the group of eight auspicious symbols. There are five common liquid perfumes used in Tibetan Conch-Shell offerings. The Lanchhan of Bhagwan Neminath is Conch. Sometimes Chakresvaridevi is seen carrying conch in her hand, In Tibetan art we find 32 types of Conch. 8. Darpana (Mirror) Darpana (mirror) also appears in the group of eight auspicious symbols. It is the perfect symbol of emptiness or pure consciousness. In ancient Indian rituals of cleansing or bathing a sacred image, the reflection of the sacred image in Mirror would often be washed by pouring water over the mirror. This rite is known as Pratibimba, which literally means reflection. In Tibet this ritual is known as the bathing ceremony of the deity. The above study clarifies that some of these symbols are common in Jain and Tibetan art. It paves the way to find out the similarity between Jainism and Bon Po - ancient religion of Tibet. Tibetan
Shwetambar
Digambar 1. Chakra (Wheel)
1. Swastika
1. Parasol (Chhatraratna) 2. Kirtimukha (the face of Majesty) 2. Sri Vatsa
2. Banner (Dhvaja) 3. Nagas (Snakes)
3. Nandavarta
3. Vessel (Kalasha) 4. Padma (Lotus)
4. Vardhmanaka (food vessel) 4. Whisk (Chauri) 5. Matsya (Fish)
5. Bhadrasana (seat)
5. Mirror (Darpana) 6. Kumbha (Vase)
6. Kalasha (pot)
6. Seat (Sukhasana) 7. Shankha (Conch)
7. Darpan (mirror)
7. Fan 8. Darpana (Mirror)
8. Meen Yugala (pair of fish) | 8. Vessel
Study of Jain and Tibetan Symbols
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