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Jainism in a Global Perspective
were from Brahmin community. A religion that conferred the right to liberation to each and every woman would not confine itself within the bonds of casteism. It is not that only the women from royal families have joined Sadhvi Sangha, women from lower strata like maid servants and concubines have also accepted "Díksā' and won respectable status in the society. Knowledge, chastity and penance of these Sadhvis won social acceptance and respect. The king of a region or a person of a very high social status would, according to the rule, get up from their seats to pay their respects to such Sādhvīs. Brāhmi, Sundari, Candanā and such other Sadhvis are worshipped even today and names of sixteen 'Satis" pious women are remembered along with the names of the Tirtharkaras.
A look at Jaina Sadhvi Sangha reveals that women from all castes, creeds and classes were admitted to it without any discrimination. Their spirituality and learning had a great social impact. Sadhvi Sulasă did not deviate from her religious pursuits despite numerous hindrances in life. Because of her pious deeds. Sulasā would attain the status of Tirtharikara in the next life cycle.
Jayanti, daughter of King of Kausāmbi, was a learned woman in the times of Bhagavāna Mahāvīra and she was very knowledgable in the essentials of religion. Jayanti was a follower of Bhagavāna Mahāvira and yet she unhesitatingly asked questions to Bhagavāna Mahāvīra during his religious discourses. Usually, the males preach but Jaina religion has many instances of women preachers given the guidence to the males on their path of purification. In 'Uttarādhyayana' Queen Kamalāvati guides King Isukara to the better way of life. 'Āvašyaka Cūrni' refer to Brahmi and Sundari having preached Muni Bāhubali. 'Uttarādhyayana' and 'Daśavaikälika Cūrņi' contain an episode of Rājimati preaching to Rathanemi, Kośā, a concubine, guided the Sthūlibhadra staying with her to path of righteousness. The religious sincerity of Prabhāvati inspired her husband King Udayana to follow the religious way of life whereas Mrgāvati could prevent a war by herself having been initiated. Queen Prithã, wife of Cetaka, who presided over the Republic of Vaiśāli groomed and trained her seven daughters in the different arts and all of them won wide acclaim. These seven sisters had a great impact on the contemporary women community. Bhadrā, wife of Gobhadra, had unusual insight in managing
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