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२५८
अनुसन्धान-७१
believed in transmigration of soul and in the existence of cosmos. As per this work he propagated Panchastikayas, the eight types of karmas and their connection with the gati of soul and relationship of gravity on the gati or motion of matter. From the survived early works (Surya-prajnapti, Chandra-prajnapti, Jambudvipaprajnapti, Jivabhigam-sutra, some portion of Sthananga-sutra), Dr. Dhaky analysed some more facts that Parsvanath was an ascetic-scientist, a systematic and methodical thinker while Arhat Nataputta (Mahavir) was an ascetic-philosopher. The preachings of Niganthas is based on original teachings of Parsva, even the fourfold viewpoints - dravya, ksetra, kala, and bhava of examining any idea or object is taught by him. Dr. Dhaky further noted that the idea of Sanlekhana vrat is also gifted by him as he himself took Sanlekhana at Sametshikhara.
Now we come to the reference of the Upsarga episode of Kamatha and the rescue of Parsva by Dharan in the same text (Isibhasiyaim), it has less early scriptural evidences as drawn by Dr. Dhaky. This well-known phenomenon did not require any description. In the view of Dr. Dhaky this event is not mentioned in any early work but after few centuries the same is available in Chaupann-mahapurush-charitra by Shilacharya in 869 A.D. It is likely that in later work this incident had given more importance to show the power of Nagaraj. Even Parsva yaksa is shown with serpenthood might be to differentiate from Ganesha. Afterwards in early medieval period most of the shrines had showed this Upasarga. One very applicable ceiling with very natural carving of Nagaraj Dharanendra is worth mentioning. It is at Aihole cave (Maina basti) ceiling where Nagaraj is carved with five hoods in very classical manner in early c. sixth century. Even the cave at Badami in Karnataka has beautiful carving of Nagraj with Parsvanatha. All Parsvanatha images of Kushana period onwards are available with canopy of Dhamendra strengthening the practice of Naga cult in Jainism and his presence with Parsvanatha. One rare image of him has a deity Padmavati in the canopy of Dhamendra now in Lucknow Museum.
