________________
56 : Śramaņa, Vol 61, No. 4 October-December-10
wonderfully visualized their main deities- the 24 Jinas or Tīrthankaras in the midst of the nature. Each of the 24 Jinas has been provided with an identifying cognizance (fig. 01), which in case of 15 Jinas are either some animals (including aquatic ones) or some birds. In two examples of Padmaprabha and Naminātha they are red or blue lotus. One very interesting point of respectful association of flora and fauna with the Jinas is that contrary to the deities of Brahmanical and Buddhist (except Buddha) cult they never ride upon their mounts (animals or birds) simply because that act would also amount to violence against them. Those are shown only as identifying emblems on the pedestal. Further every Jina in course of his Tapas (meditation) attains absolute knowledge (Kevala Jñāna) invariably under some tree like Aśoka, śāla, Pīpala, Vața, Amra etc. Thus the Jaina tradition has beautifully and intelligently underline perennial importance of flora and fauna by way of showing them in intimate association with all the 24 Jinas, highest in Jaina worship. This association is also shown in tabular form.
FLORA & FAUNA ASSOCIATED WITH TIRTHANKARAS AS THEIR COGNIZANCES AND
KEVALA TREE
Sl. No.
Cognizance
Tirthankara Rsabhanātha
1.
Bull
Ajitanātha
Elephant
Sambhavanātha
Horse
| Kevala Jñāna Tree
Asoka tree (Jhonesia Ashoka) Saptaparņa tree (Alstoma Scholaris) Śāla tree (Shorea Robusta) Piyaka or Piyālā tree (Sarala) Priyāngu tree (Panicum Italicum)
Abhinandana
Monkey
Sumatinātha
Goose
