$JES 101 Jain Activity Book Level 1 Book

Author(s): JAINA Education Committee
Publisher: JAINA Education Committee

Page 40

3.1 LÄNCHHANS (EMBLEMS OR SYMBOLS)
A Tirthankar's idol (murti) represents the qualities and virtues of the Tirthankar and therefore all idols are similar in structure.
Each Tirthankar's idol has his or her own emblem (länchhan) that distinguishes them from the other Tirthankars. When a Tirthankar is born, he or she has a particular mark on their right thigh. This birthmark is in the form of a speck. This symbol can be found on the base of the idol to identify that Tirthankar. Some differences exist between the symbols of Digambar and Shvetämbar sects and are defined on the attached table.
Temples of the Digambar sect have the idols of Tirthankars in their natural unadorned form with their eyes semi-closed in meditation. It represents the Tirthankar (Jina) as free from attachment and aversion.
Temples of the Shvetämbar sect have the idols adorned in a very elegant manner. The eyes vividly communicate peace and loving compassion. Positive vibrations emanate from the adorned energy centers. It represents the Tirthankar as a spiritual king and sovereign victor of all the inner enemies and five senses.
Sometimes the color of the idol is different. This color is associated with the physical body of a Tirthankar (see Tirthankar symbol and color table in this section).
In the picture, the länchhan of a lion is clearly visible at the base, showing that it is the idol of Mahävirswämi, the twenty-fourth Tirthankar.
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