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BASICS OF JAINISM
Jains celebrate five major events (Pancha Kalyänak) of the life of a Tirthankar:
1 Conception Event (Chyavana Kalyanak)
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Kalyänaks
This is the event when a Tirthankar's soul is conceived in the mother's womb.
After conception, the mother has fourteen dreams (Digambar tradition believes that there are 16 dreams) Birth Event (Janma Kalyanak) This is the event when a Tirthankar is born. After birth, Indra (king of heaven) takes the baby to Mount Meru and celebrates the birth of a Tirthankar, (Janma Abhisheka ceremony).
3 Renunciation Event (Dikshä Kalyanak) In this event, the would-be Tirthankar gives up all worldly possessions and family relationships. He initiates himself into the ascetic order.
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Jains celebrate the five major events in
the life of a Tirthankar
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Five major events in a Tirthankar's life
4 Omniscience Event (Keval-jnän Kalyänak)
This is the event when a Tirthankar becomes free of the four Ghäti Karma by the practice of severe discipline, penance and meditation, and attains Keval-jnän.
Celestial angels (Devas) set up the Samavasaran (assembly hall) for the every sermon by the Tirthankar. This is the most important event as the Tirthankar reinstates the Jain order (Sangha) and preaches the Jain path of liberation. Sermons are attended by Devas, ascetics, laity and animals.
THE FIRST STEP OF JAINISM
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