$JES 401 Jain Philosophy and Practice 2 Level 4 Book

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

Page 22

Twelve Attributes of Arihantas:
Tirthankars have a total of 12 unique attributes. Of these, four are the main attributes known as Atishaya. The other eight attributes are endowed by heavenly gods and are known as Pratihärya.
Four Main Attributes (4 Atishaya)
⚫
Omniscience
• Delivers extraordinary sermon for the benefit of humanity
Worshipped by mundane souls of the whole universe
No calamities or diseases exist in his vicinity.
Some Jain sects believe the four Anant Chatushtay (Infinite Knowledge, Infinite Perception, Perfect Conduct, and Infinite Energy) are the four main attributes rather than the above mentioned attributes. Eight Other Attributes (known as Pratihärya) endowed by heavenly gods
Simhasan
A divine seat from where Arihanta delivers sermons
Bhämandal
A halo behind Arihanta's head
Angels are waving fans (Chowries) to honor Arihanta's greatness
A three tier divine umbrella over the head, which suggests that He is the spiritual king of the entire universe that consists of three regions - Hell, Earth, and Heaven.
A tree under which Arihanta sits to deliver sermons
A continuous shower of fragrant flowers
A divine announcement declaring Arihanta's sermons Celestial music accompanying Arihanta's sermons
Chämar
Chhatras
Ashok Vruksha
Pushpa-Vristi Deva Dundubhi
Divya Dhvani
Thirty-Four Atishaya
These 12 unique attributes, when elaborately explained are counted as 34 Atishaya. Both Shvetämbar and Digambar account for thirty-four Tirthankar Atishaya. Some Atishaya are birth related, some are created by heavenly gods (Devas), and some are realized at the time of Keval-jnän.
By Birth, Arihanta has the most beautiful, powerful, and proportionally built body with 1008 auspicious birthmarks. As he is full of compassion, his blood is white, like milk. His breath is fragrant like a lotus and his body does not generate any waste. He is always disease free. He has a very soothing, peaceful, and serene voice that can be heard from very long distances. All humans and animals alike, can easily understand his language. He can be seen and heard from all four directions. Everyone listens to the sermon keeping his or her animosities aside.
In his vicinity, the weather is always pleasant and there are no calamities for miles. The size Samavasaran is big enough to accommodate all attendees. Dharma Chakra (symbolic wheel of religion) and Ashta Mangal (eight embellishments) are also present at the Samavasaran.
Siddha
All Arihantas or Omniscients ultimately become Siddhas when they complete the duration of the remaining four non-destructive karma, which occurs at the end of their life span. This is also known as Nirvana means liberation from the worldly existence.
Four non-destructive karma are:
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JAIN PHILOSOPHY AND PRACTICE - 2