$JES 904 Compendium of Jainism (Jain Academic Bowl Manual 3rd Edition)

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

Page 256

RITUALS
D08 - Jain Temples & Pilgrimage Places
AD, temples began to be built and the site grew to be one of the most important pilgrimage sites of the Jain religion. The chief festival of Shravanbelgola is the Maha Mastaka Abhisheka, or the 'Head Anointing Ceremony'. During this incredible event, over half a million devotees make a pilgrimage here. A scaffold is built around the statue. The ceremonial Abhisheka is performed with chanting of holy mantras and pouring pots of water mixed with sandalwood, flowers, and precious herbs over the idol's head. While flowing downward over the body, these offerings are believed to acquire a powerful charge of spiritual energy. They are collected at the feet and distributed to the devotees who believe that the gift will assist their quest for enlightenment. The festival is performed only once every 12 to 14 years during periods of rare astrological significance. Works of art and Sculpture: Carved out of only one stone, the colossal statue of Bahubali towers in majestic splendor and is visible even from a distance of 20 km. Starkly simple, the beautifully chiseled features of the statue expresses serenity. Its contemplative mood is an outstanding example of Indian sculptor. His perfect lips turned out at the corners with a hint of a smile, appear
like viewing the world with detachment. 07. Shri Ayodhyä Tirtha
Mulnayak: 1 foot tall, copper-colored idol of Bhagawan Ajitnäth in the Padmäsan posture Shvetämbar tradition Mulnäyak: 30 feet tall, white colored idol of Bhagawan Adinath in Käyotsarga position Digambar tradition History: Adinath was the first King of this place. The Chyavana, birth, and Dikshä Kalyanaks of Bhagawan Adinath were also celebrated here. The Chyavana, birth, dikshä, and Keval-jnän Kalyanaks of Ajitnäth, Abhinandan Swami, Bhagawan Sumatinäth, and Bhagawan Anantnäth were celebrated here as well making this Tirtha especially auspicious. Bharat Chakravarti made this place his capitol and the country was named Bharat after him. Besides, this is the birthplace of Bahubali, Brähmi, Sundari, King Dasharath, Shri Räma, Achalbhrätä the ninth Ganadhar of Mahävir Swami, and many other pious people. . Many religious kings, their advisors, and great men performed numerous religious activities here and added to the glory of not only the Jain religion, but also to the
glory of India. 08. Shri Hastinapur Tirtha
Mulnayak: 3 feet tall, golden idol of Bhagawan Shäntinäth in the Padmasan posture Shvetämbar tradition Mulnäyak: White colored idol of Shäntinäth Bhagawan Digambar Temple) Tirtha: It is in the town of Hastinapur in the state of Uttar Pradesh. History. Here, Shreyans, the great-grandson of Bhagawan Adinath offered sugar-cane juice to Bhagawan Adinath to end his year-long fast (Varsitapa). In memory of that auspicious event, every year, many pilgrims come here to celebrate their Varsitapa penance. All the four Kalyanaks other than Nirvana of Bhagawan Shäntinäth, Kunthunäth, and Aranäth were celebrated here. This was the land of construction of Samavasaran of Bhagawan Mallinäth. This was the capital of the Kaurav and the Pandvas in the times of the Mahabharata. According to the Digambar tradition, the great tradition of Rakshabandhan or Shrävani Poonam started here. According to Jain history, many Tirthankars, Chakravartis, omniscient souls, ascetics, Shrävaks and Shrävikäs are associated with this ancient land. The Agams and other Jain works contain many references to Hastinapur. Works of art and Sculpture: Many ancient idols, coins, and stone inscriptions are found here during
excavations. The ancient idols in these temples are really spectacular and awe-inspiring. 09. Shri Samet Shikhar Tirtha
Mulnäyak: Nearly 3 feet tall, black-colored idol of Bhagawan Pärshvanath in the Padmasan posture Tirtha: It is on the Samet Shikhar Hill near Madhuvan in the state of Bihar.
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Compendium of Jainism - 2015