Book Title: Art of Enlightenment
Author(s): Kalpana Desai
Publisher: Kalpana Desai

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Page 10
________________ Ecstatic dance of Indra The birth of a Jina is the most auspicious event of that time, celebrated by men and gods alike. The kalpasutra describes in detail the celebrations of the janmakalyanaka . At the time of the lustration of the Jinas, Indra assumed five different forms, with one he lifted the infant, the other held a parasol above him, the third and fourth stood on either side waving chauris and the fifth one danced. Indra is ecstatically dancing with multiple arms gracefully bending his body into rhythmic movements to the tune of the musicians. He holds several lotus flowers and Bijapuraka fruits in his hands as an offering to the Jina who has descended on the earth to enlighten human beings. Lotuses are offered to the Liberated One as a symbol of absolute purity and Bijapuraka as a symbol of ultimate liberation. Musicians and celestial damsels - all dance with him. Jain Education Intemational For Private Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

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