Awakening

Author(s): Padmasagarsuri
Publisher: Arunoday Foundation

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In the last moments of his life, Lord Mahavira sent his favourite disciple, Gowthamaswami to preach to a brahmin by name, Devasarma. Gowthamaswami who was the very embodiment of politeness, obedience and devotion set out to perform his master's behest; and soon after he went away, the Light (Lord Mahavira) attained Nirvana. After the light of knowledge went out people lighted lights; and in their houses they set lines of lights burning; and on account of this reason, the day has been called Deepavali.
Hearing that Lord Mahavira had attained Nirvana, Gowthamaswami wept like a child. His tears washed away his passions. Throughout the night, he kept lamenting over his bereavement; and in the morning he attained Keval Jnan. In this manner, joy spread everywhere. On that day, mankind had found a new Dharmopadeshak (preacher of doctrines) in Gowthamaswami, after Lord Mahavir.
There is no fixed day for such spiritual and intellectual activities as acquiring knowledge, philosophical studies, penance, worship and cultivating character. Always we can strive to achieve these things. But the great acharyas have fixed a day for the worship of the words of the Thirthankaras; and that day is called Jnanapanchami.
On that day, knowledge is worshipped in three ways :