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JAIN MANTRAVADA AND CAITYAVASIS: NAIMITTIKAS
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problem of Jain history not yet solved. We find in the ancient literature like Nisitha-Bhāşya I Udd. 'V. 346 and Bhāşyas on Bțhatkalpasūtra (I, IV and VI Udd.) and Vyavahārasūtra (IV and VIII Udd.) as also later Cūrņis and commentaries including those on Avasyakasūtra, and Sambodhaprakaraņa of Sri Haribhadrasūri references to Sārūpikas and Siddhaputras, who are described as versed inter alia in the science of Divination and accomplished in Vidyās and Mantras. The Siddhaputras are according to Nisitha Cūrni I Udd. Bhāsya v. 346 said to occupy an intermediate stage between Jain householders and Jain Sadhus. Most probably they were Sādhus who reverted to the life of householders. The others, who though lax in the observance of the rules of conduct for Sadhus still continued to put on their garb and live by begging, were called Sārūpikas. They used to put on white garments but neither kept 'Rajoharaṇa' or sweeping brush, 'Danda' or stick, nor 'Patra' or bowl, which the Sådhus keep. They used to have their heads completely tonsured or keep only 'Sikhā' or tuft of hair on the crown. They either lived alone or with their wives. They did not go about begging but earned their livelihood by practising various kinds of Silpa (arts or crafts) Nimitta and Mantra and Medicine. When invited by Jain householders they would take their food with them as ordinary guests. The tradition of Astānaganimitta, Vidyās and Mantras appears to have been continued by this class for a long time. Even in the biography of Sri Mahavira we read of Svapnapathakas or interpreters of dreams. We also read
*Sårūpikas and Siddhaputras are described by Sri Haribhadrasuri in his Sambodhaprakarana at p. 3 thus : "The Sărūpikas practise Vidyas, employ magical collyrium and medicine and have attachment for certain families. They put on variegated apparels though tonsured on the head and face. They however, if asked, preach the correct doctrine about Jainisin." Regarding Siddhaputras we cite the original verses below:
"ससिहा सभज्जगोवि य सिद्धपुत्तो सचिओ भणिओ। नो भिखइ सिप्पाइकम्मं काऊण जीवेइ ॥ ३३३ ।। केविय भणंति पच्छाकडपुत्ता सिद्धपुत्तगो भणिओ। ससिहो वा असिहो वा सभज्जग वा अभज्जो वा ॥३३४॥
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