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attain Moksha, divinity, whereas the ordinary kevali cannot be the propounder of a religious faith. It is due to the attainment of Tirthankara nama karma that a Tirthankara becomes the propagator or reviver of a religious faith for a considerable period for suffering humanity. Upadhyaya Amar Muni observes that Tirthankara possesses Loka-upakari siddhis157 and leaves permanent impression. In fact ordinary Arhat and Tirthankara do not differ in the spiritual experience viz., infinite bliss and virtues but, in certain excellences in external attributes, events, etc. Excellences
Arihantas (variantly terms as Tirthankara) are those who are worthy of obeisance, worthy of adoration, and supreme among gods in the world. 158 The Arhat body which is perfect stainless or niranjana, an abode of omniscience, and which is about to throw away the last shackles of karma (aghatikarma), receives worship (or arha) on five excellent events from heavenly beings. 159 The five auspicious events (Panchakalyanaka Mahotsava) in the life of Tirthankara (conception, birth, renunciation, attainment of omniscience and nirvana) are excellent non-routine events.160 These five celebrations of worship are not done for ordinary kevalis. A. Five Auspicious Events
i) Conception (Garbha Kalyanaka): The mother of the Tirthankara witnesses the auspicious dreams11 when the soul of Arhant descends from the highest of heavenly spheres into her womb. 162 Indra along with his dignitaries celebrates the Garbha Kalyanaka ceremony."
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ii) Birth Celebration (Janma Kalyanaka): The celestial beings celebrate the birth event of Tirthankara on the splendid Mountain Meru. 164
iii) Renunciation (Diksha Kalyanaka): The lokantika celestial devas request the Tirthankara to auspicate the great stream of dharma. 165 He renounces, without the aid of a guru, the pas
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