Concept of Divinity in Jainism

Author(s): P Ajay Kothari
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy

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who is certainly to be recognised as having existed in the earliest period, and he has been claimed for that time as a real sovereign of the gods, much as Deus among Greeks." Indra, the king of heaven, reigns over the heaven. Great cosmic actions are attributed to him. Indra is worshipped as protector, helper, guide and friend. Even other gods considered him more divine.12 He is the generous God par excellence, in almost all of the Vedic ritual literature, and has a common name in post-Vedic texts.13 Surya, the glorious god of gods and of men, is worshipped either to get a son or good health etc. Celebrated Gayatri Japa, is another good example for the same.
The word agni is Indo-European, and may originally have meant the 'agile' as derived from the root ag (to drive).14 God Agni is worshipped in all the rituals. We observe in Rig Veda "I Laud Agni", the chosen priest, the god minister of sacrifice. The fire, is the most lavish of wealths. 15 He is the charioteer of the sacrifice.16 The Savitri, a celebrated god, removes evil dream and makes men sinless. The word savitri has a root word su, to stimulate. This God chases away demons and sorcerers.' 17 Savitri is often distinguished from Surya. The Marutas, are indicated as storm gods. These deities are worshipped for rain, etc.18 DyavaPrithivi (heaven and earth) are a pair of deities. God Rudra is fierce and a fierce beast of the heaven. He is bountiful and very helpful to worshipers. 19 Apamnapat is worshipped for wealth.20 God Mitra is addressed with god Varuna. God Mitra supports earth and heaven.21 The word varuna seems to be derived from the root vri, cover or encompass. He removes sin as if untying a rope. He releases even from the sin committed by men's fathers.22 From Varuna a worshiper gets prosperity and protection.23 The group of gods called Adityas hate falsehood and punish the sinner; they fetter their enemies, but protect their votaries like an armour and forgive their wickedness; sickness and distress they repeal, and grant the usual boons of long life and offsprings.24 Apas, (water) deity is worshipped for help.25 God Pushan is wor
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THE CONCEPT OF DIVINITY IN JAINISM