Concept of Divinity in Jainism

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

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shipped for the acquisition of wealth.26 The twin Ashvina deities are very much worshipped to prevent penury and sickness.27 The adored deity Parjanya is associated with rain, water, thunder, and lightning.28 Vayu, the breath of gods, germ of the world, is adored with oblation.29 Ushas, goddess of dawn, brings children and wealth and protection to the worshipper. 30
The aforesaid luminous deities are invoked or worshipped since, they have some super natural power. Maurice Winternitz observes "Only gradually is accomplished in the songs of the Rig Veda itself, the transformation of these natural phenomena into mythological figures into gods and goddesses such as Surya (the sun), Soma (the moon), Agni (fire), Dyaus (sky), Maruts (storms), Vayu (wind), Apas (waters), Ushas (dawn) and Prthivi (the earth), whose names still indubitably indicate what they originally were. Among such mythological figures, whose original nature is soon partly forgotten in the hymns, and who are honoured more as mighty lofty beings, distinguished through all kinds of miraculous deeds, are Indra, Varuna, Mitra, Aditi, Vishnu, Pushan, the two Ashvins, Rudra and Parjanya.31
Brihaspati is considered as the lord of prayer who protects and preserves.32 Departed ancestors, Pitris are worshipped.33 Kula Deva and Gram Devas are worshipped.34 Deity Soma is very much worshipped along with Varuna, Indra etc. Soma is the divine drink which gives prosperity.
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Prof. Keith observes that the divines are kind to their worshipers and they do not deceive. Further, they give blessings for which offerings are bestowed on them. Besides boons, many times a worshiper, wants to wipe away sin. Gods wipe sin off on trita, the sacrifice. The victim at the sacrifice by its lowing or tearing the ground with its feet creates a sin which passes on to those around. The waiting of the women at the house of the dead produces, by itself, a sin. Sin is brought upon men by others, and even by gods. It is inherited from the father or other relatives and made by one self. But this
THE CONCEPT OF DIVINITY IN JAINISM
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