Book Title: Digambar Jain Pooja English Author(s): Ambika Pandya Publisher: Ambika PandyaPage 13
________________ KALCHARKA The wheel in the center represents kalcharka. Jains believe that time is infinite, without any beginning or end. Time is divided into infinite equal time cycles (Kalchakras). Every time cycle is further sub-divided, into two equal halves. The first half is the progressive cycle or ascending order, called Utsarpini. The other half is the regressive cycle or the descending order, called Avasarpini. Every Utsarpini and Avasarpini is divided into six unequal periods called Äräs. During the Utsarpini half cycle, progress, development, happiness, strength, age, body, religious trends, etc. go from the worst conditions to the best. During the Avasarpini half cycle, progress, development, happiness, strength, age, body, religious trends, etc. go from the best conditions to the worst. Presently, we are in the Fifth Ara of the Avasarpini phase. When the Avasarpini phase ends the Utsarpini phase begins. This kälchakra repeats again and continues forever... It also shows vegetation, animals, Jain monk and Jain nun. This represents that all souls are equal and they should be treated with equanimity. Page 13 of 49Page Navigation
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