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'Ari' means an enemy or a foe, 'Hantanam' means one who annihilates. We bow down to those who have annihilated their ene like Karmas. The first line of this Mantra is 'Namo Arihantanam'. It is a bow to Him who has annihilated (internal) enemies and who has conqured passion is called 'Arihant' and vitaraga.
"He may be the omniscient, Parmatma, Brahama, Vishnu or Mahadev, I bow down to Him alone who has go! rid of the sprouts of the seeds of Bhava (birth)". Thus prayed Great Acharya Hemchandra praising Arihant. Arihant has destroyed the four Ghati Karmas as these are determintal to our soul. He has also attained the highest knowledge known as Kevalgnan. He moves about and preaches the path of Liberation. Hence, the first obeisance is made to Arihant in gratitude as He is our great Benefactor.
1. TWELVE ATTRIBUTES OF SHRI ARIHANT :
Eight Pratiharayas and Four Atishyas (8+4 = 12). On attaining omniscience, Arihant is endowed with Eight prathiharyas and four Atishyas as attributes. The Eight pratiharyas are : 1. Ashok Tree : The celestail gods build a Somavasaran :
seated on it and under the Ashok Tree, the Lord preaches the religion. Surapushpa Vrishti : The Celestial gods rejoice and shower beautiful flowers of five colours in surrounding area of fivey ojans. Divine Sound (Divya Dhvani) : The enchanting and malodisus voice of Arihant is heard in malkosh tune and is accompanied by vina (flute) and other musical instruments, played by celestail gods. Chamar : The celestial gods whirl white chamaras with golden handels in gratitude to lord. Asan (Seat) : The celestial gods construct a gem-studded golden Sinhasan (Seat) for lord. Bha-Mandal : A circle (halo) of light : The celestial gods compose a circle or halo of light emnating from Arihant. Behind him a halo is composed so that Lords face becomes visible to all.
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