________________
British historians based on information."
biased thinking and incomplete
The historical references regarding Vārānasi support the historicity of Supārśva Nātha. The name and symbol of Bhagavāna Supārśva Nātha had telling effect here and people started snake worship here. Worship of yakșas has also been quite popular here. Archaeological findings confirming this include numerous Jain images displayed at Bhārata Kalā Bhavana. In India the concepts of Nāga Vamsa (clan name Nāga, which means serpent), Nāga Sakti (supernatural power of serpent gods) and Nāga pūjā (serpent worship) have been interpreted in various ways by different interest groups. But there certainly is an undercurrent of historical references in all these interpretations.
BHAGAVĀNA CANDRAPRABHA - Candraprabha was born to queen Laxmimati, the wife of King Mahāsena (belonging to the Ikşvāku family and Kāśyapa gotra) of Chandrapura city. He was endowed with a unique glow. While enjoying the wealth and the glory of his kingdom when he reached the fourth quarter of his lifespan he realized the ephemeral nature of life. This inspired him towards becoming a skyclad ascetic in the Sarvartaka forest and commenced meditation. After the formal two day fast King Somadatta served him food with all devotion. After a continuous meditation of three months he attained omniscience. All his life wandered around spreading his spiritual message. In the end he attained nirvana at Sammeda Sikhara along with many of his disciples. His symbol is the moon and his attending deities were Ajit Yakşa and Manuvega Yakşiņi.
BHAGAVĀNA PUŞPADANTA -- He was born to queen Jayarāma, the wife of King Sugrīva (belonging to the lkşvāku family and Kāśyapa gotra) of Kākandi city. Once he saw a falling meteor and decided to endeavour towards spiritual uplift. This inspired him to become a skyclad ascetic and indulge in meditation. After the formal fasting he went to Sailapura city to seek alms and was served food by King Puşpamitra. He continued to practice austerities and attained omniscience after four years. He had a large religious organization including 88 Gañadharas. All his life he wandered around spreading his spiritual message. In the end he attained nirvana at Sammeda Sikhara. His attending deities were
194
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
