Book Title: Introduction to Jainism and its Culture
Author(s): Balbhadra Jain
Publisher: Kundkund Gyanpith Indore

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Page 219
________________ Aliganj tehsil about 16-17 miles away from Kampilā. There is a mention of 22 incarnations of Bhagavāna Vişnu in Srimad Bhāgavat. The name of the second incarnation in that list is Varāha or Śūkara. According to the Hindu belief the place where Vişņu incarnated as Śükara is called Śūkara area. Today this place is believed to be Soron, which is nine miles away from Kasaganj in district Etah. According to Vividha Tīrtha Kalpa it was Kampilā that was called Sūkara area because of boar being the symbol of Bhagavāna Vimala Nätha. There is a marked resemblance in these two boar symbols and stories. According to Hindu Purānas when the earth fell into the infernal dimension Bhagavāna Visnu incarnated as Varāha (boar) in order to redeem it (Śrīmadbhāgavat 3/4). In Jain Purāṇas it is mentioned that during that period the humanity was under a heavy burden of sins and Bhagavāna Vimala Nātha affected its salvation. These two stories appear to be same if carefully pondered over. The Hindu Purānas use an ornamental language and metaphoric style. Bereft of this style we will find that Hindu and Jain Purānas resemble each other very much. Looking from this angle it can be said that Kampilā is the Sūkara area and Bhagavāna Vimala Nātha is the Varāha incarnation who brought out the earth bogged under the slime of sins. BHAGAVĀNA ANANTA NĀTHA -- He was born to queen Suyasa, the wife of King Simhasena (belonging to the Ikşvāku family) of Ayodhyā city. In due course he married and ascended the throne. One day he saw a falling meteor and became aware of the transient nature of life. He renounced the world and became a sky-clad ascetic to pursue his spiritual goal. After the formal two-day fast, seeking alms he came to Sāketpuri and was served food by King Viśākha. He then commenced harsh austerities and attained omniscience after two years. After establishing the religious order he wandered around spreading his spiritual message. In the end he attained nirvana at Sammeda Sikhara. His symbol was falcon. His attending deities were Kinnar Yakşa and Vairati Yakṣiṇī. Suprabha Balabhadra, Puruşottama Nārāyana, Madhu Pratinārāyaṇa were his contemporaries. The auspicious fasting of Ananta Caturdaśī was started during his period. BHAGAVĀNA DHARMA NĀTHA -- He was born to queen Suvrata, the wife of King Bhānu (belonging to the Ikşvāku family) of Ratanapura city. In due course he married and ascended the throne. 202 Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

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