Book Title: Jain Heritage and Beyond
Author(s): Shailesh Shah
Publisher: Oshwal Associations of The UK

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Page 168
________________ JAI JINENDRA Jai Jinendra literally means, "May the religion established by the Jina prevail in our hearts". As we greet others we say, "Jai Jinendra" because we see an image of a Jina, conqueror of all inner enemies, in them. Recognising this, we bow down with respect to their Soul. Every Soul is capable of becoming a Jina, the destroyer of inner enemies; anger, greed, ego, and deceit. Jina is also known as Arihanta or Tirthankar. We consider them as Jain Gods. 3 AARTI The Ärati has 5 lamps. The flame is lit on a cotton wick soaked in ghee. The Ärati is waved in a circular motion in front of a Tirthankar idol at the end of a ritual ceremony and also at night before the temple closes. The darkness symbolizes negativity, fear, and ignorance, whereas the light symbolizes divinity. The light of the Arati dispels darkness, signifying the overcoming of negativity through virtue, fear through courage, and ignorance through knowledge. The 5 lamps symbolize: Panch Parmesthi Arihanta, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyay, Sädhu/Sadhvi Five types of Gnäns or knowledge Matignän, Shrutgnän, Avadhignän, Manah Paryäygnän, Kevalgnän Five great vows Ahimsä, Non-stealing, Truthfulness, Celibacy, Non-possession MANGAL DEEVO Mangal deevo has a single wick lamp that is lit and waved in a circular motion right after the Ärati. The flame is lit on a cotton wick soaked in ghee. When the wick is lit, it illuminates the face of the Jina. In this manner, we wish that it would illuminate our hearts with truth and compassion. The single lamp is also a symbol of kevalgnän (infinite knowledge) and liberated souls. 175

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