Jain Journal 1968 01

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 51

JANUARY, 1968
137
On the other hand Panini has said that alphabets beginning with aiun, etc. have been received from Mahesvara. In the Vedic tradition Siva is designated as Mahesvara. So also in Jaina tradition Rsabhadeva is also designated as Mahesvara or Brahmma (Prajapati). Therefore there is identity in saying that Brahmi alphabet has been taught by Rsabha and alphabets arranged in the Māheśvara Sutra are by Mahesvara. This identity probably points to the unity of their preacher.
In the Vedic tradition the bull is said to be the conveyance of Siva. According to the Jainas the bull is Rsabha's emblem too. Seals depi icting images with the bull found in the Indus Valley and the Vedic sūktis also point out that images of Rsabha were drawn with the bull. This depicting of the bull also lends support to their unity.
The description of the matted hairs in the case of the two further establish the identity. For Siva is known for his matted hairs and Rsabha, too, is mentioned in the Ādi Purāṇale as having grown very long hairs within a year of his initiation and fast. To commemorate the first year of his ascetic life his image is adorned with matted hair and to this day the same practice continues.
All these things point out that Siva and Rsabha are the same personalities. And I have no hesitation to say that the Jaina Culture can be traced in and among the oldest Indian Culture.
1 Rgveda, 2. 33. 15.
Ibid, 1. 189. 17. Ibid 9. 4. 37. Srimad Bhagavata, 5th Skandha.
Siva Purana, 7.2.9. • Rgveda, 10. 136. 17. , Taittariya Samhita, 1.2.4.
Bajsaneyi Samhita, 9.3.9.8; Taita. 1.8.6. ' 'Hara' Ramayana, Bala Kanda 43.6; Brsabhadhvaja' Rama. Uttara Kanda 16.35, 87,12.
io Mahabharata, Drona Parva, 74, 56, 61, 169, 29. 11 Buddha Carita, 10, 3, 1, 63. 1 Natya Sastra, 1.1. 13 Ibid, 1. 45, 24, 5, 10.
Ibid, 1.60, 65.
Prabhas Purana, 49. 16 Paumacariya sl. 2. 17 Avasyaka Niryukti, gatha, 329. 48 Ibid., 212. 11 Adi Purana, 18. 75. 76.
Reprinted from the Jain Bharati Dec 18, 1966. Courtesy Sri Jain Svetambar Terapanthi Mahasabha, Calcutta.