Jain Journal 1974 07

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

Page 35

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classics. According to one, on the second day of the full moon in Asadha, the first Tirthankara Rusabha (Rsabha) was conceived. On this day each year Caitya Yatra or Ratha Yatra is celebrated. Many believe that Lord Jagannatha is the symbol of Rusabha. So on that day Jagannatha's Ratha-Yatra is observed. According to another Jaina classic Rusabha was conceived on the fourth day of the full moon in Asadha. The conception period was of nine months and four days. So he was born on the eighth day of the full moon in Caitra month. That day Rusava's birthday is observed in Bhubaneswar as Ratha Yatra.
JAIN JOURNAL
Like the Snäna-Yatra (the bathing ceremony) of Lord Jagannatha, the Jaina deities also have their Abhişeka and Snana ceremonies. The custom of colouring Lord Jagannatha's eyes and the Nava-Yauvana dress after the Snäna remind one of the same with the Jina idols. There is nothing special to colour in Jagannatha except his eyes.
The name Jagarnatha or Jagannatha itself is Jaina in origin. The Jaina lexicon Rajendra (Abhidhana Rajendra, Vol. IV, page 1385) mentions that the name Jagannatha is another name of Jinesvara Adinatha Rusabha. The Batara (Baniyan) in the Jagannatha temple seems to be the symbol of Rusabha Deva's tree. The Nila Cakra of Jagannatha is the symbol of Rusabha's Dharma Cakra. Wherever in India Lord Rusabha is worshipped, the place is known as Cakraksetra. Mount Abu in Rajasthan so well known to the Jainas, is known as Cakraksetra. Anandapur in Keonjhar District where Rusabha was worshipped is Cakraksetra. Puri, the seat of Jagannatha is also known as Cakraksetra. The possibility of it being the Pithasthāna of Rusabhadeva of an earlier time is probable. Hindu religion is eclectic and is surmised that Rusabha Deva was adopted as Lord Jagannatha.
Reprinted from Sunday Hindusthan Standard, Calcutta February 10, 1974.