Jain Journal 1990 01

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

Page 37

An Introduction to Jaina Cakravartis
MANORAMA JAIN
For the progress of human race and culture it is necessary that some great men should arise to guide and lead the human race. Such men are called salākā-purușas in Jaina Culture. They are sixtythree in number: 24 Tirthankaras, 12 Cakravartis, 9 Vasudevas, 9 Baladevas and 9 PratiVasudevas.
According to Sthānanga and Samavāyānga Sutra these sixtythree salākāpuruṣas are born in each utsarpini and avasarpiṇī period of the time cycle in Bharata-kşetra or Indian sub-continent.
Here, in this article, we will speak of Cakravartis only. The names of the twelve Cakravartis as found in the above Sutras are as follows:
1 Bharata, 2 Sagara, 3 Maghava, 4 Sanatkumara, 5 Santi, 6 Kunthu 7 Ara, 8 Subhuma, 9 Mahapadma, 10 Harisena, 11 Jaya 12 Brahmadatta.
It is said that in whose armoury a cakra-ratna appears becomes a Cakri or Cakravarti. Following the cakra which moves of its own accord he conquers the six segments of the Bharata-kşetra and for this he is also known as satkhanda-bharatesvara.
More than one Cakravarti may be born at a certain period of time but they are not born in one kşetra.
Initiation of Cakravartis
It has been said in Avatyaka Sutra that all the Cakravartis renounce the world at their own birthplace except Subhuma and Brahmadatta. They do not embrace monkhood also. Bharata and Sagara renounces at Vinita (Ayodhya or Saketa), Maghava at Sravasti, Santi, Ara and Kunthu at Hastinapura, Mahapadma at Varanasi, Harisena at Kampilya and Jaya at Rajagrha. Subhuma was born at Hastinapura and Brahmadatta at Kampilya.