Jain Journal 1998 07

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

Page 33

TIWARY: THE FOLLOWERS OF PĀRSVANĀTHA
his nirgrantha dharma among the aboriginals of modern South Bihar and Bengal. Even today, the followers of Pārsvanatha or his teachings can be seen within the 'Saraka' community in Manbhum, Singhabhum, Lohardagga and other districts of south Bihar and Bengal. The name of this community 'Sarāka' is nothing but a degenerated form of the word Śravaka 35 They belong to the same lineage of ancient Jain śrāvakas. During the recent past, they have embraced Hinduism, though a few of them still follow Jainism at some places. This tribe is mainly engaged in plantation, spinning, weaving and commerce. Like the orthodox Jains, the members of this community drink water after straining it and have their meals before the Sun set, with the idea to protect living beings.36
In the regions of Birbhum and Bānkurā districts of West Bengal, the serpent deity called 'Manasa' is worshipped during the months of Asāḍha, Śrāvana, Bhadrapada and Asvina37 (approximately during the period from July to October). This may be having some connection with the legend that Dharmendra had adorned Pārsvanatha's head in the shape of Nāgarāja. 38 This apparently shows that in course of time, they took to the worshipping of the very symbol which had adorned Pārsvanatha. Originally they must have been the followers of Pārsva.
The Jain religion was essentially anterior to Mahāvīra and Pārsvanatha had been an earlier historical personage. He not only gave a strong base to the Jain principles, but even paved the way for Mahavira to preach, organise and give a new shape to the Jain samgha.
35. A technical word in Jainism (meaning 'a layman'). 36. J.C. Jain. Mahāvīra, p. 10.
37. Jaina-Siddhanta-Bhaskara, Vol. II, Pt. II, p. 75.
38. J.C. Jain, op. cit.
31