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Bhadrasana
heavenly being, human being, animal and hellish being. Our aim is liberation not rebirth. The three dots represent the golden rules of right faith, right knowledge and right conduct. The curved arc represents the abode of the Siddhas, the final resting place of the soul (siddhashila). The dot above represents the Siddh. Colours represent the Jain religion flag: red for Siddh, yellow for Acharya, white for Arihant, green for Upadhyay and blue for Sadhu.
Yakshas and Yakshinis: They are the deities that are found as images besides those of the Tirthankaras. Yakshas are male and Yakshinis are female. They are also called Shashandevtas and Shashandevis. They are guardian deities. They protect the Tirthankaras and the order of Jainism.
Jain flag: The flag of the temple is placed on the 'mountain (shikhar) and changed during the temple's anniversary. It is unique and different from the other types of flags. The flag is very long and dangling. Kalash: symbolises all spiritual wealth and complete knowledge.
Kalasha
Minyugala
Ashtamangal-Eight auspicious symbols: Vasant Chinchwadkar
Nandyavart: The complex swastika. It indicates the treasures of nine kinds of material, physical, mental and spiritual. This symbol is used during installation of the Jain icons and for many other religious ceremonies.
Bells: The bells (ghants) have a particular chime of their own that is considered auspicious. There are a number of times the bells are chimed. Those not engaging in pooja ring the bell thrice, to focus attention through mind, body and spirit. After worshipping the bells are struck to express the joy. They are continuously rung during the aarti ceremony. Mirror: We look into a mirror to see the face of the Tirthankara symbolising that we may attain the state of non-attachment like them. It symbolises the true self that is our own.
Chamar: This is used for the chowri dance. The chamar is swayed before the Tirthankara to express devotion and respect.
OTHER SYMBOLS
Lion: It is the emblem of Lord Mahavir. The lion has an honourable place in all icons of stone and metal in Jain art. It is also one of the eight auspicious symbols in the world. • The holy pitcher: Invokes peace and prosperity.
The elephant: Usually found at the doorstep of all temples. This is one animal that is found in all temple architecture. It is the holiest of all animals and a favourite of the gods. The swan: It is mostly seen in sculpture and architecture. In
Jain Education International 2010_03
SYMBOLS CAPTURE THE SPIRIT
Darpana
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Jain temples, the lowest strip in domes is called hamsa-thar, which is a whole line of swans carved out.
HSD
Shehnai: Auspicious wind musical instrument. Earlier this was played thrice a day at temples and palaces.
Lotus: The most auspicious flower. Tirthankaras sit on the lotus when giving sermons. It is also a symbol to depict how to live unattached in the world. Lotus leaves remain. untouched by water, though they are born and live in water.
Vidyadhara God: These demi-gods can fly and usually carry garlands and flowers. Today they are found as sculptures in a temple.
Cymbals: Musical instruments made out of bronze. They are used in music on occasions of prayers, poojas and religious festivals.
Drums: They are also considered auspicious musical instruments, demi-gods playing them when in audience of the
Tirthankaras.
⚫ Aarti lamps: An artistic metallic lamp for aarti. The lighted lamps are waved before the icon for worship during the aarti and after. Wicks saturated with clarified butter are also used in temples in India. On great religious ceremonies huge aartis with 108 lamps is utilised. The five lights also represent the five great vows (panch maha vrat) and the restraining of the negative activities of the five senses.
Rosary: It consists of exactly 108 beads. Scriptures point out the type and colour of the rosary (mala) to be used and the method of moving it.
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Coconut: It is known as shreefal and means fruit of wealth in Sanskrit. It is one of the most auspicious items needed during ceremonies and pooja in a temple. A coconut is placed on the swastika figure made of rice-grain. It is also offered to goddesses like Lakshmi or as a gift.
• The crocodile mouth: Two similar figures are placed at the threshold of the inner sanctum sanctorium of the temple, signifying attachment and hatred. These need to be stepped upon before entering, leaving behind the two most evil emotions.
Jainism has an extensive representation of visual symbols at all steps to constantly remind us of our final destination. The bottom line is that once our own mind, body and soul join in complete harmony to reach the ultimate goal, nothing can stop us.
Dhara Kothari is a freelance writer and a Jain Spirit representative in Mumbai.
December 2002 February 2003 Jain Spirit
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