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The gradual development of Deities in Jaina Pantheon
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The dreams of Jina's mother comprise of the Laksmī, Sun and Moon show that they are adored in Jainism in the form of symbols too.
4.16 Sarsavatī:
The earliest inscribed image of Sarasvati (fig. 32. J. 24 LM.) assigned to Kuşāņa era brings into focus her independent worship in Jaina pantheon. The deity squats on a rectangular seat with her knees drawn up, holds a book in her left hand while right hand, though without palm seems to be in varada. On her right a Sramaņa is standing with a pitcher (kumbha) in right hand while holds a Kambala with left as usual. To her left, a devotee is standing with folded hands. It is the earliest image of Sarasvatī with her name in the inscription.
4.17 Śrutadevī Sarasvati in Ardhamāgadhi Agama Literature:
Besides Arhats, the Ardhamāgadhi Jaina literature comprises with adoration of 16 Mahāvidyās but the Srutadevatā is not accredited with the prevails of performing mangala in the beginning. The text sūtrakritānga42 and Rsibhāsita have mentioned the knowledge (vidyā) of ascetics comprising with some skilful art and power like disappearing, Knowledge of languages, etc. but not referred to Sarasvati deity43. With the influence of tantric practice, many deities are given a room in the Jaina pantheon viz. Kankālī, Kālī, Mahākalī, Cāmundā etc.44 Even the accepted 16 Mahāvidyās are assimilated in 24 yakṣīs as the protective deities of Jinas, but nowhere Sarasvati or Laksmī is mentioned in a Deva clan. In Bhagavatī-sūtra first mangala is performed towards Pañca-Paramesťhī, script Brāhmi and Śruta45 - Namo Arihantanam' 'Namo Bambhie Liviye'/ 'Namo Suyassa/'. Here Śrutadevatā is not indicated. The second mangala is performed in the middle of the sūtra (Sataka15) where Śrutadevatā is worshipped - /Namo Suyadevayāe Bhagavaī467, but this included afterwards as per scholars as it is not available in its Tīkā and Vritti. Thus Sarsavatī first adored as a Suya/Jinavāni (Namo
42 sūtrakritānga, 2/2/18 43 Jain S., article on "Śrutadevī Sarasvati.." in., Titthayara, July, 2009. 44 B.C. Bhattacarya, Jain Icon.pp 16 fn, Also Vardhamānsūri, Acāra Dinakara. 45 Jain S., article on “Śrutadevi Sarasvatī...", pp 200 -210, in Titthayara, (Calcutta,
2009). 46 I) Bhagavatīsūtra - 9/33/149 and 163.
II) Jain S., article on "Śrutadevi Sarasvati..." in Tithayara, (Calcutta 2009).
