Jainism For Beginners Level 02

Author(s): Sayampurnashreeji
Publisher: Sayampurnashreeji

Page 20

BASICS OF JAINISM
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tree they make a gem studded platform.
At the centre of this, they make a throne
SAMAVASARAN with a leg-rest of crystalquartz. Over this
throne there are three canopies, one over the other. On both the flanks of the throne, the heavenly Gods stands with whisks in their hands and install the emblem of wheel of religion a little distance away and in front of the throne. Three teplicas of the Tirthankara sitting on the throne are created by heavenly gods are installed, facing in the remaining three directions. Thus the Tirthankara is visible to everyone sitting anywhere in assembly.
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The Samavasaran is the religious assembly of Tirthankaras. The literal meaning of the term is proper congregation at a specific place or a place where beings with different attitudes assemble in an orderly manner. As such, the assembling of a variety of worthy beings specially humans, animals and heavenly gods for the purpose of beholding Tirthankara and listening to his preaching is called Samavasaran. It is large in dimension, wide in scope and lofty in purpose.
The Special Divine plan of the Samavasaran:
The Samavasaran is constructed by heavenly Gods on a twelve Sq.km area. Fragrant water is sprinkled and perfumed flowers are showered. The whole area is decorated with various gemstones including moonstone and sapphire. They construct gem studded gold gates in all the four directions. In each direction of Divine assembly, there are twenty thousand steps. The heavenly gods with their special powers construct three enclosures. The outermost wall is constructed with silver, middle wall is made of gold and the innermost wall is full of gemstones.
They plant a Ashoka tree twelve times the height of the Tirthankara exactly at the centre of the innermost circle. Under this
In the first enclosure all the heavenlybeings, Gandharas, Sadhus, Sadhvis, Shravaka, Shravika take their respective places. The second enclosure is allotted to all types of animals (the five sensed ones). The third enclosure is allotted for parking of vehicles.
To behold the Divine assembly of a Tirthankar is an important act. As it is a rule that any ascetic stationed within a distance of approximately one hundred and forty four k.m. from Divine assembly should come and join. One who ignores this for any reason should observe a four days fast as penitence.
The Acharyas have explained the purpose of the breathtaking beauty of the Tirthankara that appears due to the precipitation of the Tirthankara-namakarma. They say that this Divine beauty