Jainism and Mahavira

Author(s): Bhagchandra Jain Bhaskar
Publisher: Digambar Jain Sahitya Sanskriti Sanskaran Samiti

Page 12

as Vratasaha (5.53.11) which is interpreted as Utsedhajivio. They were initiated by using the Bratyastoma for making them Aryanso. They are also called Anaryas and Magadhas
The subject matter of the Vratyakanda may be compared with the life of Rsabhadeva, the first Tirthankara who have been honoured by the Vedic Risis in several verses. The Vratyas were definitely against the Vedic idealogy. According to the Pancavimsa Brahmana, they were divided into two classes, i.e. the Arhatas and Yaudhas. As we know, the Arhathood is very popular in the Sramana culture in the sense of Vitaragatva. The Buddhist monks were also called Arhat. The word "Arhat" is used in the Rgveda in the sense of a leader of Sramanas".
The munis of the Rgveda were the followers of Tirthankara Rsabhadeva. The famous Kesisukta (Rv. X. 136) describes a Muni who bears long hair, clade in dirty, tawn-coloured garments, walks in the air or flies. He is delirious with the state of being a Muni. He enjoys friendship with Vayu and drank poison with Rudra. He follows the moving wind and attained the status of God. Mortal men could only see his body and no more. He treats the path of sylvan beasts, Gandharvas and Apsaras"
Corresponding to these references, the references to Vatarasana Sramana Rsis and their leader Rsabhadeva occurred in the Bhagavata Purana may be compared and said that Rsabhadeva, the First Tirthankara of Jainas is well-recognised by the Vedic sages. He was accepted as the incarnation of God even earlier to the incarnation of Rama and Krsna'4.
Like Munis, Yatis were also prevalent in the Vedic period. They were meditators belonged to Non-Aryan Group called Asuras. According to the Sayanabhasya. Asuras were killed by Indra'. The war between Devas and Danavas was the war held between Vedic Aryas and pre-Vedic Aryans (Sramanas). Asuras were not 9. Katyayana Srautasutra, Tika on 24.4.39, 26 & 30
Atharvaveda, XIV. 12.1-4. .. Arhan biharsi sayanani.........Rgveda, 2.4.33.10. Munayo vatarasanah pisangah yasate mala.
Vatasyanudhrajim yanti yaddevaso abiksata. Rgveda, 10.11.136.2-3. 13. Bahirsi tasminneva........Nabheh ..... Marudevam dharman darsayitu kama
Vatarasananam Sramananam risinam ......Bhagavat Purana, 5.3.20. 14. Sivapurana, 7.2.9.