Jainism by Vividus

Author(s): Ramnik V Shah
Publisher: Ramnik V Shah Canada

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A "Tirthankara" is also called “Jina", one who has full control over all senses (Jainas are so-called because they are followers of "Jina''). He is described as a "Pramatman"-a super soul in that he has evolved in the supra state to which all souls are capable of evolving. He is called "Siddha" -one who has achieved that which is to be achieved. All these terms, toge. ther with the term "Sarvajna" (omniscient) are for the state of that ideal to which all mankind has aspired and which at various times and places is being described by various religions in various ways by various words.
With all these Tirthankaras are associated five kinds of festivals which are called “Kalyanakas." "They are really the five most important milestones during their lives. The first is the fact or the stage when they are conceived in the womb of their mothers-to-be, It is known as Garbha Kalyanaka or Swargavatarana i.e, descent from heaven. At this time, Jaina Canons mention that the mothers have various dreams, during which they see sixteen objects in all (Shwetambaras believe fourteen objects). These objects are: 1. Airavata elephant i.e. the elephant of the Chief of gods (divine ultra-humans) viz Indra who is believed to have seven trunks. 2 Unusual size ox. 3. Lion with saffron-colour manes and claws. 4. Goddess Lakshmi (wealth) performing ablution with golden pots. 5. A pair of flower garlands. 6. Sun 7. Moon 8. A pair of celestial fish. 9. A pair of golden jars filled with water and decorated with sandal-paste, flower necklace and flowers. 10. A lake with in-grown lotuses of various colours. 11. Ocean swelling with waves 12. A royal throne, 13. A spaceship or a celestial abode. 14. Palace of the serpent-god. 15. A heap of jewels such as diamonds, pearls, rubies, emeralds, etc: 16. Flaming fire. The second stage is the actual birth known as Janma kalyanaka. The third stage is when they renounce their worldly possessions and enter intiation for doing penance. This is known as Diksha or Tapa Kalyanaka. The fourth is, after a number of years spent in austerities and penance, when they get to the state of becoming omniscient as a result of the destruction of karmas. This stage
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