Jainthology

Author(s): Ganesh Lalwani
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 34

fies the same meaning of a common descent from a common male aneestor like Greek genos and the Roman gens, etc.
Fourteen Kulakaras,15 according to the Digambara Jaina tradition. presided successively over their respective kulas in different periods, They are as follows: (1) Pratiśruti, (2) Sanmati, (3) Kṣemankara, (4) Kṣemandhara, (5) Simankara, (6) Simandhara, (7) Vimalavahana, (8) Cakṣuşman, (9) Yaşasvan, (10) Abhicandra, (11) Candrabha, (12) Marudeva, (13) Prasenajit and (14) Nabhi.16
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(1) Pratiśruti, the first Kulakara explained to his kula the significance of natural phenomena, such as, the rising and setting of the sun and the moon, of day and night, etc.
(2) Sanmati, the second Kulakara, expounded the system of constellation to his people and became the first astronomer of the Age.
(3) Kṣemankara, the third Kulakara, taught them the art of taming the wild useful animals to employ them in the service of the human society.
(4) Kṣemandhara, the fourth Kulakara, invented the science of making weapons out of wood and stone to chase wild animals.
According to the Svetambara Jaina Agamas, there are seven or ten or fifteen Kulakaras, while the Padmacarita mentions fourteen Kulakaras. viz.. 1. Sumai, 2. Padissui, 3. Simankara, 4. Simandhara, 5. Khemankara, 6. Khemandhara, 7. Vimalavahana, 8. Cakkhuman, 9. Jasaman, 10. Abhicandra, 11. Camdabha, 12. Pasenai, 13. Marudeva and 14. Nabhi. See Jambudvipa-prajnapti, 2.28 for 15 Kulakaras, In the Jambudvipa-prajnapti there are stated to be 15Kulakaras including Rsabha while the Sthananga, the Samavayanga and the Avasyaka Niryukti, etc., mention only seven. viz., 1. Vimalavahana, 2. Caksusman, 3. Yasasvi, 4. Abhicandra, 5. Prasenai, 6. Marudeva and 7. Nabhi. jambuddive bharahevase imise osappinie satta kulagara hotta, temjaha-padhamitta bimalavahana 1, cakkhuma 2, yasaman 3, cauttham abhichamde 4, tatto pasenai 5, puna marudeve 6. ceva nabhi 7, vide Jambudvipa-prajnapti, 132; iha tu sri rsabhadevasamyuktah pancadasa bhanitah, Jambubvipa-prajnapti, 2.28. Among them also Candrabha is stated to be placed in between Abhicandra and Prasenajit. If so, how is the mutual agreement among different numbers correct? The answer is that there are two classes of Kulakaras - one appointed in the duties of Kulakaras and the other independent. Vimalavahana, etc. are niyuktas (employees) who are mentioned in the Sthananga here having done the duties of Kulakara they have become Kulakaras, Jambudvipaprajnapti, pp. 2.28, foot note No. 1. p. 132.
Tiloyapannatti, Pt. I, vv. 421-504, pp 195-205, ed. by Dr. A. N. Upadhye and Dr. H. L. Jain, published by Jaina Sanskriti Samraksaka Samgha, Sholapur, 1963.
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