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(The whole debate as to which version is right is somewhat sectarian but I have examined all the points critically earlier in this book.)
The eight divine attributes are:
1. Whenever the Tirthankara is seated in his assembly to deliver a sermon, He is seen seated under an Ashoka tree. 2. He is seated on a special throne (Simhäsana). 3. The celestial beings or demigods are in attendance gently fanning their whisks (Chämara). 4. Always there is a three-tier canopy above the head of the Tirthankara (Chhatra).
The remaining four pratihäryas are: 1. Celestial beings are playing the wind instrument called a Dundubhi: a sign of glory and victory. 2. Celestial beings are showering beautiful flowers (pushpa). 3. There is a halo around the face of the Tirthankara. 4. The language of the Tirthankara can be understood by all living beings including animals.
Verse No (28) When you are seated under the high Ashoka tree, the rays emanating from your perfect and shining body radiate upwards like the rays of the sun located adjacent to the dense clouds, and dispels darkness.
Comments: This is the first divine attribute, an Ashoka tree. There always is a tree where the Tirthankara is seated for His sermon. The name of the tree is Ashoka. In Sanskrit Ashoka also means no misery or no sadness (a - shoka. the first 'a' denotes negativity as in Ahimsä, non-violence)
The height of the tree is usually twelve times the height of a Tirthankara. The first Tirthankara Rishabhadeva was the tallest, so the tree in His case is also the tallest one.
According to the Samväyanga Sootra', another tree is seen on top of the Ashoka tree. That tree is different in the case of each the Tirthankara. It is usually the same tree under which the particular Tirthankara had attained infinite, supreme knowledge (kevala gyän). Whether the height of another tree is calculated, that the total height is twelve times, is not quite clear.
Verse No. (29) (The second attribute throne or lion-throne (Simhäsana).
When seated on a lion-throne with multifaceted jewels, your bright and golden body shines like the disc of the sun radiating rays under the sky, seated on the summit of the eastern mountain.
Comments: The first Tirthankara had a golden complexion as per the description of His body. That is why we can see here that the poet has used the word 'golden body.
Bnaktzuapa Kahuza Mandir Satika. Page 67, Published by Jain SM Sangha, Surendranagar, 1997
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