Portrait of Jain Religion

Author(s): Narendra Jain
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy

Page 48

ANNEXURE TO CHAPTER-5
ATTRIBUTES OF PANCHA PARMESHTHI
Arihantas:
There are in all 12 unique attributes. Of these the foremost 4 are Anant Chatushtaya comprising Ananta Gyan (infinite knowledge), Ananta Darshana (infinite perception), Ananta Virya (infinite energy), and Ananta Charitra (perfect conduct).
The 8 Pratiharyas celestially endowed on achieving Omnicience are Simhasan, Bhamandal, Chamar, Chhatras, Ashoka tree, Pushpavrushti, Dev-Dundubhi and Divya Dhwani..
These 12 attributes, when elaborately explained are counted as 34 atishaya. The artishayas are birth related, celestially endowed as well as realized on achieving Keval Gyan (Omnicience). SIDDHAS:
There are in all 8 unique attributes, namely Ananta Gyan (infinite knowledge). Ananta Darshana (infinite perception), Avyabadha Sukha (eternal bliss), Ananta Charitra (Perfect conduct, Akshaya Stithi (immortality), Arupitva (formlessness), Aguru Laghutva (No status-either heavy or light), Ananta Virya (infinite energy). ACHARYAS:
Acharyas possess in all 36 attributes.Digambars and Shwetambars list them slightlty differently, but in essence they are similar. Digambars list them as follows:
6 external austerities comprising anashan (fasting), Unodari (eating less than needed), Vrutti-sankshep (eating only a certain number of items, eating only within limits of a certain area, eating only at a certain time, and eating food obtaine4d or cooked by certain means). Ras-tyag (eating non-tasty food-ayambil tapa,
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A Portrait of Jain Religion