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PRABUDDH JEEVAN
JANUARY 2017
Tirthankara gets a status of real Tirthankara which can 5. Shanti Snatra Puja: It is performed in intention be worshipped by Jains.
of universal peace. It is related to Tirthankara 3. Panch Kalyanak Puja : This ritual solemnizes all Shantinath. five Kalyanaka. It was narrated by Pandit Virvijayji. 6. Siddha-chakra Puja : It is a ritual focused on
4. Snatra Puja: Snatra Puja is a ritual related to the Siddha-chakra, a lotus-shaped disc bearing birth of Tirthankaras. They are bathed symbolising representations of the arhat, the liberated soul, Indra doing Abhisheka on Tirthankara on Mount religious teacher, religious leader and the monk (the Meru after birth of Tirthankara. It is performed before five praiseworthy beings), as well as the four qualities many other rituals and before starting of new namely perception, knowledge, conduct and austerity enterprises, birthdays.
to uplift the soul. Others are:
Observances 1. Adhāra Abhisheka (18 Abhisheka): It is temple Both the Digambara and Svetambara celebrate purification ceremony. 18 urns of different pure water, eight-day observance (ashtahnika) thrice every year. herbs etc. used to clean all icons for purification. It is it takes place every four months, from the eighth of performed periodically.
bright half of the months of Ashadha (June-July), 2. Antraya Karma Puja : It comprises a series of Karttika (October-November), and Phalguna prayers to remove those karmas which obstruct the (February March) through the full moon and is in direct spiritual uplifting power of the soul.
imitation of the eight day celebrations of Nandishvara 3. Arihanta Mahapujan: paying respect to Dvipa by the God. the arihants.
[To be continued] 4. Aththai Mahotsava : It is religious celebration in 76-C, Mangal Flat No. 15, 3rd Floor, Rafi Ahmed Kidwai which various religious activities are performed including Road, Matunga, Mumbai-400019. Mo: 96193/79589 some pujans for eight days.
798191 79589. Email : kaminigogri@gmail.com THE STORY OF 23RD TIRTHANKARA PARSVANATHA
Dr. Renuka Porwal
The 23rd Tirthankara Parsvanatha was born in the year 877 B. C. in Iksavaku/Ugra dynasty.He was the son of king Asvasena and queen Vama of Varanasi. In his time Jainism was known as Nirgrantha - dharma. Throughout his life, he was connected with snake god Dharan Indra as both helped each other many times.
As per the scriptures there is a well-known incident of Parsvanath. The ascetic Kamatha was performing yajna and put a giant wooden bar into it; here Parsvantha saw with his knowledge that a naga couple is burning inside. He immediately ordered his subordinate to pull the wood to save them, though the couple couldn't survive for more time. Later on they were reborn as Dharanendra and Padmavati, the wealthy king and queen of Patal-lok. The soul of Kamath became Asur Meghamali because of his bad conduct.
One day Parsvanath and his queen Padmavati happened to see a beautiful painting of Arishtanemi in a cave. The painting depicted Arishtanemi's marriage procession where he left the Barat after hearing the painful screaming of animals. On seeing this, Parsvanath renounced the world and became an ascetic at the age of 30. Once when Parsvanath was performing Kausagga Dhyan in standing posture, Meghamali attacked him with heavy showers and thunder lightening. When the water reached up to his neck, Dharanendra and Padmavati came to rescue him. Afterwards the Asur Meghmali realised his bad deeds and asked for forgiveness. Dharanendra became devotee of Parsvanath and later on received a place in all the icons of Parsvanath as either seven or a thousand hood chhatra. The snake became his emblem also. He preached the doctrine of Chaturyama dharma for 70 years after getting Kevaljnan. He took Sanlekhana at Parsvanath hill also known as Sametshikhara in the year 777 B.C. His Yaksa is called Parsvayaks a very similar to Ganesh. To differentiate both, he is shown with serpent hood.
Parsvanath organised Sangha to propagate his teachings. He had eight ganas and ganadharas. His influence reached parts of Central Asia, Greece etc. The Sraman Keshi of his tradition discussed with Gautamsvami - the Ganadhara of Mahavirsvami and all of them joined Tirthankar Mahavirasvami's tradition.
