Rajendrasuri Janma Sardh Shatabdi Granth

Author(s): Premsinh Rathod
Publisher: Rajendrasuri Jain Navyuvak Parishad Mohankheda

Page 620

tilak on her forehead, She has lotuses in her hands. She has beautiful tresses of hair. She is described with reference to Munisuvrath jina who is capable of protecting devotees from the mire of samsara. She destroys those who destroy good. She is the unique Devi to whom 'tilak' is mentioned by the poet.
21 Kali Devi : She quells down the armies of enemies. She bears mace (Jada) and rosary in her hands. She is highly unmatching in her beauty. She has her pure lotus feet that is respected. She is dark in complexion like that of the dark cloud. She has friends with Lakshmi, the daughter of ocean. This devi is connected with Namijina known for destroying the sins of devotees.
22. Amba Devi : She bestows wealth bhuri in devotees. She bears a mango creeper in her hand. With her roar she frighten enemies. She has lustre that of gold. She rides a lion. She is fond of mango-groves. She is connected with Nemijina known for heroism in battles once, but attained spiritual heights for the good of his devotees,
23 Yala Devi : She is highly victorious in literary sessions. She has her rich dark hair highly beaming with brilliance. She is respected by celestial ladies even. She protects devotees from fear. She is the consort of Nagapati. She has bodily lustre like that of lotuses, she is free from pride but graceful to devotees. She is described while Parsvajina is eulogised by Sobhanamuni. This jina is capable of destowing happiness and protection upon devotees.
24. Ambika Devi : Sobhana muni seems to be biased towards this devi as well Mahaveera on whom this deity shown her special attendance.
Ambika's lotus feet is revered by several women belonging to celestial regions. Merely, with her roar, this deity drove away in fear all the enemies and became victorious. She is brilliant. She bestows protection. She is addressed as lioness, indicating her lion-like activity. She is recognised as best in granting emancipation from this world. She is herself seated on lion, the best enemy of best lions. She is connected with Vardhamana Mahavira who is capable of granting happiness of Nirvana to the sincere devotees.
III The foregoing description of these female deities and two Yakshas reveal the characteristics of the
respective deities in nutshell. It is interesting to note that only two jinas are having Yakshas, male beings as their respective attendants. A glance at the deities further shows out that each deity has a brilliant stature and powers enough to protect the respective devotees of jinas besides safeguarding the interests of the respective jinas.
Sobhanamuni with his effectful poetic composition has enlightened even non-jainas by describing the jinas, jinatati and jainism and the attendant deities in a very crisp manner. The scheme is appreciable. Due to his such solitary work which acclaimed unique position in many aspects, Sobhanamuni remains immortal in the minds of the followers of this religion. Although the names of these deities are familiar in Hinduism, there are several characteristic differences which would be described at another occasion. It is not, however, to be disputed in respect of comparisons of levels. After all belief is the foundation of religion and religion is the chief strength of unity and solace among people. No religion proclaims in an unrighteous way. The goal of all religions is to elevate mankind into better regions of behaviour and happiness. Nirvana is ultimate. Mahavirajinalo blesses devotees the same in case one is assiduous towards that.
"Sa Jinottam agamah Sampadam disatu"
(Let that speech of great jinas direct us into prosperity)
10. Jinas are like Avtars. Each jina rejuvinated
the spirits of the religion and its followers from time to time and maintained the popularity and existance of the religion, although it was threatened to that in the annals of history in India. All the Jinas put together, have been a chief source of inspiration. Each jina explained impermanence of material wealth and on the other promoted happiness through renunciation, self control, sense control and such other virtues. Sobhanamuni is specifically emphatic to propagate the sacrifice and virtues of jinas that should form lessons to the humanity at large which known in general misery and suffering.
Rajendra-Jyoti
Jain Education Intemational