________________ 208 : Sramana, Vol 57, No. 3-4/July-December 2006 ones (Siddha), Homage to the teachers (Ayariya), Homage to the preceptors (Uvajjhaya), Homage to all monks (Sahu) in the world. The earliest reference to the Pancaparmesthins is found, in part, in about the first century B.C. Later, it was expanded into the five invocations by Puspadanta in about the second century A.D. Manatungacarya (c. late six century A.D.) composed the Navakarasarathavana. This mantra is believed to burn away the karmic knots and helps in liberation. But new elements were added to the rituals, gradually. The most important being the Navapada, it constitutes the Pancaparamesthins and four doctrinal principals of right knowledge (samyak-jnana), right faith (samyak-darsana), right practice (samyak-caritra), and right austerity (samyak-tapa). The emergence of tantric elements in Jaina hymnic literature is very well analysed by Prfo. M.A. Dhaky. He writes, "...a whole class of hymnic literature began to appear which is overtly magical, pretending at first to the curing of ailments, snake bites, etc., but eventually went as far as acquiring supernatural powers and dialectical skills (for the monks) and obtaining worldly wealth (for the lay followers). This mantric and tantric trend entered and took firm root in the Nirgrantha Church, despite injunctions against magic, sorcery, prognostications and prophesies in the early Agamas.' He goes on to add, "under the influence of prevailing religious climate and popular orientations in post-Gupta times, it soon became tantric (as was the case a little earlier with the Buddhists). A plethora of tantric hymns as a consequence is known both from the northern as well the southern Nirgranth Church." The Navapada or the Siddhacakra is one of the most popular yantras of the Jainas. It is the circle of the liberated ones. It is believed to be the most auspicious of all the auspicious things. The Sripalarasa, a very popular story, relates the magical power of the Siddhacakra. It says, "Those without wealth attain riches and the childless get sons, none except the enlightened can appreciate the Siddhacakra". A basic diagram of the Siddhacakra consists of the four lotus petals attached to a circle in the centre. It is occupied by the Arihanta who is seated in padmasana under an umbrella. Above Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org
