Story Of Rama In Jain Literature

Author(s): V M Kulkarni
Publisher: Saraswati Pustak Bhandar

Page 25

Introduction : The Character of Jain Mythology
penance to get the desired object in the next life) they are born as Cakravartins in the dynasty of the Ikşvaku, etc. They expand their empire on the strength of their superior valour. They are handsome mighty heroes; defeating their enemies they rule over the Bharata country-when gods descend from heaven, they bestow encomium on them and coronate them as "Emperor”. They rule for a very long time over the country-enjoying pleasures in the company of women and the glory due to an Emperor. What is extraordinary about them is their possession of 14 'ratnas' and 9 ‘nidhis'. The ratnas or gems are : 1. Cakra (disc), 2, Danda (a staff), 3. Khaďga (sword), 4. Chatra (Parasol) 5. Carma (Marvellous hide), 6. Mani (jewel), 7. Kākiņi and 8. Senāpati, 9. Gșhapati, 10. Vārdhaki, 11. Purohita, 12. Gaja (Elephant), 13. Ašva (Horse) and 14. Strı (woman). The 'nidhis', which they possess, are, according to some, a work treating of nine lores while according to others, treasures kept in Caskets. Their names are : 1. Naisarpa (inansion), 2. Pānduka (food-grains), 3. Pingalaka ornaments), 4. Sarvărathaka (14 jewels), 5 Mahāpadma (other jewels), 6. Kāla (astrology), 7. Mahākāla (mines of metals and gems), 8. Mänavaka (the art of war) and 9. Śarkha (Poetry, dramatic sciences and music). We do not get an exact idea about the nature of 9 ‘nidhis'.
The names of the twelve Cakravartins are :
1. Bharata, 2. Sagara, 3. Maghavan, 4. Sanatkumara, 5. Šāntinatha, 6. Kunthunātha. 7. Ara(ha)-nātha, 8. Subhauma, 9. Padmanabha, 10. Harişeņa, 11. Jayasena and 12. Brahmadatta.
Of these, the names of Bharata, Sagara, Maghavan and Brahmadatta are celebrated in Hindu Epics and Purānas.
The 9 Baladevas, 9 Vasudevas and 9 Prativāsudevas : Baladeva, Vasudeva and Prativāsudeva are great heroes, born as contemporaries. Baladeva and Vasudeva are step-brothers and Prativāsudeva is antagonistic to them. The complexion of Baladeva is white and he wears blue garment. His banner is emblazoned with a palm-tree. He possesses four Āyudhas : 1. Dhanus (Bow), 2. Gadā (Mace), 3. Musala (Pestle) and 4. Hala (Plough). According to Digambara tradition he has all these except the first for which they substitute 'Ratnamāla'. His birth is indicated by four dreams which his mother sees.
Vasudeva, also called Nārāyana or Visnu, is the younger step-brother of Baladeva. He plays a very active role in the narrative and may be looked upon as the hero of the story. It is he who finally kills the Prativasudeva. He is rather hot-tempered whereas his elder srep-brother is very pious and gentle by nature. His is a dark complexion and he wears a yellow garment. He bears on his chest the sign of Srivatsa. He possesses a white parasol and chowries and his banner is marked with the figure of 'eagle'. He possesses seven Āyudhas : 1. a Pāñcajanya conch, 2. Sudarsana (Disc), 3. Kaumodakı-mace, 4. Sārnga bow, 5. Nandaka sword, 6, Vanamālā,