Temple of Satrunjaya

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

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to the 15th or full moon. On a plate of silver or other material circle is described and divided into the nine compartments, in which are placed the images or names of Arhanta, Siddha, Acarya, Upadhyaya, and Sadhu, 38 the first being placed in the centre, and the words jñana— knowledge, darsana-religious discipline, caritra-good conduct, and tapa-austerity. On the outside of the circle are sometimes written the names of the ten urdhalokanivasins 39 or regents of the earth, of the sixty-four ruling deities, of two Bhairavas, of two Daksas, and of Cakresvari the guardian devi of the siddha-cakra. During the celebration, puja is daily performed to all these names collectively, and each name is also worshipped in turn with special ceremonies and offerings of flowers and cloths. To this is added recitations in praise of Jaina saints.
Kartika šukla 4th and 15th and Margasirsa sukla 11th are ordinary days of rejoicing, when they perform poșă or paușadha,--that is, fasting, sitting in one place, etc. and the worship of the Jinas.40
On Kartika śukla 4th, jñāna pañcami, also known as śruta pañcami is celebrated with the offerings consisting of five books, five red pens, five ink-holders, five leaves for writing upon and five of every other offerings.
Their tirthas are visited throughout the dry season by pilgrims from all parts of India; but one of the chief melas is held on the Kartika śukla 15th called Rathayatra. On that date immense bands of pilgrims called Sanghas visit Satrunjaya or Girnar from every part of the peninsula. Occasionally some wealthy merchant puts himself at the head of the body of pilgrims from his own province and provides subsistence to his poorer co-religionists in their pilgrimage to and from the tirtha, a peice of charity which "has its reward", and he is ever after styled Sanghi or Chief of the Pilgrimage. They then celebrate the jala and dhvaja yātrās, when a splendid car is driven round the temple of Adisvara Bhagavan, the temples are ornamented with new flags, etc. During the caumasa or seventy days from 5th
38 For a full account of the qualities attributed to each of these, see Ward, View of the Hindus, Vol, II. pp. 252-254.
39 These are: Indra regent of the E., Agni of the S.E., Yama of the S.W., Varuna of the W., Pavana or Vayu of the N.W., Kuvera of the N., Isana of the N. E., of hell or the Nadir, Dharanidhara and of heaven, Soma or the moon. Conf. Hemacandra, Abhi. Cint., 168, 169.
40 It has been found exceedingly difficult to obtain satisfactory information respecting the festivals. For the observances on 4th Kartika and 11th Margasirsa and for other items, I am indebted to the kindness of Dr. Bhau Daji,
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