The Jain 1998 07

Author(s): Amrit Godhia, Pradip Mehta, Pravin Mehta
Publisher: UK Jain Samaj Europe

Page 88

10dh ammiversary pradshdha mahotsaya
RISHABHDEV
AMBIKA DEVI
Rishabhdev, the first tirthankar, is positioned as the central image of the Digambar Jinalay. He is also known as Adinath and his recognising symbol is a bull. He was born millions of years ago in the royal family of king Nabhirai and queen Marudevi. He is understood to be responsible for the cultural
revival and development of various forms of arts during his time. Many temples are dedicated to Adinath, including the most famous Shatrunjay in India.
The image of Ambika Devi is located on the left side at the rear of the Jinalay. She is divine guardian (Yakshini) of Neminath. She is worshipped by the Jain community as she offers them protection from obstacles. Her mount is a lion.
BAHUBALI
NEMINATH
To the right of Rishabhdev, image of the twenty-second tirthankar Neminath is situated with his identifying symbol of conch shell. The famous story describes that Prince Neminath was shocked by the cries of the animals waiting to be slaughtered for serving a feast at his wedding. He let all the
animals free, renounced the marriage and became a monk. His intended bride, Rajul followed the example and became a nun.
The statue of Bahubali is seen on entry to the Jinalay. He was the son of Rishabhdev and is a very important figure for the Digambara Jains. After fighting with his brother, Bharat, he carried out severe austerities in the forest for remorse. During this vines and snakes embraced his body and birds built nests in his overgrown hair. Despite this, he realized complete knowledge (keval gyan) only after forgiving
his brother.
May famine and pestilence never come May the people live in peace May the highest religion of non-violence pervade the whole world and bring universal good to all.
PARSHVANATH
The image of the twenty-third tirthankar Parshvanath is seen to the left of Rishabhdev.
References :The peaceful Liberators Jain Arts from India The Jain Pratishtha Mahotsava Souvenir Issue 1988.
CHAKRESHWARI DEVI
The image of Chakreshwari Devi is located on the right side at the rear of the Jinalay. She is the divine guardian of Rishabhdev and is also known as Shasan Devi. She is highly respected by Jains as she gives them spiritual guidance. Chakreshwari Devi has a wheel as her principal attribute and
garud (a half-human, half-avien creature) as her mount
नवग्रहोना
लेना चिनी तेले तीर्थकमीनासम्बन्धमा
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