Tirthankar Parshvanath

Author(s): Bipin Doshi, Ila Shah
Publisher: Sureshdada Jain and Family Mumbai

Page 5

Ma Padmavati Devi
Padvamati Devi is the dedicated deity of Lord Parshvanath, the 23rd Tirthankar. Tirthankar Parshvanath is always represented with the hood of a snake shading his head. The Yaksha Dharanendra and the Yakshi Padmavati are often shown flanking him. The demigoddess Padmavati is very popular amongst Jains. Legend has it that Padmavati and her husband Dharanendra were the king and queen of snakes in a previous birth, where their lives were saved and enlightened by Tirthankara Parshvanatha. Padmavati and Dharanendra were reborn in heaven and served as the attendant deities of Lord Parshvanatha
They are believed to have rational perception (Samyak Drshti) and hence their idols are found in some Jain temples. Ichnographically, owing to Padmavati's association with Lord Parshvanatha, idols of Padmavati is covered by a snake hood and she is seated on a lotus flower. Her color is golden and her vehicle is the snake with a cock's head. She has four arms and her two right hands hold a lotus and a rosary. The two left hands hold a fruit and a rein. Often, a small image of the Tirthankara is placed in her crown.
The Sadhna of Devi Padmavati is basically a Jain Sadhna for the purpose of attaining wealth and prosperity. Devi Padmavati sadhna is so fruitful that every individual irrespective of religion or community should try it and gain prosperity.
Worshipping this goddess and nine times recitation of her Mantra daily in the morning and evening give us wealth and prosperity.
6.
ॐनमो भगवती एमावली सईजन
संहारिणी माम् सहारनोरथ पूर्ण सम् सद, चिन्ताहरणी ॐ पदमावती ममः दाहा।