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Symbols Capture The Spirit

 

By Ms. Dhara Kothari

 

When person is lost and needs to find a way, he/she looks for a sign. The path of spirituality also needs signs at the initial stage to guide the the traveler further on further on. These symbols also create trust and faith within oneself. Jainism is full of these guiding lighthouses that act as a beacon for the lost ships of one's life.

Primary Symbols : The wheel of religion: Bahubali, son of Rishabhdev the first Jain Tirthankara, first moved this wheel at Takshashila. This wheel of religion is brighter than the sun and has seven to twenty-four spokes (some scriptures point to a thousand). It heralds the religious campaign of every Tirthankara. It flashes light and moves in the sky while the Tirthankara has a religious walk (vihaar). This wheel is created on a golden lotus in front of the Tirthankara in samavasarana - the religious auditorium of the Gods. It's the symbol of spreading religious light, also found on the samavasarana gates. The movement of the wheel reminds us to always move towards our ultimate spiritual goal. Over time this symbol was forgotten. The government of India has adopted it from Buddhism.

Aum Hrim : These are the beej mantras widely used in yantras, jaap, meditation and pooja. They have to be written on the earthen altar during the shanti snatra ceremony. Aum is identified with the five categories of religious head, also known as Panch- parameshtis, and Hrim with the twenty-four Tirthankaras. A number of books have been written on its meanings and methods of worship.

Ashtamangal : These are eight auspicious symbols (see above): Swastika, Shrivasta (an auspicious sign on the chest), Nandhyavarta (complex swastika), Vardhamanaka, Bhadrasana (a holy seat), Kalasha (Holy pitcher), Minyugala (Fish-couple) and Darpana (Mirror). They have been auspicious since time immemorial and have been depicted in the Kalpasutra. According to the scriptures every Jain has to draw them with pure un-broken rice-grains before the icon of the Tirthankar. Some have reduced this custom to the drawing of a swastika, along with three heaps of rice-grain symbolising knowledge, vision and character. Over this a digit is drawn, a half moon, symbolising the siddhashila. Drawing all the eight symbols was proving to be time consuming, so the temple community introduced metallic benches in the temples embossed figure with sandal paste. These auspicious symbols are found on the divine aerial cars, gates of the samavasarana, chariot procession, doors of the temple and Jain mansions. Today they are also drawn or carved on anything religious.

Pratiharya : These are eight divine accompaniments. The word pratiharya is derived from the word pratihari, which means the door-keeper. Gods create eight divine accompaniments when a Tirthankara realises omniscience. No Tirthankara is shown without them, especially if they are in samavasarana. The accompaniments are: the Kalp-vruksh tree, under which the Tirthankara sits, especially during samavasarna; the golden lotus seat on which the Tirthankara sits; a group of three divine umbrellas (chhatras) that hover over the Tirthankara. (It is a symbol of honor and the topmost umbrella is the smallest.) The next is the Halo or the Aura that circles behind the Tirthankara to denote the omniscience level; Gods and Goddesses dancing with the divine chamar; divine musical instruments being played to create divine melodious music; shower of divine flowers form heaven and, finally, a divine scent perforating the atmosphere with its sweet smell.

Tirthankara Emblems : Each Tirthankara has a symbol of their own for their unique identification. Otherwise, all temple murtis of the Tirthankaras would appear the same. However, the symbols that are found in the centre right below each statue signify the particular Tirthankara.

Symbol of Jain Religion : The Jain Symbol is a congregation of various symbols, each having a deeper meaning. This symbol was adopted by all sects of Jainism while commemoration the 2500th anniversary of the nirvana of Lord Mahavir. The middle contains the Earth. The upper part contains the heavenly abodes of all celestial beings. The raised hand means 'stop'. The word ahimsa in the centre of the wheel means non-violence. The four arms of swastika mean the four destinies, namely - heavenly being, animal and hellish being. Our aim is liberation no rebirth. The three dots represent the golden rules o right faith, right knowledge and right conduct. The curved arc represents the abode of the Siddhas, the final resting place of the soul (siddhashila). The dot above represents the Siddh. Colours represent the Jain religion Flag: red for Siddh, yellow for Acharya, white for Arihant, green for Upadhyay and blue for Sadhu.

Yakshas and Yakshinis : They are the deities that are found as images besides those of the Tirthankara. Yakshas are male and Yakshinis are female. They are also called Shashandevtas and Shashandevis. They are guardian deities. They protect the Tirthankaras and the order of Jainism.

Jain Flag: The flag of the temple is placed on the 'mountain' (shikhar) and changed during the temple's anniversary. It is unique and different from the other types of flags. The flag is very long and dangling.

Kailash: Symbolises all spiritual wealth and complete knowledge.

Nandyavart : The complex swastika. It indicates the treasures of nine kinds of material, physical, mental and spiritual. This symbol is used during installation of the Jain icons and for many other religious ceremonies.

Bells : The bells (ghants) have a particular chime of their own that is considered auspicious. There are a number of times the bells are chimed. Those not engaging in pooja ring the bell thrice, to focus attention through mind, body and spirit. After worshipping the bells are struck to express the joy. They are continuously rung during the aarti ceremony.

Mirror : We look into a mirror to see the face of the Tirthankara symbolising that we may attain the state of non-attachment like them. It symbolises the true self that is our own.

Chamar : This is used for the chowri dance. The chamar is swayed before the Tirthankara to express devotion and respect.

Other Symbols
* Lion : It is the emblem of Lord Mahavir. The lion has an honorable place in all icons of stone and metal in Jain art. It is also one of the eight auspicious symbols in the world.

* The holy pitcher : Invokes peace and prosperity.

* The elephant : Usually found at the doorstep of all temples. This is one animal that is found in all temple architecture. It is the holiest of all animals and a favourite of the gods.

* The swan : It is mostly seen in sculpture and architecture. In Jain temples, the lowest strip in domes is called hamsa-thar, which is a whole line of swans carved out.

* Shehnai : Auspicious wind musical instrument. Earlier this was played thrice a day at temples and palaces.

* Lotus : The most auspicious flower. Tirthankaras sit on the lotus when giving sermons. It is also a symbol to depict how to love unattached in the world. Lotus leaves remain untouched by water, though they are born and live in water.

* Vidyadhara God : These demi-gods can fly and usually carry garlands and flowers. Today they are found as sculptures in a temple.

* Cymbals : Musical instruments made out of bronze. They are used in music on occasions of prayers, poojas and religious festivals.

* Arti lamps : An artistic metallic lamp for aarti. The lighted lamps are waved before the icon for worship during the aarti and after. Wicks saturated with clarified butter are also used in temples in India. On great religious ceremonies huge aartis with 108 lamps is utilised. The five lights also represent the five great vows (path maha vrat) and the restraining of the negative activities of the five senses.

* Rosary : It consists of exactly 108 beads. Scriptures point out the type and colour of the rosary (mala) to be used and the method of moving it.

* Coconut : It is known as shreefal and means fruit of wealth in Sanskrit. It is one of the most auspicious items needed during ceremonies and pooja in a temple. a coconut is placed on the swastika figure made of rice-grain. It is also offered to goddesses like Lakshme or as a gift.

* The Crocodile Mouth : Two similar figures are placed at the threshold of the inner sanctum sanatorium of the temple, signifying attachment and hatred. These need to be stepped upon before entering, leaving behind the two most evil emotions.

Jainsim has an extensive representation of visual symbols at all steps to constantly remind us of our final destination. The bottom line is that once our own mind, body and soul join in complete harmony or reach the ultimate goal, nothing can stop us.

Dhara Kothari is a freelance writer and a Jain Spirit representative in Mumbai. E-Mail : kdhara@hotmail.com

 

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Article Courtesy : Jain Spirit, (Issue-13, December 2002)

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Mail to : Ahimsa Foundation
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