Tirthankar’s

1. Tirthankar’s Pancha Kalyanaks Bharat K. Shah (314) 837-8101

2. Contents 01 Introduction 02 Pancha Kalyanaks 03 Jain Universe - Figure 04 Jain Universe 05 The Middle World 06 Human beings in the Jain Universe 07 Twenty Tirthankars of Five Mahavideh Continents 08 Number of Tirthankars 09 Fifty Six Dikkumaris of the Three Worlds 10 Eight Dikkumaris of the Upper World 11 Forty Dikkumaris of the Middle World 12 Eight Dikkumaris of the Lower World 13 Sixty Four Indras of the Three Worlds 14 Tirthankar’s Attributes 15 Mahavira’s Chyavana Kalyanak - Picture 16 Chyavana or Garbha Kalyanak (Conception Event) 17 Fifty Six Dikkumaris Celebrate the Janma Kalyanak - Picture 18 Sixty Four Indras Celebrate the Janma Kalyanak - Picture 19 Janma Kalyanak (Birth Event) 20 Mahavira’s Diksha Kalyanak - Picture 21 Mahavira’s Diksha Kalyanak - Picture 22 Diksha Kalyanak (Initiation Event) 23 Mahavira’s Kevaljnan Kalyanak - Picture 24 Kevaljnan Kalyanak (Omniscience Event) 25 Mahavira’s Nirvan Kalyanak - Picture 26 Nirvan Kalyanak (Liberation Event) 27 Conclusion

3. Introduction Jai Jinendra. Welcome to Tirthankar’s Five Kalyanaks, a visual step-by-step presentation of the Kalyanaks. This presentation is graphics based and will serve as an important aid to the viewer. I would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Dr. Rajnibhai Shah of New Jersey for his continuous support in many ways. He is a treasure of Jain scripture knowledge. He provides cassettes, reading material, and other learning resources to Jain Centers across North America. His motivation and dedication to Jainism has been an inspiration to all of us. I welcome your comments and feedback on your experience with the folder and suggestions for future edition improvements. Sincerely, Bharat K. Shah 1118 Holly River Drive Florissant, MO 63031 (314) 837-8101 E-mail bbsshah@yahoo.com 1

4. Pancha Kalyänaks Tirthankars are born as human beings. They attain a state of perfect enlightenment through meditation and self-realization. They are faultless human model. They are known as the “Gods” of Jains. The concept of a supernatural God as creator, protector, and destroyer of the universe does not exist in Jainism. There are five very auspicious events in the life of a Tirthankar. They are conception, birth, renunciation (initiation into monkhood), attaining omniscience, and nirvana. A Tirthankar acquires the Tirthankar-Näm Karma in the third previous life by having an intense desire to alleviate the suffering of all living beings. The fruits of that karma resulted in the soul being born as human to become a Tirthankar. We celebrate these five major auspicious events of the Tirthankar’s life in the form of Pancha-Kalyänak Pujäs. The nirvana places of Tirthankars are pilgrimage places. In this presentation, we will discuss the Jain Universe, continents where Tirthankars are born, maximum numbers of Tirthankars born at given time, and numbers of existing Tirthankars. Fifty six Dikkumaris and 64 Indras come to celebrate the Kalyanaks. We will discuss the places where they come from. 2

5. Number of Tirthankars Mahavideh Continents There are 5 Mahavideh continents in the two and half Islands; one in Jumbu, two in Ghatki, and two in half Puskarvar. There are 32 districts in each Mahavideh continent. The district can have only one Tirthankar at a given time. A total of 160 Tirthankars would exist in the five Mahavideh continents at a given time. Tirthankars alwaysexist in at least four districts of each Mahavideh continent. Twenty Tirthankars always exist in the five Mahavideh continents. Currently 20 Tirthankars exist in the five Mahavideh continents. Bharat Continents There are 5 Bharat continents in the two and half Islands; one in Jumbu, two in Ghatki, and two in half Puskarvar. The continent can have one Tirthankar at a given time. Maximum of 5 Tirthankers can exist in the five Bharat continents at a given time. Currently no Tirthankar exists in any of these five Bharat continents. Ervat Continents There are 5 Ervat continents in the two and half Islands; one in Jumbu, two in Ghatki, and two in half Puskarvar. The continent can have one Tirthankar at a given time. Maximum of 5 Tirthankars can exist in the five Ervat continents at a given time. Currently no Tirthankar exists in any of these five Ervat continents. A maximum of 170 Tirthankars can exist at a given time, only when there is a Tirthankar in each Bharat continent, each Ervat continent, and each district of the five Mahavideh continents. It happened during the time of 2nd Tirthankar (Shri Ajitnath) in Bharat Continent Of Jambu Island in the current descending time cycle. 8

6. Tirthankar’s Attributes Tirthankar has a total of 12 unique characteristics. Of those, four attributes are known as Atishaya. The other eight attributes are created and endowed by heavenly gods and are known as Pratihärya. Four Main Attributes (4 Atishaya) · Omniscience · Delivers Extraordinary sermon · Worshipped by mundane souls of the entire universe · No calamities or diseases exist in 125 Yojans of his living. Eight Other Attributes (Pratihärya - endowed by heavenly gods) Simhäsan - A divine seat on which Tirthankar sits to deliver sermons Bhämandal - A halo around Tirthankar’s head Chämar - Angels are waving fans (Chowries) to exhibit Tirthankar’s greatness Chhatras - A three tier divine umbrella over the head suggests that he is the majesty of the entire universe (Earth, Hell, and Heaven) Ashok Vruksha - A tree under-which Tirthankar sits Pushpavrusti - A continuous shower of fragrant flowers Dev-dundubhi - A divine announcement declaring Tirthankar’s sermons Divya-dhwani - A celestial music accompanying Tirthankar’s sermons Thirty-Four Atishaya These 12 attributes, when elaborately explained, are counted as 34 Atishaya. Some Atishaya are birth related, some are created by heavenly gods (Devas), and some come to realize after obtaining Keval-jnän. By Birth, Tirthankar has the most beautiful, powerful, and proportionally built body with 1008 auspicious birthmarks. As he is full of compassion, his blood is white, like milk. His breath is fragrant, like a lotus and his body doesn’t generate any waste. He is always disease free. He has very soothing, peaceful, and serene voice which can be heard from very long distances. All humans and animals alike, can easily understand his language. He can be seen and heard from all four directions. Everyone listens to the sermon keeping his or her animosities aside. In his vicinity, the weather is always pleasant and there are no calamities for miles. The Samovasaran can accommodate all. Dharma Chakra (symbolic wheel of religion) and Ashta Mangal (eight embellishments) are also present at the Samovasaran. 14

7. Chyavana or Garbha Kalyanak – (Conception Event) This is the event when a Tirthankar’s soul is conceived in the mother’s womb after completing life-span of his previous life. The mother sees fourteen great dreams. At the time of conceive, there is a momentary happiness for all creatures in the three worlds from the pain. The thrones of the Indras shake. They come to the mother and pay homage to her.Indras interpret the dreams to the mother. 1. Elephant The four tusks signify that he would guide the spiritual chariot with its four components: Monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen. 2. Bull He would be a great spiritual teacher to cultivate the religion. 3. Lion He would be fearless, almighty, and capable of ruling the world. 4. Goddess Laxmi He would enjoy great spiritual wealth and splendor. 5. Garland The fragrance of his teachings would spread throughout the universe. 6. Full Moon He would help lessen the suffering of all living beings and bring peace to the world. 7. Bright Sun He would dispel the darkness of delusions. 8. Flag He would carry the banner of the religion and reinforce the religious order. 9. Golden Vase He would be full of compassion for all living beings. 10. Lotus Lake He would help living beings entangled in the cycle of birth and death. 11. Ocean He would have a serene and pleasant personality. 12. Celestial Plane All celestial beings would respect, honor, and salute his spiritual teachings. 13. Heap of Jewels He would have infinite virtues and wisdom. 14. Smokeless Fire He would burn his karmas and attain salvation. Saudharma tells goddesses to serve the mother. Goddesses remove dust, grass, sticks, etc., from all parts of the house, sprinkles the ground of the house with perfumed water, rain five colors flowers, bring light at pleasure, And make festoons, etc. In this way the mother is served daily by the goddesses. 16

8. Janma Kalyanak – (Birth Event) This is the event when a soul is born to become a Tirthankar. Thrones of 56 Dikkumaris Shake The thrones of the 56 Dikkumaris shake. They perceive the time of birth of the Tirthankar and arrive to his house and circle three times the Tirthankar and the mother to pay homage. They remove all the gravel, thorns, etc., around the birth-house, shower the perfumed water and five-colored flowers knee-deep, bath the Tirthankar and the mother with water, clean their bodies with fragrant reddish cloths, make Raksha Potali (protection band) from the ashes of sandal wood and tie the potli on the Tirthankar’s hand and the mother’s hand. They sing auspicious songs and stand near the house. Thrones of All Indras Shake Just at this time, the throne of Indras also shake. Saudharma thinks who dares to shake his throne? With the use of his Avadhi (clairvoyant) Knowledge, he perceives the birth of the Tirthankar. He stepps down from his throne and praises the Tirthankar with his right knee on the ground and bends the left a little and touches the ground with his hands and head. He instructs his general of infantry to inform all the gods about the event of Tirthankar’s birth and to summon them to join him to celebrate the festival. A god named Palak creates a beautiful aerial vehical to go to the Tirthankar’s house. Saudharma and gods arrive in the vehical at the birth-house. Saudharma circles the Tirthankar and the mother with folded hands on his head and addresses the mother with devotion: “O Mother of the World, you are blessed; you possess merit. Among mothers, you alone are purifying the three worlds. The Tirthankar, Blessed one, the shower of the hidden path to liberation. I, the Indra of Saudharma heaven, have come here to celebrate the birth-festival of the Tirthankar, your son. Your Ladyship must not be afraid” Then he makes an image of the Tirthanakar and lays it by the side of the mother. He makes himself five-fold; Of these, one with auspicious devotion carries the Tirthankar in his hands, one walks in front, one walks behind, one holds an umbrella over the head of the Tirthankar, and two others carry chauris at the sides of the Tirthankar. Other gods circle around the Tirthankar. Then, Indras carrying the Tirthankar and gods arrive at Mt. Meru. Other 63 Indras also arrive at Mt. Meru. For Bharat continent the festival is held on the beautiful rock Atipandukambala in south side of Pandagavan. The Indra with the Tirthankara in his lap sits down facing the east, on the jeweled lion-throne. 19

9. Janma Kalyanak – (Birth Event) Continued Gods make water-pots from gold, silver, jewels, gold and silver, gold and jewels, silver and jewels, gold, silver and jewels, and earthenware beautiful 1,008 of each. They also make an equal number of vases, mirrors, jeweled boxes with bases, plates, cups and flower-baskets without loss of time. The gods bring water from the 5th ocean which is milky in color. They bring lotuses, herbs, perfumes, flowers, white mustard, and saffron from all the principal mountain ranges from all the islands and oceans. They mix all these material together. Achyuta surrounded on all sides with his gods begins to bathe the Tithankar, The sky is filled with sound of musical instruments played by gods.some gods fly up, some fly down, some rain jewels and others gold, some shower ornaments. Gods celebrate the entire event extremely joyfully in this way. Ishan takes the Lord on his lap. Saudharma creates four bulls from crystal in the four directions from the Tithankar. Then he showers stream of water in the sky from eight horns of the bulls resembling vein of a large well burst open. Other Indras and their retinues bathe the Lord in turn the same way as Achyuta Saudharma cleans the Tithankar’s body with a divine cloth. He places a diamond crown on the Tithankar’s head and ornaments on the Tithankar’s body. He designs eight auspicious things out of spotless silver whole-rice on a jeweled tablet in front of the Tithankar. He begins a hymn of praise. “Hail to you, Lord of the three Worlds. The whole path to salvation will becomemanifest through you. No one is a suitable subject for comparison with you.” Saudharma then brings the Tithankar to the mother. He takes away the Tirthankar’s image and lays the Tithankar beside the mother. He takes away the sleeping-charm from the mother. He puts a pair of jeweled earrings, and other ornaments on the Tithankar’s pillow. He hangs golden bat and ball on the canopy of the bed. Saudharma orders gods to shower gold, silver, jewels, ornaments, flower, perfume and other expensive things. Then, he makes a proclamation as follows: “If anyone thinks anything improper about the Tirthankar or the mother, his head will be slashed into seven pieces.” He inserts nectar composed of the juice of various foods in the Tithankar’s thumb. So when hunger arises, the Tirthankars do not nurse, they suck their thumbs which pour out juice. He appoints five goddesses to perform all the house-work duties for the Tithankar. Finally, all Indras and gods go to Nandisvara Island and hold an eight-day festival to perform a puja of four eternal Tirthankars in 52 temples located on the mountain of the Island. After the festival Indras and gods return to their respective heavens. 19A

10. Diksha Kalyanak – (Initiation/Renunciation Event) This is the event when Tirthankar gives up all worldly possessions to become a monk. Upon knowing that the time has come close to initiation event, Lokantika-gods come to the Tirthankara and with folded hands, kneel to him and speak as follows: “O light for the path of liberation, O Lord establish a Dharmatirth.” After requesting the Tirthankara, Lokantika-gods return. The Tirthankar commences bestowing-gifts to people. He announces “Everyone may take whatever he desires.” Jrumbhaka-gods collect treasures, silver, gold, jewels, etc., from under the ground that has been lost for a long time, disappeared, whose owners are missing, whose landmarks are completely destroyed, those inside mountains and bowers, concealed in cemeteries, and hidden in houses, and bestow them at the Tirthankar’s house. Then at the end of the giving after one year, Indras thrones shake. They perceive the Tirthankar’s Initiation by means of clairvoyant knowledge. At that time, there is momentary happiness to souls in all three Worlds. Saudharma asks gods to make a litter resembling the palace of the top heaven called Annutaraviman. Indras, gods, and goddesses come to celebrate this event. Saudharma places a divine cloth on the Tirthankar. The Tirthankar ascends the litter. the litter is lifted by humans for few feet walk and then by Indras and gods.The sky is filled with sound of musical instruments played by gods. The gods of all kind assemble in the sky, making a single shadow on the earth’s surface with their vehicles. The Tirthankar is surrounded by gods, goddesses, men, women, and children. All citizens run after the Tirthankar eagerly, like children after father. Some men climb on tall trees to see the Tirthankar. Some climb on the top of houses. Some women run around the Tirthankar and throw handful of parched rice. Some desire to see the Tirthankar go in front of the Tirthankar and stand with children on their hips. Some sing blessings; and speeches such as “Long live! Long rejoice!” The litter arrives at the worldly garden where the renunciation ceremony is to take place The Tirthankar abandons all clothes, wreaths, ornaments, as well as all possessions. Saudharma places a divine cloth on the Tirthankar’s shoulder.The Tirthankar plucks out the hair of his head in five handfuls. Saudharma catches the hair in the hem of his garment and quickly goes to the Ocean of Milk to throw them in it. The Tirthankar offers the namaskara to the Siddhas. Immediately then after, the Tirthankar attains the 4th knowledge “Manah-Paryaya Jnan” Indras, gods and goddesses circle and bow to the Tirthankar and begin a hymn of praise 22

11. Kevaljnan Kalyanak – (Omniscience Event) This is the event when a Tirthankar has completely shed four Ghati Karmas and attained Kevaljnan (absolute knowledge). Indras thrones again shake. They perceive the event by means of clairvoyant knowledge. Indras, gods, and goddesses come to the Tirthankar. At that time, there is a momentary happiness to souls in all three Worlds. Gods create a Samovasaran, a place where the Tirthanker delivers sermons. Gods clean the surface of the earth, sprinkle the earth with fragrant water, and cover the surface of the earth with shining mosaics of gold and jewels. Goddesses of season shower five-colored fragrant flowers knee-deep. In the four directions, they create arches of jewels, rubies, and gold. Below the arches are the eight auspicious embellishments. They also make the uppermost rampart of jewels, in the middle part a gold wall and outside a silver wall. They place extensive battlements made of various gems on each parts. In each rampart four ornamental gate-ways are made, Two gods stand as door-keepers on each gate-way. Gods also make a chaitya-tree in the midst of the Samovasarana. Beneath it, they make a platform with manifold jewels. In its center facing the east, a jeweled lion-throne seat with foot-stool is made. Above it, they make three white umbrellas like three distinct signs of the Tirthankara’s majesty over the three worlds. At the gate of the Samovasarana, they make a Dharmachakra, a wheel with remarkable light. 24

12. Kevealjnan Kalyanak – (Omniscience Event) Continued Surrounded by millions of gods, the Tirthankar enters the Samovasarana. Gods prepare nine golden lotuses with thousand petals and put them in front of the Lord. The Tirthankar put his feet on them, one after the other gods quickly move the other lotusesforward. The Tirthankar enters the Samovasarana from the east gate. The Tirthankar circles three times the Chaitya-tree and with bowing says “Om Namo Tiththasas (namaskar to Dharmatirth)” and sits on the lion-throne facing the east. Goddesses make three images of the Tirthankar and place them on jeweled thrones in other directions. Behind his head appears the Tirthankar’s halo. Gods make drum sounds in the sky like a deep cloud, making the four quarters ring with its echoes. A jeweled banner blazes in front of the Lord. Gods, goddesses, men, and women take place inside the first wall made of jewels. Animals stand inside the second wall made of gold. Vehicles used as conveyances are parked inside the third wall made of silver. Then, Saudharma bows with folded hands and begins to praise the Lord thus: “O Lord, there is no limit to your power. The fruit of very little devotion to you is an abode in the heavens of the gods, all glorious with power and light. O Lord, you are indifferent to both – the one who praises you and the one who does not. However, the different results, good and bad, surprise us. O Lord, my very great devotion to you be undying, O Blessed One.” After he speaks this hymn of praise and bows with folded hands, the Tirthanker delivers sermons. After the delivery of his 1st sermon, he establishes a four-fold religious order (Sadhu, Sadhavi, Shravak, and Shravika). He also appoints one god and goddess to protect The four-fold religious order. . 24A

13. Nirvan Kalyanak – (Nirvana Event) This final event is when a Tirthankar’s soul liberates from worldly physical existence forever to become a Siddha. On this day, the Tirthankar’s soul sheds the remaining four Aghati Karmas completely, and attains the state of eternal bliss and proceeds to live on the Siddha Sheela for ever lasting time. On this event also, the thrones of Indras shake. They perceive the Tirthankar’s Nirvana by means of clairvoyant knowledge. Indras, gods, and goddesses come to the Tirthankar. They circle the Tirthankar’s dead body, bow down, and remain in attendance at his feet. At that time there is again a momentary happiness to souls in all three Worlds. Saudharma instructs the gods to bring the materials for the cremation of the Lord’s body. Gods bring the best materials as fuel. Saudharma clothes the Tirthankar’s body and fully adorns the body with divine jeweled ornaments. Gods make a litter with the best jewels of thethree Worlds. Saudharma bows at the Tirthankar feet and picks up the body on his shoulder and carries it to the litter and places inside the litter and lifts up the litter. Goddesses dance with clapping hands and move in a circle. Some gods walk with jars of incense in front. Some throw wreaths of flowers on the litter: some make festoons of fine cloth; some sprinkle perfume on the Tirthankar’s head; some roll in front, other runs behind it; some cry aloud “O Lord, O Lord”; some blame themselves, “We unfortunate are lost”; some beg frequently, “Give us instruction, O Lord”; others say, “Who will solve our doubts about religion?”; some say regretfully, “Where shall we go now without you?” Saudharma carries the litter to the funeral pyre and slowly places the Tirthankar’s body on the pyre. Gods create fire and winds on the pyre and quickly the fire flame up on all sides. Gods put camphor, ghee, etc on the pyre. When the entire body, except the bones, have been consumed, gods extinguish the fire of the pyre with water. Saudharma takes the Tirthankar’s upper right molar tooth; other Indras take the rest of teeth, and the other gods take the bones. Indras and gods together then go to Nandishvar Island to hold an eight-day festival to the eternal Tirthankars with a rejoiceful celebration. Then Indras and gods go to their respective abodes. Saudharma places the Tirthankar’s tooth in round diamond box on top of the pillar in the assembly-hall with the best fragrant incense and wreaths. He worships as the eternal statues of the Tirthankars, 26

14. Conclusion Jainism is the religion from time immortal. It is not an offshoot of any religion of the world. Tirthankaras are born time to time in every time-frame. Every Tirthankar reinforcefully establishes the Jain order and the four fold congregations which include monk, nun, laymen and laywomen. Shri Rushabhadev Swami was the 1st Tirthankar, and Shri Mahavir Swami was the 24th Tirthankar of the current descending time cycle. At present, we are living under the religious order established by Mahavira Swami. 27