Aspects of Brahmanical Influence On Jaina Mythology

SR No.: 011037
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Shaktidhar Jha
Publisher: Bharat Bharti Bhandar
Publication Year: 1978
Total Pages: 315
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 12 MB

Page 215

Sects of the Puranakāras-Caritas and Purānas
the sages and other saintly persons engaged in severe penance But in the Purāṇas under investigation the Apsarasas are recruited as the lovers of the Jaina faith On Indra's command these damsels take active part in the Janmabhiseka ceremonies of the Tirthankaras and dance to the music ΟΙ the Gandharvas, Tumburu, Narada and Visvävasu 64 Their association with Indra is further acknowledged by the fact that a pseudoIndra, in imitation of the privileges of the lord of gods Surendra is said to have had a host of celestial nymphs, together with Indra's other relations and belongings, viz, Saci, Sudharmā, thunderbolt and the Gandharvas 65 The TSPC gives a list of the celestial nymphs who are stated to have rendered active service at the wedding of Rṣabhadeva, the first Tirthankara These, as mentioned by Hemacandra are. Rambha, Urvası, Ghrtact, Mañjughosā, Sugandhā, Tilottamā, Menā (menakā), Sukesi, Sahajanya, Citralekhā, Pūrnini, Punḍarīkā, Amlocā, Haṁsapadi, Punjkasthala, Rāmā, Hemā, Kratusthalā, Mārīci, Sumukhi, Gandharvi and Divyā
Nārada
197
With the exception of the peculiar tale of his birth the representation of Narada is essentially the same as in the Brahmanical tradition He is stated to be a celibate, having his access to all the places without hindrance He is equally revered by gods, the Cakrins, Vasudevas, Prativāsu“ devas and other human and Superhuman beings and as such has an unrestricted admittance to their presence 68
1
63 cg RPC, 3 179-181, JHV 8 158, TSPC, 4 7 320
64 Visvavasu, Tumburu and Narada as well as Hāhā and Hühū are the most popular Gandharvas in the Brahmanical epic-Puranic mythology eg. see MBh 1 22 54-59, 3 43 14, 14 88 39-4')
65 RPC 7 27-31
66 1 2 785-793 Compare MBh 1 122 60-66a, 3 43 23-30
67 According to the Jaina versions Narada was the son of a Brahmana ascetic Brahmaruct by his wife Kürmi When deserted by his parents, he was brought up by the Jimbhaka gods who invested him with magical power of atmospheric movement VPC, 11 50f RPC 11 117f, TSPC, 7 2.504-14
68 VPC, 11 67-68, RPC, 11 155-158