Art of Enlightenment

Author(s): Kalpana Desai
Publisher: Kalpana Desai

Page 7

AGAMY MINATE Wwwvkping
Birth and Ablution of a Jina
Five events are of paramount importance in the life of a Jina. They are conception, birth, lustration, diksha or renunciation, enlightenment and final liberation. The left side panels depicts from top:
Jina's mother sees 14 auspicious dreams, an indication of the advent of the Jina. They are depicted up in the sky.
Priests make a prophesy about the greatness of the prince. Jubilations by people and other episodes before His birth.
The lowest panel illustrates His birth and advent of the lord of the heaven Indra who assumes five different forms to be able to serve the baby Jina.
On the right Indra has carried the child Jina to mount Meru, for His lustration. The Jina is shown on a crescent known as Pandukasheela symbolising His absolute purity. Gods of the heavens, including all the Indras celebrate His lustration with great festivity, joy and enthusiasm.
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