Vidyasagar.Guru

1. In how many body-forms, the worldly beings have been divided ? Worldly being have been divided in four life-courses - body-form of hell, body-form of animal and plant, body-form of human beings & the celestial body-form. 2. What is called 'Gati'? Due to fruition of which Karma the living being gets hellhood, animal or planthood, human and celestial body-form, is called 'Gati'. 3. What is called hellish body-form ? Because of which 'Name Karma', the soul gets hellish disposition / temperament, is called hellish body-form. Because of sinful Karmas, a being suffers / endures many terrible unbearable sufferings, is called a hellish being and his body-form is called hellish-body-form. That which causes human beings to fall down and grinds them, is called hell. (Shri Dhavla, Book 1/24/202) Those who are not on mutually affectionate terms are called 'Narat', i.e. not an affectionate person, their body-form, is hellish body-form. (G .Jeeva Kand, 147) (Hellish beings cause sufferings and pains to one another) 4. Why description of hellish body-form first ? Having knowledge of the nature of hellish beings fear is created in 'Bhavya Jeeva', (one who is eligible to get salvation) so his wisdom is fixed unwaveringly in Dasa Dharma' (Ten right virtues of Jain religion-forgiveness, etc.), i.e. in "Muni Dharma' (The religion observed by Jain Muni) with this understanding the hellish body-form has been described first. (Shri Dhavla, Book 3/15/122) 5. What are the distinguishing features/peculiarities of hellish-beings ? The body of hellish beings remains inauspicious Vaikriyika' (bad transformable body), extreme bad smelling and fearsome. Their structure of body remains unsymmetrical (Hundak Sansthan, i.e. disproportionate body). They are black complexioned similar to smoke. Their body contains blood, pus, meat, excrement, etc. Hellish beings do only 'Aprathak Vikriya' (not different from the body), i.e. they make their own body transformed into arms and weapons. There is no untimely (premature death) death of hellish beings even if their body is cut to pieces, their body is united again. No 'Nigodia Jeeva' (lowest form of life - one sensed beings) remain in their body. They are of neuter gender (Hermaphrodite libido) and do not have beards and moustaches. 6. How many abodes ('Bill' or dwelling place of hellish-beings) are there in seven earths (hells)? 84 lakh cells. 30 lakh in 'Ratanprabha', 25 lakh in 'Sharkaraprabha', 15 lakh in 'Balukaprabha', 10 lakh in 'Pankprabha', 3 lakh in 'Dhoomprabha', 5 less in one lakh, i.e. 99995 in 'Tamahprabha' and 5 in 'Mahatamahprabha'. Dwelling place of hellishbeings are called 'Bill'. (Tattvartha Sutra 3/2) 7. What are other names of seven earths (Hells) ? Dhamma, Vansha, Megha, Anjana, Arishta, Maghavi & Maaghavi. (Tiloya Pannati 1/153) 8. How many 'Patala' (layers) are there in each of seven earths? 13 in the first earth and thereafter 11, 9,7,5, 3 and 1 in sequence. 9. Which kind of soil is there in hells ? And what will happen if the smell of that place is brought here? The soil of hells is infinite-times more worse smelling than the smell of rotten dead bodies of pig, dog, she-goat, elephant, buffalo, etc. Living beings within one 'Kosa' (approximately two miles) can die of the bad smell of the soil of first land of the hell. Ahead of it the killing power of the second, third, etc. land's soil is increased by half'Kosa' (one kilometer) each in sequence. (Tiloya Pannati 2/347-349) 10. What is the duration of life of the dwellers of these 7 earth ? The maximum duration of life of the dwellers of these earths is 1, 3, 7, 10, 17, 22 and 33 Sagara respectively and the minimum duration is 10,000 years 1,3, 7, 10, 17, 22 Sagara respectively in sequence. 11. What is the maximum and minimum measurement (height) of infernal beings ? (T. P., 2/217-69) 12. How many kinds of sufferings and pains are there in hells ? There are many kinds of sufferings in hells, out of which some are main - Sufferings related to region, mental suffering, bodily pains, sufferings created by 'Asurkumardeva', sufferings caused mutually by each other, sufferings of diseases and sufferings of hunger and thirst. 1. Sufferings related to the region Dense darkness remains in bills (abodes of hellish beings) the soil remains bad smelling. want shade (i.e. shelter) (Vasu Shravakachar 156) then there are silk-cotton tree (semar trees) which do not give shade but cause to fall leaves which are as sharp as the dagger and thorn, sting, etc. From first earth to 3% of the fifth earth there is extreme heat and in the remaining one-forth part of the fifth earth there is cold, the sixth earth is also cold and in the seventh earth there is extreme cold. (T. P. 2/29-30, 34-36) 2. Mental agony "Alas! Alas! we are lying in this terrible hell because of fruition of our sinful Karmas" thinking so they repent. "We had disdained preachings of 'Veetragi' saints and worthy men which were conducive to our well-being. I had done all the five sins being blinded by sensual pleasures. Whom I caused suffering now he is ready to kill me. Who is to save me ? Of whom I should take refuge ? How shall now I bear this trouble ? Why those kith and kins do not come and help me for whom I did sins. None is helper/rescuer in this world except the religion". Thus they repent for their previously committed sins. (Gyanarnava 36/33,59) 3. Bodily Sufferings Infernal beings take birth instantaneously Uppada birth). The place of instantaneous birth is not on the ground floor of the respective abode. It is situated in upper side like the mouth of the camel. Taking birth at that place he completes his all Paryaptiain' (gaining the capacity to develop fully the characteristics of his body) within one Antarmuhurta' and then falls down from his birth place (uppad sthan), being overturned, on the ground of hell in the midst of 36 arms (sword/spear, etc. and then springs up 7 'yojana' 3 '%, 'Kosa', (i.e. 311/4 Kosa or roughly 62'/, miles) above the ground of hell of the first earth. This length becomes double the magnitude for the other infernal earths in sequence. (i.e. the length of sprining up of infernal beings in the second infernal earth is double the length of the first infernal earth and the length of this sprining up in the third infernal earth is double the length of the second infernal earth and so on in this sequence), i.e. 62 /, 'Kosa', 125 'Kosa', 250 'Kosa', 500 'Kosa', 1000 'Kosa' and 2000 'Kosa'. (one yojan = 4 'Kosa') (Tirloksar 182) 4. Sufferings created by 'Asurkumara deva' Up to the third earth, the deity (deva) of Asurkumar species inspire and instigate the infernal beings of the respective hells to fight each other by causing them to remember the enmity of their previous birth. Just as here men cause to fight rams, buffalo, etc. similarly, a kind of 'Asurkumar deva's, the 'Ambrish' go up to the third earth and cause to fight them with each other. They themselves also beat them. (Tiloya pannati, 2/253) 5. Sufferings caused mutually by each other Infernal beings neither can sit peacefully nor let others to sit calmly. They beat and kill other infernal beings at first sight, cut them to thousands of pieces and throw them into the pan of boiling oil, some times they cause them to embrace the heated iron puppets. (What other kinds of sufferings they cause to each other, can not be described even by Kevali Bhagwan. (Tiloya Pannati 2/318-327, 341-345) 6. Sufferings caused by diseases All unbearable and incurable diseases that exist in the world are found in every fibre and pore of the bodies of infernal beings. (Gyanarnava 36/20) 7. Sufferings of hunger and thirst Infernal beings feel so much hunger that even if they eat the whole grains of all the three worlds their hunger is not satiated and they remains so much thirsty that if they drink the whole water of all the seas even then their thirst is not quenched(Gyanarnava 36/77, 78) but they eat the bad-smelling soil of the hell and the water of 'Baitarni river' which is extreme sharp, saltish and hot. 13. How many times a living beings can go in continuous sucession to the hell ? The living being can go from the first earth to the seventh earth for 8, 7, 6, 5, 4,3 & 2 times respectively in continuous succession. Note - An infernal being does not become infernal being immediately after death. He will take one birth as human or Tiryanchas having fives senses (i.e. Animal & Plant) being and then can again go to the hell. (Triloksar, 205) 14. With regard to different beings, what is the maximum gap of time of taking birth in hells ? In case no living beings takes birth in the hell then the maximum gap can be of 48 Gharhi (19 hours 12 minutes), one weak, one fortnight, one month, two months, four months and six months respectively from the first earth to the 7th earth. (Triloksar, 206) 15. What is the range of the clairvoyance region of the infernal beings? Calculation - 1 Kosa = 2000 Dhanusha 1 Dhanusha = 4 Hands 1 Hand= 24 Angul (finger length) (Triloksar, 202)

1. What is Universe (Loka) ? That beginningless and genuine/natural middle part of the infinite space in which six substances (living being/organism ,etc.) are found (exist), is called 'Loka' (universe). 2. What is the structure of the universe ? (1) Take three glasses, put one upside down, i.e. back to front, put second glass straight on it, again put the third glass on the second upside down, the shape thus made, is the structure of the universe. (2) The structure of this universe is some-what resembling a man standing with arms akimbo and legs apart, the shape thus made, is the structure of the universe. (3) The shape of the universe is somewhat similar to that 'Mahastoopa' built in the church of Egypt. (J. S. Kosh 3/438). 3. What is the dimension of the universe ? The dimension of the universe everywhere in south-north direction is 7 'Raju' thick, the dimension in east-west is 7 'Raju' in lower side, decreasing gradually towards upperside up to middle universe is one 'Raju', thereafter increasing gradually it becomes 5 'Raju' in 'Brhmaloka', again it decreases gradually till it becomes one'Raju'in breadth at the end of the universe. Thus total height of the universe is 14 'Raju'. The cubic capacity of the whole universe is the cube of 7 'Raju', i.e. 7 x 7 x 7 = 343 cubic Raju. 4. What is 'Raju'? A round lump of 1000 kilogram heavy weight being fallen from the 'Indraloka' down towards earth and the distance it covers in six months that distance is equal to one'Raju'. This is the definition of scriptures. As regards general definition, one "Raju'is equal to innumberable 'Yojana'. 5. In how many 'Raju' the lower universe (Adholoka) exists and who live there? 'Adholoka' exists in 7 'Raju'. Seven earths (hells) exist in six 'Raju'. There is empty space between one and the second earth and also in subsequent earths - measuring some less innumerable Yojans. Above all there is Ratanprabha earth which is divided into three parts - 'Khara Bhaga', 'Pank Bhaga' and 'Abbahula Bhaga'. The 'Khara Bhaga' is 16000 Yojana thick, residences of 'Bhavan Vasi' and 'Vyantaras' exist in it. Nine types of 'Bhavan Vasi' save 'Asurkumar' and seven kinds of 'Vyantara' save 'Rakshasa' reside here. The 'Panka Bhaga' is 84,000 Yojana thick, 'Asurkumar' deities of 'Bhavan Vasi Devas' and 'Rakshasa' deities of 'Vyantaras' reside here. 'Abbahula Bhaga' is 80,000 Yojana thick. Infernal beings live here. Thus the thickness of the first earth is 1,80,000 Yojana. The thickness of the second Sarkara earth is 32,000 Yojana, of the third Baluka prabha 28,000 Yojana, of the fourth Pank prabha 24,000 Yojana, of the fifth Dhoom prabha 20,000 Yojana, of the sixth Tamah prabha 16,000 Yojana and that of the seventh Mahatamah prabha earth is 8,000 Yojana. And in the last one Raju which is called Kalkala earth, there live Nigod, etc. five Sthavaras (lowest form of life). (T.s., 146-149) 6. What is the base of the universe ? 'Ghanodadhivalaya' (circle of humid atmospheric air layers), 'Ghanvatavalaya' (circle of dense atmospheric air layers), 'Tanuvatvalaya' (circle of thin atmospheric air layers) are the base of the universe. Just as the skin surrounds the body from all the four sides and the bark surrounds the tree from all sides, similarly these three 'Vatvalaya' (atmospheric air-layers) surround the universe from all sides. Each of these three 'Vatvalayas' are 20,000 'Yojana' thick up to one 'Raju' height measuring from below the universe and in both sides of flanks, i.e. up to where five 'Sthavaras' live and below all the seven earth (hells) and also below sthe eighth earth named as 'Ishatpragbhara' earth. Above one 'Raju' in both sides of flanks, near the seventh earth (hell), each of these 'Vatvalayas' are respectively 7,5 & 4 Yojana, thick in all the eight directions, thereafter decreasing gradually these remain respectively 5,4 & 3 Yojana thick in all the eight directions of the middle universe. Again increasing gradually in all the eight directions of 'Brahamahaloka'they become respectively 7,5 & 4 Yojana thick, thereafter decreasing gradually above they become respectively 5, 4 and 3 Yojana thick in the flanks of 'Lokagra' (i.e. upper part of the universe) These three Vatvalayas become 2 Kosa (4000 'Dhanusha') one Kosa (2000 'Dhanusha') and 1575 ('Dhanusha') thick respectively at the peak of the Loka (Loka Shikhara). (Tiloya Pannati, 1/273-276) 7. What is the colour of 'Vatvalaya' ? 'Ghanodadhivatvalaya' is of cow-urine colour, 'Ghanvatvalaya' is like black-coloured 'Moong' and 'Tanuvatvalaya' is of multi-colours. (Tiloya Pannati, 1/271-272) 8. What is the dimension of 'Madhya Loka' (middle universe) ? The 'Madhya Loka' is expanded in one 'Raju' slanting from all sides and is 1,00,040 Yojana high, i.e. equal to the 'Sumeru Mountain'. The root of the Sumeru Mountain is 1000 Yojana as the foundation inside the 'Chitra Prathvi'. Thus it is 99,000 Yojana high and its peak is 40 Yojana high. There are innumerable continents and innumerable oceans in the 'Madhya Loka' which are surrounded with each other. Svayambhuramana ocean is spreaded in half(1/2) 'Raju' and the remaining half 'Raju' consists of innumerable continents and oceans. There is 'Jambudvipa' in the very middle of 'Madhya Loka'. It is of the shape of a flat metal plate (dish) and is spreaded in 1 lakh Yojana. 'Jambudvipa' is surrounded by the 'Lavana Samudra' which is of bangle's shape. It is spreaded in 2 lakh Yojana. 'Lavan Samudra' is surrounded by 'Dhatkikhanda Dvipa'. It is spreaded in four lakh Yojana. 'Dhatkikhand Dvipa' is enclosed (surrounded) by 'Kalodadhi' ocean. It is spreaded in 8 lakh Yojana. 'Pushkar Dvipa' is surrounded by 'Pushkar ocean'. It is spreaded in 16 lakh Yojana but due to existence of 'Manushottar' mountain in between it, its dimension remains 8 Lakhs Yojana. Dimension after 'Jambudvipa' is to be taken both sides, therefore, the 'Adhaidvipa' ('Jambudvipa', 'Dhatkikhand' and 'Ardha Pushkar') is 1+2+4+8+8+2 +4+8+8=45 Lakh Yojana. Human beings reside in this 'Adhaidvipa'. Human beings can not go beyond it, so, the name of this mountain - 'Manushottar Parvata',is meaningful. 9. Why this 'Dvipa' is called by the name of 'Jambudvipa'? One 'Anadhinidhana' (which has neither beginning nor end) tree of rose-apple exists in the north 'kuru' of 'Jambudvipa', that is why this 'Dvipa' is called by the name of 'Jambudvipa' similarly, because of the existence of 'Dhatki' tree in the north 'kuru'of 'Dhatkikhand', that 'Dvipa', is called by the name of 'Dhatkikhand. Similarly, because of the existence of 'Pushkar tree' in the north 'kuru' of 'Pushkar Dvipa' that 'Dvipa', is called by the name of 'Pushkara Dvipa'. (Sarvartha Siddhi. 3/9/383) 10. What are the names of mountains which divide the Jambudvipa, their colour, the ponds exist on them, the names of female deities reside on the lotus in the pond and the names of the rivers rise from them ? 11. Which are seven region divided by six mountains ? Bharatvarsha, Hamvatvarsha, Harivarsha, Videhavarsha, Ramyakvarsha, Hairanyavatvarsha, and Aairavaratavarse these are seven regions. 12. Which river falls on which ocean ? Ganga, Rohit, Harit, Seeta, Nari, Suwarnkoola and Rakta these seven rivers fall in the east Lavan Samudra. Sindhu, Rohitasya, Harikanta, Seetoda, Narkanta, Rupyakoola and Raktoda, these seven rivers fall in the west Lavan Samudra. (Tattvarthasutra, 3/21) 13. How many tributaries are there of these rivers ? of Ganga - Sinndhu - 14000 of Harit-Haritkanta - 56000 of Nari-Narkanta - 56000 of Rakta-Raktoda - 14000 of Rohit-Rohitasya - 28000 of Seeta-Seetoda - 112000 of Suwarnakoola-Rupyakoola - 28000 Special mention : There are same numbers of tributaries of each of the river in pairs, i.e. there are 14000 tributories of the river Ganga, there are also 14000 tributaries of the Sindhu and so on. (Sarvarthasiddhi, 3/23/410) 14. What is the space-expansion of the Bharatkshetra ? The space-expansion of the the Bharatkshetra is 526 %. Yojana. (Tattvarthasutra, 3/24) 15. How many Arayakhandas and Mlechhakhandas are there in two & half continent ? There are 170 Arayakhandas & 850 Mlechhakhandas in two & half continent. 16. How many pleasure lands & lands of action are there in Adhaidvipa ? There are 30 pleasure lands & 15 lands of action in Adhaidvipa. 17. Whether the action & pleasure lands are only in such number or still more ? After Adhaidvipa there are inferior pleasure lands in all Dvipas up to Nagendra mountain situated in the last Swambhooraman Dvipa. But only animal live there. There are lands of action in the rest of the part of the outer Swambhooraman Dvipa of the Nagendra mountain and in the Swambhooraman ocean. (B.D.S. Teeka 35). Only animals also live there (Tirloksar, 323-324). 18. What is the shape of 'Dvipa' and oceans ? 'Jambudvipa' is of the shape of a flat metal plate and all 'Dvipa' and oceans after it are of bangle-shapped. 19. Why the 'Madhya Loka is called as 'Tiryaka Loka'? Innumerable Dvipas and oceans up to 'Svambhuramana'are situated in oblique shape on slanting-even earth, therefore it is called as 'Tiryaka Loka'. (Preamble of Raj Vartika, 3/7) 20. Who are called 'Jyotishi Deva'? The Sun, Moon, Planet, Lunar asterism and stars these five deities are brilliant/starry. Because of illuminating nature of these deities their 'Jyotishi Deva'name is meaningful. (Sarvartha Siddhi. 4/12/465) 21. What are Surya Chandrma ? Surya and Chandrma are space-vehicles of 'Jyotishi Devas'. There is rise of Atap Namkarma (Emitting warm light) in the sun-disc. Originally the sun-disc is cold and its rays are hot and there is rise of cold luster in the moon disc (Uddyot Namkaram) which is originally cold and its rays are also cold. Space vehicles of astral deities are earth-bodied. (Karam Kand, 33) 22. Where are the residences of 'Jyotishi' deities ? These deities live from 790 yojana height to 900 Yojana height from the 'Chitra' earth (the first earth of hells), i.e. in 110 yojana and are spreaded in one Raju 'Triyaka' up to 'Ghanodadhi Vat Valaya'. above 790 Yojana ...... ......... Stars. From it above 10 Yojana (till 800 Yojana) .... Sun (above 32 lakhs miles) From it above 80 Yojana (till 880 Yojana) ..... Moon. From it above 4 Yojana (till 884 Yojana) ..... Planet. From it above 4 Yojana (till 888 Yojana) ..... Budha (Mercury). From it above 3 Yojana (till 891 Yojana) ..... Shukra (Venus). From it above 3 Yojana (till 894 Yojana) ..... Guru (Jupiter). From it above 3 Yojana (till 897 Yojana) ..... Mangal (Mars) (Angaraka). From it above 3 Yojana (till 900 Yojana) ..... 'Shani', i.e. Saturn (Slow motion). Total above 110 Yojana. In between the gap of Mercury and Saturn 'Nitya Nagriyan' (Permanent residences) of remaining 83 planets are situated. (Triloksara, 332-333) Note - (1) According to Jain philosophy the Sun is at a distance of 32 lakhs mile from here and according to science it is 9 crore 30 lakhs miles away. (2) According to Jain philosophy the Moon is at a distance of 45 lakhs 20 thousands miles away from here and the science regards it only 2 lakh 40 thousands miles away. 23. What is the mutual intervening space between astral celestial planets ? The minimum intervening space between stars is /of 1 Kosa, the medium space is 50 Kosa and maximum space is 1000 yojan. The minimum intervening space between the Sun to Sun & Moon to moon is 99,640 yojan and the maximum space is 1 Lakh 660 yojan. (Raj vartika ch.4/13/6). 24. How many rays are there of the Moon and the Sun etc. ? The rays of the Moon are 12000, they are cold. There are also 12000 rays of the Sun but they are warm. The Venus has 2500 rays, they are sharp, i.e. they are bright with the light. The rays of the remaining astral deities are of faint light. (Triloksar, 341). 25. What is the shape of the celestial planes of astral deities ? Bifurcating an orange in two pieces if placed them facing upper side then the breadth portion remains upperside and a very little portion of the rounded part remains in lower side. Just of the same shape the celestial planes of the astral deities remain and, only their lower portion is visible to us. (Triloksar, 336) 26. What is eclipse ? The celestial plane of the Rahu move below the celestial plane of the Moon and the celestial plane of the Ketu moves below the celestial plane of the Sun and after each 6 months at the end of fifteenth day of lunar fortnights (Purnima and Amavashya) the Rahu covers the Moon and the Ketu covers the Sun. This is eclipse. (Triloksar, 339) 27. How one month increases in the two & half year ? There are 184 narrow lanes of the movement of the Sun and one lane is at a distance of 2 yojan from the next lane which takes one Muhurta time in crossing the lane hence, 30 Muhurtas (1 day) increases in 30 days, In this way 12 days in a year and one month increases in two & a half years. (Triloksar) 28. What is the shape of transporting deities of space planes of the Moon, etc. and in which directions they move ? Lion-shaped, etc. deities carry their respective space-vehicles in east, etc. directions, i.e. lions in the east direction, elephants in south direction, oxes in west direction, horses in north direction. Carrier deities of Moon & Sun are 4000 in one direction, and 16000 carrier deties in all the four directions. Carrier deities of remaining other space planes are 2000 each in one direction, totalling 8000 deities in all the four directions. But in constellations there are one thousand carrier deities in each direction total 4000 deities in all the four directions and in stars 500 in one direction and total 2000 in all the four directions. Space planes are carried by 'Abhiyogya' grade deities who are like servants in heaven, therefore, they make them selves as elephant etc. 29. How many Sun & Moon, etc. are there in Human universe ? The number of 'Jyotishi' deities in 'Adhaidvipa' is finite but in the whole 'Tiryaka Loka' the number of 'Jyotishi' deities is innumerable. 30. How much is the family of one Moon ? The family of one Moon consists of one Sun, 28 Nakshatra, 88 Graha and 66,975 Kora kori (crore x crore) Stars. (Siddhantsar Deepaka, 14/54) 31. In how many days one Sun completes the circumambulation of Jambudvipa ? In two days (day & night). 32. In how many days one Moon completes the circumambulation of Jambudvipa ? In takes some more time than 2 days (day-night). Due to this very reason there is decrease increase in Moon-rising. 33. What is Amavashya and Purnima ? The Rahu covering one phase each day in each lane out of the 16 phases of the moon-disc sequentially covers up to 15 phases. In this way in which lane only one phase is seen in the last, that is Amavashya. From the 1st day of the light half of the lunar fortnight that Rahu goes on leaving one phase each in each lane through his particular movement due to which one day the full moon-disc is seen, that is Purnima. Or the moon-disc precisely by its very nature transforms itself as dark-lustre for 15 days and as light-lustre for the similar number of days. (Triloksar, 342 Distinctive meaning) 34. What is Uttarayana & Dakshinayana ? When the Sun remains in the first lane then the Dakshinayana (i.e. the Sun's movement towards south of the equator) starts from the first day of the dark half oflunar month Shravana and when it reaches in the last lane then the uttrayana ,(i.e. the Sun's northward progress) starts. The Sun remains Dakshinayana from lunar month Shravana to lunar month Pausha (183 days) and from the lunar month Magha till lunar month Asar (183 days) the Sun remains Uttarayana. (T. S., 412) 35. How many lanes are there of the Sun & Moon ? There are 184 lanes of the Sun and in these very lanes there are 15 lanes of the Moon. Both of these move in them. 36. What happens when the Sun reaches in the first lane ? When the Sun reaches in the first lane then the Chakravarti visits Jina idol enshrined in the Sun's celestial plane from the upper portion of his palace in the city of Ayodhya. The object of ocular-sense of the Chakravarti measures 472637/, yojana ,i.e. 18,90,53,400 miles. (Triloksar, 391) 37. How many distance the Sun & the Moon each cover in one minute ? The Sun moves 4,37,62311/, miles in a minute in the first lane and in the first lane the Moon moves 4,22,797 31/164 miles in a minute. (Triloksar, 388, Distinctive meaning) 38. Whether the earth moves ? No. The Sun and the Moon circamambulate the Sumeru mountain. The Sumeru mountain, i.e. the Earth is static and the Sun and the Moon circamambulate. 39. Whether all stellar discs move ? All the five types of stellar deities of the Adhaidvipa, i.e. of the human universe constantly go on moving and all stellar deities other than of the human universe remain static. (Tattvartha sutra 4/13/15) 40. How the days become greater and small ? When the Sun moves in the interior lane (first lane) then the day becomes of 18 Muhurta (14 hours 24 minutes) and the night of 12 Muhurta (9 hours 36 minutes) and when moves in the outer lane (last lane) then night becomes of 18Muhurta and the day of 12 Muhurta. The Sun moves in the interior lane in the lunar month ofShravan and in the lunar month of Magha the Sun moves in the outermost lane. (Triloksar, 379) 41. Whether the speed / gait of the Sun and the Moon decrease-increase ? Yes. The gait of Sun & the Moon in the first lane is like that of elephant, (i.e. extreme slow) in the middle lane like the gait of the horse (medium gait) and in that of the outer lane like the gait of the lion (fastest gait). (Triloksar, 388) 42. Whether the gait of all the stellar deities is identical ? No. The Moon is of the slowest gait of all. The Sun is faster than it, Planets are faster then the Sun, the constellations are more faster than the Planets and still more faster gait is that of the stars. (Triloksar, 403) 43. Up to where the warmth/heat of the Sun spreads ? The warmth of the Sun spreads from the middle portion of the Sudarshan Meru up to the sixth part of the Lavan ocean and the Chitra earth is 800 yojana below the Sun's disc and the root of the Chitra earth is 1000 yojana. The heat / warmth of the Sun spreads 1800 yojana ,i.e. 72,00000 miles in lower side. The stellar universe exists up to 100 yojana above the Sun's disc. Hence the warmth of the Sun spreads up to 100 yojanas (4,00000 miles) in the upper side. (Triloksar, 397) 44. How much is the movement region of the Sun & the Moon ? The movement area of the Sun and the Moon is called Char Kshetras. There is one Char Kshetra each of two Moon and two Sun ,i.e. one char Kshetra of two Sun and one of two Moon. There is one Char Kshetra of two Sun of the Jambudvipa; 2 char Kshetras of four Sun of Lavan Samudra, 6 Char Kshetra of 12 Sun's of Dhatkikhand dvipa, 21 Char Kshetra of 42 Sun of Kalodadhi Samudra and 36 Char Kshetra are of the 72 Sun of Pushkardha dvipa. The Sun and Moon related to the Jamboodvipa move precisely in area measuring 180 Yojan of Jambudvipa and also move in Lavan ocean measuring 33048/1 yojan ,i.e. two Moon and two Sun move in the area measuring 180+33048/6, = 51048/ yojana. The remaining Moon & Sun up to Pushkardha move in their own respective areas / regions. (Triloksar, 374-375) 45. How day and night happen ? When the Sun remains in east-west of Sumeru mountain then there is day in east 'Videha' and west 'Videha'regions and night in Bharat-Airavata regions and when the Sun remains in south - north of Sumeru mountain then there is day in Bharat-Airavata kshetra and night in Videha kshetra. 46. In how many Raju the 'Urdhaloka' exists and what is there? Residence places of celestial beings (Heaven) start right after one hair's thickness from the peak of 'Sumeru' mountain of ' Madhyaloka'. 'Saudharma-Aisana' heavens are in 1.5 Raju from 'Chitra' earth and are situated facing each other face to face), 'Sanat KumaraMahendra' heavens are in 1.5 Raju, 'Brahama-Brahmottara'heavens are in 1/2 Raju, 'Lantava-Kapistha' heavens in 1/2 Raju, 'Shukra-Mahashukra' heavens are in 1/2 Raju, 'Satara-Sahasrara' heavens are in 1/2 Raju, 'Anata-Pranata' heavens are 1/2 Raju, 'Arana-Achuta' heavens are in 1/2 Raju. All these are situated facing each other. Thus 16 heavens are situated in 6 Raju. And above these 16 heavens there are, Navagriveyaka, NavAnudisha, Panch Anuttara Viman and also 'Sidha Shila' in one Raju. Thus the Urdhaloka (upper world) is situated in 7 Raju and 'Adholoka' (lower world) in 7 Raju. Thus the total height of 'Loka' is 14 Raju. Note - The height of Sumeru mountain is included in 'Urdhaloka'. (Triloksar, 458) 47. What is the base of space planes (Vimana) of heavens ? The Vimana of the pair of 'Saudharma' is situated on a kind of compact mass of water (solid) and of the pair of 'Sanatkumara' on the air, that of 'Brahama', etc. Four 'Kalpas' (heavens) are situated on both, the water and air and Vimana ofremaining 'Anata-Pranata' etc. are situated on the pure sky. (T. P., 8/206-207) 48. Where is 'Siddhyalaya'? "Siddha-Shila' exists, above 12 Yojana from the flag-staff of 'Sarvartha Siddhi Vimana' in the very middle of Ishatpragbhar earth which is 45 lakh yojan round and eight yojan thick in the middle like a mass of silver and gold and full of many kinds of jewels which decreasing gradually becomes one 'Angula' in the end. It is like an inverted white parasol (an open white umbrella kept its breadth portion facing upside). The Breadth of Ishatpragbhar named eight earth is one Raju in east-west, Length (north south) 7 Raju and thickness (height) measures eight yojans. (T. P. 8/675-681) There are three 'Vatvalaya' (air layers) above this earth, which are respectively 2 'Kosa' (4,000 Dhanusha), one 'Kosa' (2,000 Dhanusha) and 1,575 'Dhanusha' thick. 'Siddha Parmesthi' of the maximal height (Avgahna) of 525 'Dhanusha' up to minimal height of 3.5 hand are ensconced on the upper portion of the last Vatvalaya. 49. What is the extents (measurement) of Siddha Kshetra ? 45,00,000 Yojana ,i.e. equal to human-region-measurement. 50. What is the length, breadth and height of Trasanali (A channel or tunnel of mobile beings)? There is a 'Trusnali' in the middle of the universe which is one 'Raju' in length, one 'Raju' in breadth and some less of 13 'Raju' height and the 'Lokanari' is of 14 'Raju' out of which there is Kalkala named an immobile world in one Raju where mobile being do not live and in the middle portion of the seventh hell the hellish beings live. There are no mobile beings below 3999 %, yojana, i.e. in 3,19,94,666 /, Dhanusha. Similarly the intervening space from the Sarvarthsiddhi celestial plane up to Isatpragbhar ,is 12 yojana ,i.e. 96000 Dhanusha and the thickness of the Ishatpragbhar, is 8 yojana, i.e. 64000 Dhanusha and all the three atmospheric Air-layers (Vatvalayas) of the peak are 2 Kosa (4000 Dhanusha), 1 Kosa (2000 Dhanusha) are 1575 Dhanusha thick, no mobile beings live in this region (except Samudghat ,i.e. emanation of soul-points from the body without leaving the body by the Teerthankara and Uppada' (Instantaneous birth of infernal & celestial being). 3,19,94,666 2/, Dhanusha +96000 Dhanusha + 64000 Dhanusha + 7575 Dhanusha= 3,21,62,241 2, Dhanusha less 13 Raju high, is the Tras Nali. (T. P. , 2/6-7) 51. Describe the distinguishing features of Sumeru mountain & Nandishwardvipa ? Sumeru Moutain - It is the first of all mountain of the middle universe. Situated in the large middle portion of Videh region, it is of golden colour and is of peak-shaped. There are total five Sumeru mountains - one in Jambudvipa, 2 in Dhatkikhanda and 2 in Pushkardhadvipa. There are 16 Jina temples in each of the Sumeru, thus total 80 Jina temples in all and total 8640 Jina idol are enshrined in them. This mountain is regarded as the seat of birth-anointment of Teerthankaras. The height of the Sumeru mountain is 1 Lakh 40 yojana. The root of the Sumeru mountain is 1000 yojana. There are Bhadrashal forest, Nandan forest, Saumnasa forest and Panduka forest over it, from the middle of the Panduka forest the peak of the Sumeru mountain starts which is 40 yojan high. There is Pandukshila in the east-north of that peak, the Panduk Kambla in south-east direction, the Rakta in the south-west direction and Rakta Kambla in the north-west direction which are of crescent shaped on which celestial beings perform auspicious bathing (anonintment) respectively of all Teerthankaras of Bharat, west Videh, Airavat and east Videh. Similarly, there are Vijaya and Achal named two Merus in the east and west direction respectively in the Dhatkikhanda dvipa and there are Mandar and Vidyunmali named two Meru in the east and west direction respectively in the Pushkardvipa. The structure of natural Jina temples on these is just like Sumeru (Sudarshan Meru). The speciality is that the height of each of these is 84000 yojan and the root of 1000 yojan is separate. Hence, the total height of all of these four mountains is 85000 yojan. (T.P., 4/2617) Nandiswar dvipa - There are innumerable continents and oceans in this middle universe among which after the 7 continent and 7 ocean there is the eighth continent Nandiswar dvipa. In the east direction of this continent there is one Anjangiri named mountain of black colour, leaving apart 1 lakh yojan around it there are four oblong-ponds. There are Ashoka, Saptparan, Champaka and Amra named forests in all four directions of each of the oblong-pond. There are 16 forests in one direction of this Dvipa and total 64 forests in all the four directions. In the centre of each of the oblong-ponds there is one each Dadhimukh mountain of white colour and there are four Ratikar mountains of red colour in all the four corners of each of the oblong-pond Celestial deities make merriment amusement on the interior Ratikaras and Jina temples are there on outer Ratikaras. Thus in one direction there are one Anjangiri, 4 Dadhimukha and 8 Ratikar mountains, over these mountains there are 13 natural Jina temples, In the same way there are 13 natural Jina temples each in all the three remaining directions. Hence there are 52 natural Jina temples belonging to Nandishwaadvipa. Each Jina temple is enshrined with 108 Jina idols of gems. The stature of these Jina idols is 500 Dhanusha which are ensconced in lotus-posture and attract the minds of the celestial beings and celestial female beings. Their nails, red face, black and white eyes, black eyebrows and the black hair of the head add to the grace & splendour, the countenance seems as if the resonant preaching of the Teerthankara in the form of Omkar sound, which is destroyer of sins, is revealed, the gleam of crores of Suns & Moons becomes faded before the light of those jewels-made idols. Only those may have sight of those idols who owe intense feelings of attachmentlessness and renunciation. Those idols do not speak but right faith rises merely seeing them. We pay our obeisance to those pleasure-bestowing Jina idols. The Saudharma Indra, etc. celestial beings come here along with their family to perform anointment and worship. Kalpavasi celestial beings perform worship in the east direction, the Bhavanvasi in the south direction, the Vyantra deities in the west and the Astral deities in the north, with great devotion, Human beings can not go there, They perform worship in this very place by establishing Jina temples of Nandishwar Dvipa.

1. Who is called 'Jina' and 'Jain'? 'Jayti Iti Jina', i.e. who conquers his senses, passions and Karmas are called 'Jina' and 'Jinasya Upasakah Jainah', i.e. the devotee / worshipper of 'Jina', is called 'Jain'. 2. What is Jain religion ? The religion told by 'Jina', is jain-religion. 3. What is religion ? The religion is that following which a worldly soul becomes supreme soul (Almighty God), i.e. the right faith, right knowledge and right conduct has been told religion because this soul becomes supreme soul precisely through this gems-trio. 4. What are synonym words of Jain-religion ? Nirgrantha Dharma - Unattached and possessionless saint is called Nirgrantha and his religion is Nirgrantha Dharma. Shraman Dharma - Observing/performing penance who equips the soul with effort and labour, they are Shramans and the religion assumed by them, is Shraman religion. Aarhat Dharma - The religion expounded by Omniscient Divinity (Arihant Parmeshthi), is Aarhat Dharma. Sanatan Dharma - The religion in vogue from beginningless time is called Sanatan Dharma. Jin Dharma - The religion narrated by Jinendra deva, is called Jin Dharma. 5. What are the fundamental characteristics / features of Jainism ? Anekant - Anek+Ant=Anekant. 'Anek' means more than one and 'Ant' means attribute or quality (Dharma). The presence of many mutual contradictory qualities or Dharmas in an object/ thing, is called 'Anekant'. Syadvad - The method of language narrating 'Anekant Dharma', (i.e. manifold contradictory predications), is called 'Syadvad'. Syat' means relativity in some respect (Kathanchita) and 'Vad' means to narrate, Just as Ramchandra ji is a son with respect to King Dashratha and father with respect of Lava & Kusha. Non violence - The non-violence is of prime importance in Jain religion. Not causing grief to any body who-so-ever by mind, speech and body and not having feeling of attachmentaversion in inner self, is non-violence. Aparigrahvad (Non-possessionism)- Renouncing all kinds of attachment / infatuation and renouncing other matters (i.e. other than soul) which are motive of attachment, is nonpossessionism. Digamber Jain saints are lively example of non-possessionism. If the world accepts the doctrine of non-possessionism the socialism shall prevail in the world on its own. Independence of living being - Every living being of the world is independent, Just as each and every citizen can become Rashtrapati (president), Prime Minister, similarly each and every soul can become Parmatma (Almighty God). But for becoming Parmatma one has to destroy Karmas and without being a Muni the Karmas can not be destroyed. The universe is eternal - This universe neither has been created by any one nor anybody can destroy it, nor any one maintains it. Each soul get fruits according to the deeds committed and committing by him. There is no need of any judge to administer/pronounce the verdict. Just as one is intoxicated by drinking the tea and by drinking the milk he gets strength and there is no need of any other refree for deciding the fruit after drinking tea or milk. No theory of incarnation - The Parmatma (Almighty God) does not come back after getting liberated from the world. Just as the milk having been taken the form of 'Ghee' can not be changed again into milk, similarly the supreme soul (Parmatma/God) does not assume incarnation on the earth. Rebirth - Jain religion accepts rebirth. Living being takes birth again after death and after taking birth also can die again, In case there is no death then can attain emancipation but after emancipation / salvation he does not take birth again. The God is not Judge - The God only sees and knows he never make any one happy or grieved. Substance is eternal - The substance is never destroyed, only its mode is changed. The soul is also a substance, it neither takes birth nor dies, it only change its mode.

1. What is place of pilgrimage ? Where Teerthankaras and other general / normal omniscients attained salvation, where auspicious events (other than auspicious event of salvation) of Teerthankaras took place and where some special - particular miracle happened, such places (Kshetras) are called places of pilgrimage. 2. How many kinds, the places of pilgrimage have been divided ? Places of pilgrimages have been divided into four kinds - 1. Siddha Kshetra, 2. Kalyanaka Kshetra, 3. Atisaya Kshetra, 4. Kala Kshetra 1. Siddha Kshetra - The places from where Teerthankaras and normal omniscients attained salvation such supreme sacred places are called Siddha Kshetra, such as - Astapad ji (Kailash mountain), Urjayanta mountain (Girnarji), Shri Sammedshikhar ji, Champapurji, Nainagir ji, Bavangaza ji, Siddhavarkoot ji, Muktagiri ji, Siddhodaya ji (Nemavar), Kunthalgiri ji, Mathura Chaurasiji, Taranga ji, Shatrunjaya ji, Gunava ji, Kundalpur ji ,etc. 2. Kalyanaka Kshetra - The supreme holy places (Kshetra) where auspicious events of conception, birth, penance and omniscience or any one,two,or three events took place, are called Kalyanaka Kshetra, such as - Ayodhya ji, Shravasti ji, Kaushambi ji, Kashi ji, Chandrapuri ji, Kakandipuri ji, Bhaddilapuri ji, Shimhpuri ji, Kapila ji, Ratanpuri ji, Hastinapur ji, Mithilapur ji, Kushagrapur ji, Shauripur ji, Kundalpur ji,,etc. 3. Atishaya Kshetra - Where due to rise of some special virtues of Shravakas (devouts) the celestial beings perform some special miracles, such places are calledAtishaya Kshetra, such as - Shri Gomteshwar ji, Mahaveer ji, Tijara ji, Papora ji, Ahikshetra Parshwanath ji, Mahuva Parashwanath ji, Ramtek ji, Bahoribandji, panagarji, Pishanhari ki Madia ji, Devgarh ji, Chandkheri ji, Seeron ji, Moodbidri ji, Bina baraha ji, Thooven ji, Amarkantaka ji, Navagarh ji, Nemgiri ji (Jintoor), Kachner ji, Bhatkuliji, Jatvara ji, Dongargarh ji ,etc. 4. Kala Kshetra - The Atishaya Kshetras where artists have exhibited some special art, such places are called Kala Kshetras, such as - Dharamsthal ji, Shankhbasadi ji (Karnataka), Moodbidri ji, Khajurahoji, Naugaama ji (Rajasthana) Elora ji ,etc. 3. What fruit is earned by committing sin in religious places ? The sin committed in other places is destroyed in the religious place but the sin committed in religious places sticks to the soul as strongly as adamantine-plaster, just as - अन्य क्षेत्रे कृतं पापं, धर्म क्षेत्रे विनश्यति। धर्म क्षेत्रे कृतं पापं, वज्रलेपो भविष्यति ।। Sin committed in other place, Destroy in religious place. Sin committed in religious place, Like adamantine-plaster sticks to soul's image. 4. What is difference between region (Kshetra) and agriculture field ? The farmer grows paddy labouring in the field through which he fills the stomach of the whole world. This paddy (grain) in also helpful in religious meditation because no religion can be observed in the absence of food and the religious devout meditates in theKshetra (religious place) by which one day this soul becomes Almighty God like. खेत अरु क्षेत्र में इतना अंतर जान ।। धान लगत है खेत में, लगत क्षेत्र में ध्यान ।। So much difference exists between field & Kshetra, The paddy grows in field, meditation in the Kshetra. The description of main Kshetras is as under - 1. The supreme place of pilgrimage Shri Sammedshikharji - The great place of pilgrimage Sammedshikhar ji is the highest and eternal Siddha Kshetra of all of Digamber Jain people. At present it is situated in Madhuvan of Jharkhand province 23 Km. far from Parasnath Railway station. The height of Teerthraj Sammedshikhar ji is 4,579 feet. Its area is spreaded in 25 sq. miles and one has to cover 27 Km. for the completion of paying homage (to the feet of salvated Teerthankaras) on the mountain. There is no other place of pilgrimage, Atishaya Kshetra, Siddha Kshetra as pure, sacred and transcendental like this eternal place of salvation on the surface of this universe. The purity of infinite pure souls pervades in each and every particle of this great place of pilgrimage. Hence, each and every of its particles is adorable, It is also said - एक बार वन्दे जो कोई, ताको नरक पशुगति नहीं होई, i.e. whosoever pays homage here to this pure sacred Siddha Kshetra with faith even once he can never fall victim of the hell and animal body-form/lifecourse. Twenty Teerthankaras out of 24 Teerthankaras of the present era have attained salvation from this great place of salvation, Sammedshikhar ji together with billions of Jain saints and by paying reverence even once to this place of pilgrimage, the fruit of crores of fasts is attained. Worldly sufferings (burning fever) destroy by merely touch of the land of this place of pilgrimage, thought activities become clean, knowledge bright, wisdom stable, brain calm & quiet and the mind becomes pure. Previously bonded sins and inauspicious Karmas are destroyed. Grief-sticken beings get self-peace. By paying homage to this place of salvation the feeling of self-well-being is generated being inspired by the ideal of those great-personages. 2. Shri Pavapur ji (Bihar) - Last Teerthankara Mahaveer Swami was salvated from here. There is a grand temple here in the middle of the tank which is called Jal Mandir. The feet of Teerthankara Mahaveer, Gautam Swami and of Sudharma Swami are installed in the Jal Mandir, i.e. temple built in the tank of water. Here a very grand fair is held on the 15th day of the dark half of the lunar month Kartika on the occasion of the salvation day of Teerthankara Mahaveer Swami. 3. Shri Ayodhya ji (Uttar Pradesh) - Here auspicious events of cenception, birth, penance and Omniscience of Teerthankara Rishabhdev ji, Ajitnath ji, Abhinanandan nath ji, Sumatinath ji and Anantnath ji took place (the auspicious event ofomniscience of Rishabhdev ji had taken place at Prayag). The Ayodhya was created by celestial beings. Here about 9 feet high idol in meditative relexation posture of Rishabhdeva is very charming. 4. Shri Kundalpur ji (Madhya Pradesh) - This is a well renounced place of salvation (Siddha Kshetra). There is a coil-shaped mountain in this Kshetra due to which it has been named as Kundalpur. Here exists a 12 feet high idol in lotus posture on which there is no identification mark/emblem and which is known by the name of Bare Baba by all Jains and non-jains. There are about 62 Jina-temples in all including on the mountain and on the low-lying ground. Now that idol has been installed in a very grand temple under construction with the blessing of well-known Digamber Jain Acharya Guruvara Shri Vidyasagar jion 17th January, 2006. The last omniscient Shridhar Swami attained salvation from here. His feet are also installed here.Acharya Shri Vidyasagar ji has already granted here 84 Aryika-initiation and Kshullaka initiation up to October 2012 and has also completed 5 Varshayoga. 5. Shri Siddhodaya ji (Nemavar) - This Kshetra is situated in Dewas District of Madhya Pradesh on national highway no 86. The son of Ravan - Adikumar had attained salvation from here together with 5 and half crore Digamber Jain ascetics. Here grand temples of panchbalyati made of eight metals in standing posture and of Tirkal Choubisi (idols of 24 Teerthankara each of past, present and future eras) are being sculptured by the blessing of well-known Digamber Jain Acharya Shri Vidyasagar ji Maharaj. At present here is one temple where an idol of Mool Nayak (chief idol of Jina Lord) of Parashwanath exists and also there is one temple in the city (Nemavar) where a miraculous idol of Mool Nayak Lord Adinathji is ensconced. Acharya Shri Vidyasagar ji Maharaj has already granted 33 Muni initiations, 43 Aryika initiations, 8 Ailaka and 7 Kshullaka initiations here up to October, 2012. 6. Shri Muktagiri ji - This Siddha Kshetra is situated in District Betul of Madhya Pradesh. Three and half crore Muni attained salvation from here. Here 52 Jina temples exist on the mountain. There is idol of Mool Nayak Parshwanath in the temple no. 26 and two temples on the low-laying ground. Miracles used to go on happening in this Kshetra. Shri Arun Jain of Delhi who used to walk with the support of crutch from 1978 came Muktagiri in 1994 and completed his paying homage on the mountain without the support of crutch, he came here again in 1995, did not feel need of crutch right from the gate. In 1996, while returning Betul he did not feel necessity of the crutch for walking up to Railway station and with effect from 1997 the support of crutch was fully left over. Here he comes every year for visiting temples. Here Acharya Guruvara Shri Vidyasagar Ji has already granted 9 Muni initiation, 9 Ailaka initiation, 7 Kshullaka initiation and one Kshullika initiation. 7. Shri Girnar Ji (Gujrat) - The auspicious events of initiation, omniscience and salvation of Teerthankara Shri Neminath ji took place here and 72 crore 700 Muni attained salvation from this very Kshetra. Here there are 5 hills in total. The Rajul cave is in the first hill. Foot prints of Aniruddha Kumar are on the second, the foot-prints of Shambhoo Kumar are on the third, Foot-prints of Pradumn Kumar are on the fourth. The foot-prints of Teerthankara Neminath ji exist on the fifth hill. On the back side of the foot-prints, there is a magnificient Digamber idol ofTeerthankara Shri Neminath ji. Guruvara Acharya Shri Vidyasagar ji had granted 5 Ailaka initiations on this hill. 8. Shri Shravanbelgola (Karnataka) - In Hasan District Shravanbelgola is a miraculous Kshetra (Atishaya Kshetra). Here there are two hills. One is of the name of Vindhyagiri hill. A fifty seven feet high idol of Lord Bahubali exists on Vindhyagiri hill in the open sky. This was got sculptured by Army chief Chamundrai of Gang dynasty whose other name was Gommat. Hence, because of being the master God of Gommat, the name of this Kshetra and of idol began to be called as Gommteswar. The consecration ceremony of this idol took place in the year 1981. Since then a great reverential anointment ceremony is celebrated in every 12 years. Infront of it there is an another hill named Chandragiri. Here exist many temples. Chamundrai has installed an idol of Teerthankara Neminath ji made of Indraneel Mani measuring one hand on the Chandragiri hill. Foot-prints of last Shrut Kevali Shri Bhadrabahu Muniraj have been carved here in one of the caves where he assumed Sallekhna, i.e. valuntary physical emaciation for holy death.

1. Who is Acharya Shri Vidyasagarji ? Acharya Shri Vidyasagarji Maharaj, the well-known Digamber Jainacharya is the first disciple of Acharya Shri Jñãnasagarji Maharaj who was also a first disciple of Acharya shri Shivsagarji Maharaj and who was also the first disciple of Acharya Shri Veersagarji Maharaj who in turn was the first disciple of Acharya shri Shantisagarji Maharaj. 2. What is the general Bio-data of Acharya Shri Vidyasagarji ? Previous Name - Vidhyadhar alias Peelu, Gini (Tota), Mari. Place of Birth - Sadlaga. Date of Birth - 15th day of light half of lunar month Asvin (Sharad Purnima) "Vikram Samvata' 2003, 10th October 1946, Thursday. Mother - Shrimanti (Late Aryika Samaymatiji). Father - Shri Mallappa ji Jain (Ashtge Gotra) (Late Muni Shri Mallisagarji). Grand Mother - Smt. Kashi ji Jain Ashtge. Grand Father - Shri Paaris ji Jain Ahstge. Brother - Mahaveer, Anantnath and Shantinath. Anantnath (Muni Shri Yogasagarji). Shantinath' (Muni Shri Samayasagarji). Sister - Celebate from childhood - Shanta and Suvarna. Education - 9th class through Kannarh Medium. Mother Tounge - Kannarh. Favourite Game - Chess. Vow of celibacy - In 1966 from Acharya Shri Deshbhushan Ji at Khaniyaji, Jaipur (Rajshthan). Pratima - Vow of seven Pratima at Shravanbelgola (Karnataka). Muni Diksha - On 5th day of light half of the lunar month of 'Asara''Vikram Samvata' 2025, corresponding to Saturday, 30th June, 1968 at Ajmer (Rajsthan). Diksha Guru - Muni Shri Gyansagarji Maharaj (At the time of Diksha. Gyansagarji was Muni). Status of Acharya - On 22nd November, 1972 corresponding to the 2nd day of dark lunar month of Magsir, 'Vikram Samvata' 2029 by Acharya Gyansagarji Maharaj. Name of childhood - Sukumal. Renunciation - Salt & Sweet (sugar etc.) in 1969. Fasts (Upvasa) - Continuous fasts for nine days at Muktagiri in, 1990. Renunciation of Mat - In 1985 from 'Aaharji'. (inter woven strips of leaf etc.) Renunciation of - In 1994 from Ramtek Vegetables, Fruits etc. 3. At what age child Peelu undertook journey of Gomtesh for the first time with his mother ? Child Peelu undertook journey of Gomtesh for the first time at the age of 18 months. 4. How he was named as Vidyadhar ? Mother Shrimanti used to go to the place of cremation of Vidyasagar of Akitvat in the state of pregnancy. Because of having exceptional devotion for him, the child was given the name of Vidyadhara. 5. At what age Vidyadhar took vow of celebacy and from whom and when ? He took vow of celebacy from Acharya Shri Deshbhushan ji at the age of 20 years at Khaniaji (Choolgiri) Jaipur. 6. Shrimanti gave birth to how many offsprings ? Shrimanti gave birth to total 10 offsprings out of them 4 were died in the childhood. 7. When Vidyadhara abandoned home ? On 27th July, 1966 in Anuradha planet, he along with his friend Maruti visited all the three temples for paying homage and at 11.30 A.M. Maruti got him seated in the bus. Well, Tota (a nick-name of Vidyadhara) had smilingly flown (gone) and Maruti arrived home weeping. 8. How many elephants participated in the splendid procession of 'Muni-Diksha' of Vidyadhar ? There were 25 elephants in the splendid procession of Muni Deeksha of Vidyadhara. 9. Who were designated as parents of Vidyadhara in the initiation as Muni ? In the initiation of Vidyadhara as Muni Jatankunwar ji was designated as mother and Hukumchand Luhariya ji as father. 10. Where, when and from whom mother Shrimanti and sister Shanta, Swarna had taken vow of celebacy ? From Acharya Shri Vidyasagar ji at Sawaimadhopur on 8th april, 1975. 11. Where, when and from whom Anantnath, Shantinath accepted vow of celebacy ? From Acharya Shri Vidyasagar ji maharaj at Mahaveerji on 2nd May, 1975. 12. When Acharya Shri Vidhyasagarji granted initiation of 'Muni' for the first time and where ? He granted 'Muni-Diksha' to Ailak Shri Samayasagarji at Drongiri Siddhkshetra (Dist. Chhatarpur, M.P.) on 8th March ,1980 corresponding to the 6th day of black half of the lunar month 'Chaitra'. 13. When Acharya Shri Vidhyasagarji granted 'Aryika Diksha' for the first time and how many and where ? Acharya Shri granted 11 Aryika Diksha on 10th February, 1987 at Siddhakshetra Nainagiri (Dist. Chhatarpur, M.P.). 14. How many initiations Acharya Shri Vidhyasagarji granted till now (August, 2013) ? Granted consecrations of Muni 113, Aryiakayen 172, Ailak 21, Kshullaka 14, Kshullika 3, Total 323. 15. In how many States Acharya Shri Vidhyasagarji moved about (going and coming) till October, 2012 ? In nine States - Rajsthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharastra, Bihar, West Bengal, Urrisa, Gujrat and Chhattisgarh. 16. रत्नत्रय से पावन जिनका यह औदारिक तन है। गुप्ति समिति अनुप्रेक्षा में रत, रहता निशि दिन मन है। Whose gross body remains pure with right faith etcetera tri-jewel, Mind remain immersed day & night in carefulness, reflexion & self-control. Who wrote this obeisance song ? Written by Pandit Narendra Prakash ji of Feerozabad. 17. Who Muniraj took/accepted 1234 fasts of the vow of Charitra shuddhi (puryfying the conduct) from Achary Shri for the first time and also accomplished ? Late Muni Shri Mallisagarji (the father of Acharya Shri Vidyasagar ji of his house-hold life). 18. Who disciple Muni of Acharya Shri had taken / accepted 1234 fasts of Charitra shuddhi from Achary Shri for the first time ? By Muni Uttamsagar ji. 19. Who disciple of Acharya Shri first of all completed 1234 fasts of Charitra shuddhi ? Muni Shri Chandraprabhsagar ji started this fast on the 1st day of light half of the lunar month Bhadra, accordingly friday, the 10th day of september, 1999 at Gommatgiri, Indore in the proximity of Guru and completed on the 12th day of the dark half of the lunar monthShravan accordingly Sunday, 19th July, 2009 at Hupri (Maharastra) in the Chandraprabha temple in the proximity of Muni Shri Vineetsagar ji, Period taken - 9 years 10 months and 10 days. 20. Whether he has observed any other particular fasts ? He has also observed some other particular fasts as enumerated below. Sihma Nishkrhirit Vrata - at Orangabad - started from 22.07.2005 (Veer Shasan Jayanti) till 09.10.2005, in which observed 60 fasts and 20Parna (Aahar), Total= 80 days. Triloksar Vidhi Vidhan Vrata from 12.07.2006 to 21.08.2006 - 30 fasts and 11 Parna (took food after fast)=41 days at Hingoli (Maharashtra) Again Sihma Nishkrhirit Vrata - at Hupree (Maharashtra) from 09.08.2009 to 27.10.2009 = 60 fasts, 20 Parna. Vajra Vidhi Vrata at Kolhapur (Maharashtra) from 28.09.2010 till 04.11.2010 = 29 fasts and 9 Parna. Karam Dahan Vrata completed at Kolhapur = 148 fasts at the rate of 1 fast 1 Parna. Jin Guna Sampatti Vrata 63 fasts completed at Chichvarh at the rate of 1 fast 1 Parna. Solahakaran Vrata 16 fasts completed at Rookrhi at the rate of 1 fast 1 Parna. 8 fasts of Siddhon completed at Sadlaga (1 fasts 1 Parna). Dharma Chakra Vidhi Vrata - in which 1004 fasts are to be observed, started from 06.03.2011 at Sadlaga. In the beginning and end of this vow 2fasts each and on remaining days 1 fast 1Parna. Once again Sihma Nishkrhirit Vrata - at Faltan (Maharashtra) from 13.08.2011 to 31.10.2011 = 60 fasts, 20 Parna. 21. How many 'Panchkalyanak' and 'Gajratha' celebrations have been celebrated in the proximity of Acharya Shri till May, 2013. 48 Panchkalyanaka & Gajratha Mahotsava have been celebrated in the proximity of Acharya Shri till May,2013 22. Which is that city where Gajrath (Chariot driven by elephants on the last day of five auspicious events of consecrational ceremony of Lord Jina) moved six times and where Acharya Shri along with the congreration remained present five times ? At Sagar (M.P.) where Gajrath moved for six times between 1993 to 2012. 23. Where first 'Tri-Gajratha Mahotsava' was celebrated in the proximity of Acharya Shri ? At Khajuraho (M.P.) 24. How many 'Samadhi' (Holy Death) have been effected in the proximity of Acharya Shri till August, 2007 ? 29 Samadhi. 25. Where 'Varshayoga' (seasonal staying of Jain saints specially in rainy season) of Acharya Shri accomplished in Uttar Pradesh ? The Varshayoga of Acharya Shri took place at Feerozabad in Uttar Pradesh. 26. Where 'Varshayoga' of Acharya Shri accomplished in Gujrat ? The Varshayoga of Acharya Shri in Gujrat took place at Mahuva Parswanath, District Surat. 27. Where 'Varshayoga' of Acharya Shri accomplished in Bihar ? The Varshayoga of Acharya Shri took place in Bihar state at Isri (Present Jharkhand) 28. How many 'Varshayoga' of Acharya Shri have been accomplished in Maharashtra till 2013 ? Four Varshayoga of Acharya Shri took place in Maharastra at Ramteka. 29. How many total 'Varshayoga' of Acharya Shri took place in Rajasthan including Muni and Acharya till 2012 ? Total seven Varshayoga took place in Rajasthan including as Muni and Acharya both. 30. How many literary works (scriptures) Acharya Shri composed till now ? Approximately 69 including translation in verse, translation in rhyming couplet, Hindi Shataka (composing collection of 100 verses), Sanskrit Shatak, Doha Shatak, collection of poems, etc. 31. When and where Acharya Shri started composing epic 'Mook Mati' and where and when it was completed ? He started composing it at Digamber Jain Atisaya Kshetra 'Pisanhari ki Madia', Jabalpur, (M.P.) on the first day of the fourth 'Reading camp'of Shatkhandagam organised there and the day of auspicious event of initiation (Deeksha Kalyanaka) of the 20th Teerthankara Munisuvrat Nath on Wednesday, the 25th April 1984, 'Veer Nirvan Samvata' 2510, corresponding to 10th day of dark half of the lunar month of Baisakh, 'Vikram Samvata' 2041 and completed it on the day of auspicious event of omniscience on Wednesday, the 11th February 1987, 'Veer Nirvan Samvata' 2513, corresponding to the 13th day of the light half of the lunar month of 'Magha' Vikram samvata 2043, at Siddhakshetra Nainagiri Chhatarpur (M.P.) during five days consecrational celebration of the idol of Lord Jina and 'Tri-Gajrath Mahotsava' organized there. 32. In how many episodes the Epic 'Mook Mati' has been written, enumerate their names (headings) ? It has been written in four episodes - 'Sankar Nahin, Varna Labh' - (No Hybrid: gain of pure form). 'Shabd so Bodh Nahin, Bodh so Shodh Nahin' - (Word are not cognition : cognition is not purification). 'Punya Ka Palan; Papa-Prakshalan' - (Fostering virtue: washing off sin) 'Agni ki Pariksha, Chandi si Rakh' - (ordeal of fire: Silver like Ash) 33. Where educational institutions have been opend by the blessing of Acharya Shri ? Prashasnika Prashikshan Sansthan, Jabalpur (M.P.), (Institution of Administrative Training, Jabalpur (M.P.). Shri Digamber Jain Shraman Sanskriti Sansthan, Sanganer, Jaipur (Rajasthan). Shanti Vidya Chhatravas, Umarga (Maharastra) Shri Parshwanath Digamber Jain Gurukul, Hydrabad (Andhra Pradesh) Vidyasagar Institute of Management, Bhopal (M.P.) Pratibhasthali Jñãnodaya Vidyapith, Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh). Vidyasagar B.Ed. College, Vidisha (M.P.)

1. Who was Shri Gyansagar Ji Maharaj ? The first disciple of Acharya Shri Shantisagar ji was Acharya Shri Veersagar ji, the first disciple of Acharya Shri Veersagar ji was Acharya Shri Shivsagar ji and the first disciple of Acharya Shri Shivsagar ji was Acharya Shri Gyansagar ji. 2. What is the general introduction of Acharya Shri Gyansagar ji ? His former name - Bhooramalji Second name - Shantikumar Mother - Smt. Ghritvari Devi Father - Shri Chaturbhuj Chhabra Grand Mother - Smt. Gatto Devi Grand Father - Shri Sukhdev ji Brother - They were total five brothers - Chhaganlal, Bhooramal, Gangaprasad, Gourilal and Devidutta Birth - Vikram Samvat, 1948, Christian era, 1891 Place - Ranoli, District - Seekar (Rajasthan) Death of the father - In the year 1902 Education - Primary education in a village school and the education of Shastri level in Syadvad Mahavidylaya, Banaras 3. How the earlier life of Acharya Shri Gyansagar ji had been ? It is said that the goddess of wealth and goddess of knowledge do not live together. This saying did happen with Gyansagar ji in toto. He received elementary education in a village primary school. Due to want of means, he did not prosecute his further study and along with his elder brother arrived at Gaya for search of some work, there began to work in a Seth's shop for earning the livlihood, but by mind he wanted to study further. By chance, students of Syadvad Vidhyalaya came Gaya for taking part in some celebration. Observing their very effective 1. i.e. Gyansagar Ji Maharaj programmes, Bhooramal ji thought of going to Varansi for study. Considering his earnest intence desire, his elder brother permitted him to go to Varansi. He used to sell towels on the bank of river Ganges for arranging money for the expenses on study and food, and used to meet this expenditure from the income thus earned. Afterwards some body told him that he will get the expenses from the college, but Bhooramalji refused being a person of leading a self-support life. Passing out Shashtri examination from Varansi, he deeply studied several treatises of Sanskrit grammar, literature, doctrines / theories and spiritual texts. After returning from Banaras, he composed several treatises in Sanskrit & Hindi by reflecting, writing and careful study of literary works with great perseverance. In the modern century, his name deserves special mention among learned who have kept alive the tradition of composition of epics in the Sanskrit language. Great learned of Kashi have reacted saying "It is a great pleasure that even in this period there exists learned of such a superior status who can confront with poets like Kalidas and Magh". Thus he spent 50 years in the service of "Jinwani", (i.e. spiritual doctrines of Jainism as revealed in the resonant preaching of Lord Jinendra Deva). But according to the 'Mantra' "the knowledge is like a burden without action", he for practising it in the real life, engaged himself on the path of renunciation. 4. What type the conduct-path of Acharya Shri Gyansagar ji was ? The model stage of celibacy (Brahmacharya Pritima) - In the form of vow - in 1947 Vik. Sam. 2004. Initiation of Kshullaka - Taken himself on 25 April, 1955, the third day of light half of lunar month Baisakh (Akshya Tritiya), Vik. Sam. 2012 in Parswanath temple at Mansoorpur, Mujaffarnagar. Initiation of Ailaka - In 1957 from Acharya Deshbushanji Maharaj. Initiation of Muni - On the second day of dark half lunar month Asar, 22 June, 1959, Monday, Vik. Sam. 2016 at Khaniyaji, Jaipur (Raj.). Preceptor granting Initiation - Acharya Shri Shivsagar Ji. When endowed with position of Acharya - On the 7th Feb., 1969, Fifth day of dark half of Falguna, Vik. Sam. 2025, Friday, at Naseerabad (Raj.) granted by jain community. One adept was also granted as Muni-initiation who was named as Viveksagarji. Renunciation of the position of Acharya and accepting vow of "Sallekhna" (Holy death) - Granted position of Acharya to his first disciple Muni Shri Vidyasagar ji on 22 Nov. 1972, 2nd day of dark half of the lunar month Magsir, Vik. Sam. 2029 at Naseerabad and requested him for "Sallekhna". Holy death - 15th day of dark half of the lunar month of Jeyeshtha, 1 June, 1973, Friday Vik. Sam. 2030 at Naseerabad (Rajasthan). Time of Holy death - At 10.50 morning. Period of "Sallekhna" - Six months 13 days (according to days of lunar month). Period of "Sallekhna" - Six months 10 days (according to english dates). 5. Which literature Acharya Gyansagar has composed ? In Sanskrit language - Epics - Dayodaya, Jayodaya and Veerodaya. Biographical character verse - Sudarsanodaya, Bhadrodaya and Muni Manoranjanashiti. Jain doctrines - Samayakatvasarshatkam. Religious scriptures - Pravachansar Pratiroopaka. In Hindi language - Biographical character verse - Rishabhvatar, Bhagyodaya, Vivekodaya and Gun Sundar Vratant. Religious scriptures - Kartavyapath Pradarshan, Sachitta Vivechan, Sachitta Vichar, Tattvarthasutra - Teeka (commentary) and Manav Dharma. Translation in verse - Devagama stotra, Niyamsar and Astapahuda. Others - Swami Kundkund, Sanatan Jain Dharma and Jain Vivah Vidhi. 6. Whom Acharya Gyansagar ji imparted knowledge of scriptures ? He taught scriptures to many ascetics, Aryikayen, Ailakas, Kshullakas, Brahamchari and Shravakas, in the congregation of Acharya Veersagar ji, in the congregation of Acharya Shivsagar ji, in the congregation of Dharamsagar ji, Acharya Ajitsagar ji and in present Acharya Vidyasagar ji is an excellent example of this. 7. How Sallekhna (Procedure for physical emaciation for holy death) of Gyansagar ji was accomplished ? First of all Acharya Gyansagar ji renounced his office (position) of Acharya (preceptor head) and gave that position to Muni Vidyasagar ji and he requested Acharya Vidyasagar ji for accomplishing his Sallekhna. In fact there is a rule that Acharya Parmesthi ji should go to other congregation for accepting Sallekhna, then why he did not go, a thought struck me that Acharya Gyansagar ji taught / instructed everything to disciple Vidyasagar ji, i.e. how disciples are taught ? how disciples are admitted (in the congregation)? how initiation is granted ? how the congregation is conducted etc.? but he did not teach him the procedure of Sallekhna as to how the vow of Sallekhna is given ? Hence he himself took (accepted) Sallekhna from Vidyasagar ji so that he may learn it. Even the son who inherited property amounting crores of rupees would not have served his father in the manner in which Acharya Shri Vidyasagar ji served his Guru. Acharya Shri Gyansagar ji was suffering from pain of sciatica due to which he was not sleeping outside even in the hot days of summer. Then also Acharya Vidyasagar ji used to sleep with him inside the room in that hot weather. Gyansagar ji always remained in the state of awakening. He had renounced food grains about six months before holy death and with four fasts the Yama Sallekhna was concluded in the terrible hot of summer of Rajasthan.

1. When and where Acharya Shri Shantisagar ji was born ? He was born in the night of wednesday, the 25th July, 1872, corresponding to 6th day of the dark fortnight of lunar month 'Asar', 'Vikram Samvat' 1929 in village yelgul (Maharashtra) near Bhojgram (Karnataka) in the house of his maternal grandfather. 2. What was former name of Acharya Shanti Sagarji ? The former name of Acharya Shantisagar Ji was Saatgowda. 3. What sort of 'Dohla' (intense desire) his mother felt when he was in the mother's womb ? She felt the intense desire of worshipping Lord Jinendra with 108 thousand - petaled lotuses. Then those lotuses were sent for from the pond near Kolhapur and Jinendra Deva was worshipped with great devotion. 4. What was the name of the parents of Saatgowda ? The name of his mother was Satyavati and father Bhimgowda Patil (Village Headman). He was fourth Jain by caste. 5. How many brothers and sisters were of Saatgowda ? There were five brothers and sisters including Saatgowda - Adigowda, Devagowda, Saatgowda (Acharya Shri Shanti Sagarji), Kumbhgowda and sister Krishna Bai. 6. Whether Saatgowda was a married one or a celibate from childhood ? He was a married celibate from childhood, i.e. he was married in the age of 9 years to a girl of 6 years and it so happened that by chance that girl died after six months. Maharaj Ji once told that he never knew her as his wife. He did not marry afterwards. 7. From when he had inclination of becoming 'Muni' ? Well, he wanted to become a 'Muni' at the age of 17-18 years but his father had great affection for him. The father told him that he should strive for religious accomplishment living in the house itself till his life, afterwards he might become 'Muni'. Therefore, as per the wish (order) of his father he took 'Kshullaka' inition after his (of father) holy death (Samadhi Maran) at the age of 43 years and became Muni at the age of 48. 8. When Saatgowda paid homage to Shikharji (went to visit Shikharji) and what he renounced there? He went to Shikarji to pay homage at the age of 32 years and renounced there ghee and oil for the whole life so as to make the memory of that pilgrimage long lasting and resolved to take food once in a day as soon as he returned home. 9. Whether Saatgowda had feelings for the protection of living beings since childhood ? Yes, he had feeling of protection of living beings. There is an incident of one day. Saatdowda had gone for defecation in the Jungle. When he returned home with the broken metal round pot, he was asked about the breakage of the pot. He told that one snake was rushing towards a frog for swallowing that, so in order to save the life of the frog he immeditately threw the pot in question forcefully on the stone owing to which snake ran away. When he used to go on the field and birds caused damage to the crop he did not cause them to flee, on the other hand he used to put water for them to drink. 10. What sort of commercial life of Saatgowda was ? Saatgowda and Kumbhgowda used to sit on the textile shop. When Saatgowda used to sit on the shop and customer came then Saatgowda used to ask him to measure the cloth by himself which he wanted to purchase and keep the cost there. He him -self did not even use to count the money. 11. Saatgowda was without attachment even living in the house, How ? He lived in the house quite unattached. That is why he did not participate in the marriage ceremony of his younger brother Kumbhgowda and sister Krishna Bai. 12. What sort of compassion and physical strength was of Saatgowda ? When Saatgowda was visiting Sammed-Shikharji for paying homage, one old woman was seen experiencing difficulty in walking and she could not also engage 'doli' (litter) being penniless. Therefore, Saatgowda seated her on his shoulder and caused to complete her "Vandna' (paying homage) of Sammed Shikarji. In the same way he carried one person to the five hills of 'Rajgrihi'on his shoulder so that he may visit and pay homage there. 13. What sort of journey of abstinence was of Saatgowda ? (1) Kshullaka Diksha (initiation)-Accepted from Devendra kirti Muni Maharaj on the 13th day of light half of Jetha', 'Vikram Samvata', 1972 (Christian era, 1915) at village Uttoor. (2) Ailak Diksha - Accepted self at 'Siddha-Kshetra' Girnarji on the fourteenth day of the light half of the lunar month Pausa, Vikram Samvat, 1975 (Christian era Wednessday, January 1919). (3) Muni Diksha - Took 'Muni-Diksha' from Muni Devendra Kirtiji on the 13th day of the light half of the lunar month 'Falguna', 'Vikram Samvata', 1976 (Christion era Tuesday 2nd March, 1920) at Yarnal on the occasion of 'Panchkalyanaka' (4) Status of Acharya - At Samdoli on Wednesday, the 11th day of the light half of the lunar month Asvina, 'Vikram Samvata', 1981, corresponding to Christian era, 1924. (5) Status of Charitra Chakarvarti - At Gajpantha, 'Vikram Samvata', 1994 (Christian era, 1937). 14. When and where 'Ailaka' Shantisagarji renounced travel by vehicle ? After returning from 'Siddha-Kshetra Girnarji', he arrived at Kundal hill near Sangli and stepped down from there at Alankrit Railway Station and after visiting shrines and paying homage there, he renounced travel by vehicle for the whole life. 15. Where first 'Chaturmas' of Acharya Shantisagarji was held in northern India ? The Chaturmas (rainy season-stay) of Acharya Shantisagarji was held at Katni (M.P.) in the year 1928. 16. How many fasts Acharya Shantisagarji observed during the period of his Muni-life ? During 35 years of his Muni-life, he observed fasts for 27 years 2 months and 23 days i.e. 9938 fasts. 17. When and where Acharya Shri Shantisagarji gave up the status of 'Acharya' and to whom he transferred this status ? Status of'Acharya' was abandoned through a letter at Kunthalgiri. That letter was sent to his first disciple Muni Shri Veersagarji, i.e. he transferred his status of Acharya to Muni Shri Veersagarji on the 9th day of the light half of the lunar month of first 'Bhadra', 'Vikram Samvata', 2012, corresponding to Friday, the 26th August, 1955. 18. When and where the 'Samadhi', i.e. Holy death of Acharya Shri Shantisagarji had taken place ? Samadhi' of Acharya Shri Shantisagarji Maharaj was accomplished at Kunthalgiri on Sunday, the 2nd day of the light half of the lunar month of second 'Bhadra', 'Vikram Samvata' 2012 corresponding to 18th September, 1955. 19. How many days the 'Sallekhna' (process of holy death) of Acharya Shri Shantisagarji continued ? 'Yama Sallekhna' continued for 36 days. He renounced taking food except water on 14th August after taking food and also renounced even water taking it for the last time on 4th September. 20. From whom Acharya Shri Shantisagarji took initiation of Muni according to Muni Shri Vardhmansagarji (elder brother of Acharya Shri Shantisagarji) ? Acharya Shri Shantisagarji took initiation of Muni from Bhonsekar Adisagarji Muniraj at yernal. 21. What is the succession of disciples of Acharya Shri Shantisagarji ? Note : There are some more successions of disciples of Acharya Shantisagarji Maharaj. 22. In which treatise life history of Acharya Shri Shantisagarji is found and who is its author ? The treatise is Charitra Chakarvati and author is Pt. Sumerchandji Diwakar, Seoni (M.P.). 23. When Charitra Chakarvarti treatise was released ? It was released in the morning of 4th March, 1953 at Shravanbelgola in the proximity of Acharya Shri Deshbhushan Ji and his congregation. (The Subject - matter of this chapter has been taken almost from 'Charitra Chakarvarti Treatise').

1. Where child Mahavir was born ? Child Mahavir was born in Kundgram (Vaishali) Bihar. 2. On which days of lunar months the five auspicious events of Teerthankara Mahavir took place ? The auspicious event of Conception - Sixth day of light half of the lunar month Asar, Friday, 17th June, 599 B.C. The auspicious event of Birth - 13th day of light half of the lunar month Chaitra, Monday, 27th March, 598 B.C. The auspicious event of Initiation - 10th day of dark half of the lunar month Magsir, Monday, 29th Dec., 569 B.C. The auspicious event of Omniscience - 10th day of the light half of the lunar month Baisakh, Sunday, 23rd April, 557 B.C. The auspicious event of Salvation - 15th day of dark half of the lunar month Kartika, Tuesday, 15th October, 527 B.C. accordingly before Vikram Samvat 470 and before Shaka Samvat 605. [Teerthankara Mahavir Aur Unki Acharya Parampara, Part I] 3. Where from child Teerthankara Mahavir came ? Child Teerthankara Mahavir came from Pushpottar celestial space-plane of Achyuta heaven. 4. What were the names of parents & grand parents of child Mahavir ? The name of the mother of child Mahavir was Trishla, father's name was king Siddhartha, of the grand father Sarvartha and that of the grand mother was Shrimati. 5. What were the names of parents & grand parents of Trishla ? The name of the mother of Trishla was Subhadradevi, of father was King Chetaka, of grand father was King Keka and that of grand mother was Yashomati. 6. How many sons & daughters were there of King Chetaka ? There were ten sons, namely Dhandatta, Dhanbhadra, Upendra, Sudatta, Sinhadatta, Sukumbhoj, Akampan, Patangaka, Prabhanjana and Prabhas and daughters namely Trishla, Mirgavati, Suprabha, Prabhavati, Chelna, Jyestha, and Chandana. The second name of Chelna was also Vasumati. 7. What is the meaning of Chetaka ? He made many of his enemies as 'cheti' or slave, hence he began to be called by the name of Chetaka. 8. What were the names of the place of initiation, the forest of initiation and the Initia tion - tree of Prince Mahavir ? The name of place of initiation of Prince Mahavir was Kundalpur, of the forest of initiation was Shandavan and that of the initiation tree was Shal tree. 9. Due to what eficient cause the aversion from worldly enjoyments occured / caused to Prince Mahavir ? The aversion from worldly enjoyments occured to Prince Mahavir through recollection of previous birth. 10. Where Muni Mahavir took food for the first time after initiation of ascetic and in whose residence ? Muni Mahavir took food for first time after initiation of ascetic in the palace of King Kool in Koolgram. 11. What was the family succession and 'Gotra' (an exogamous sub-devision of the caste group) of Mahavir ? The family succession / pedigree of Mahavir was Nath and Gotra was Kashyapa. 12. In which palanquin he went for initiation ? He went for initiation sitting in the Chandra Prabha palanquin. 13. Where Muni Mahavir attained omniscience and under what tree ? Muni Mahavir attained omniscience in Shandvan/Manoharvan (river Rijukoola) under the Sal tree. 14. How many Muni, Aryika, Shravaka (devouts) and Shravikayen (female devouts) were there in the Samavsaran of Teerthankara Mahavir ? There were 14000 Muni, 36000 Aryikayen, 1 Lakh Shravakas and 3 Lakh Shravikayen in the Samavsaran of Teerthankara Mahavir. 15. Who were the chief Gandhara, chief Ganini and the chief Listner of Teerthankara Mahavir ? The chief Gandhar of Mahavir was Gautam, the chief Ganini was Chandna and chief Listner was King Shrenika. 16. What were the names of Yaksha and Yakshni of Teerthankara Mahavir ? The Yaksha was Guhaaka and the Yakshni was Siddhayni. 17. How many Ghandharas were there of Teerthankara Mahavir, enumerate their names ? There were eleven Ghandhara of Teerthankara Mahavir namely - Indrabhuti (Gautam), Vayubhuti, Agnihbhuti, Sudharmaswami, Mauraya, Maundra, Putra, Maitreya, Akampana, Andhvela and Prabhas. 18. Where the first Samavsaran of Teerthankara Mahavir was held ? The first Samavsaran of Teerthankara Mahavir was held at Vipulachal mountain. 19. How many days the discourse of Teerthankara Mahavir did not reveal and why? The discourse of Teerthankara Mahavir did not reveal for 66 days for want of Ghandhara. 20. When the discource of Teerthankara Mahavir was revealed ? The discourse of Teerthankara Mahavir was revealed on the 1st day of dark half of the lunar month Shravan, Saturday, 1st July, 557 B.C. 21 How many questions were asked by King Shrenika in the Samavsaran of Teerthankara Mahavir ? King Shrenika asked 60 thousand questions in the Samavsaran of Teerthankara Mahavir. 22. Before how many day's Teerthankara Mahavir left Samavsaran for performing ces sation of activities of mind, speech and body (Yoga Nirodha) ? Teerthankara Mahavir left Samavsaran before 2 days for performing cessation of activities of mind, speech & body (Yoga Nirodha). 23. In which mode of life Teerthankara Mahavir attained right-faith ? Teerthankara Mahavir attained right-faith in the mode of the lion. 24. Of how many years the discipline period of Teerthankara Mahavir is ? The disciplline period of Teerthankara Mahavir is of 21 thousand and 42 years. 25. Enumerate the births (of Mahavir) from lion to Mahavir ? Lion ,deity in Saudharma heaven, King kankojjwal, deity in Lantava heaven, King Harisen, deity in Mahashukra heaven, Priyamitra named Prince, deity in the 12th heaven, King Nanda, Indra in Achyut heaven & Teerthankara Mahavir. 26. When Teerthankaras Mahavir bounded the karmic-nature of Teerthankarahood and where ? When Teerthankara Mahavir assumed / accepted restraint in the mode (life-course) of King Nanda then he bonded the karmic-nature of Teerthankarahood in the proximity of Guru Prosthil (A saint well versed in scriptural knowledge). 27. What were the names of ascetics who exhorted religious preachings to the lion ? The names of Muni who exhorted religious instruction to the lion were Muni Amitkirti and Amitprabha. 28. After how many years of the liberation / salvation of Teerthankara parashwanath, child Mahavir was born ? Child Mahavir was born after 178 years of the liberation / salvation of Teerthankara Parashwanath. 29. How many names were there of Teerthankara Mahavir ? enumerate the names ? Veer - At the time of birth-anointment a doubt occured to the Indra that how the child shall bear the flow of so much water? The child knowing about this through his clairvoyance pressed the Meru mountain a little, then Indra came to know the immeasurable strength of the child. The Indra begged pardon and said - Precisely he is a Veer Jinendra. Vardhman - The King Siddhartha told that just when the child came in the womb of Priyakarini, from that very day the wealth and prosperity in the home, city and kingdom began to increase, hence this child should be named as Vardhman. Sanmati - Once Sanjaya and Vijaya named two Muni endowed with supernatural power to move in the sky, had some metaphysical inquisitiveness. As soon as they saw Vardhman, their inquisitiveness was solved, then the Muni named Vardhman as Sanmati. Mahavir - Vardhman was playing with his friends on a tree, then Sangamdeva wrapped himself round trunk of the tree, assuming the form of a huge snake in order to frighten them. All friends were frightened, jumped from the branch and fled away but Vardhman climbing on the snake started playing with him. Seeing so, the Sangamdeva, assuming/returning in his original form, and admiring Vardhman named him as Mahavir. Ativeer - One elephant being besotted / intoxicated was not coming under the control of any one, was creating turmoil. Knowing this Mahavir intended to go there then people asked him not to go there but Mahavir did not pay any heed to them and went there. Seeing Mahavir, the elephant bowing his head began to salute lifting his trunk. Then the populace admired the prince and named him as Ativeer.

Child Parshwanath was born at Banaras in 877 B.C. At the age of sixteen years one day he went outskirt of the city to play along with his companions. There he saw his maternal grand father Mahipal who had become an ascetic, the performer of five-fires penance (in which the performer sits in the heat of sun in the hot wheather) being-distressed by breavement of his wife (Parshwkumar's maternal grand mother). He was pouring woods in the fire. Parshwanath checked him and said, 'what are you doing'? one pair of serpant and female serpant is burning in this. When that burning wood was sawed then truely that pair came out in burning condition. Parshwa kumar exhorted that pair. Hearing the exhortation that pair passed away and became Dharnendra-Padmavati in the heaven. In course of time that ascetic being distressed died and became Samvar named stellar deity. At the age of 30 years aversion from worldly life and enjoyments grew in Parshwa kumar and leaving all his belongings & possessions, he assumed the initiation of nude Jain saint. A period of four months remained as disguised or non-omniscient period. After four months, determining meditational state for seven days he was ensconced increasing religious meditation, at that very time the celestial space-plane of the Samvar deity was passing through there. His celestial-plane stopped on its own. He knew its reason from his false clairvoyance and the enmity of the previous births began to be seen clearly, then that idiot began to cause calamity on him. Excessiveness of every action is an indicator of its end. DharnendraPadmavati came to know about this calamity through their clairvoyance then they came for the protection of their benefactor Muni Parshwanath. Lord Parshwanath remained engrossed in meditation and attained omniscience. As soon as the omniscience manifested, the calamity was removed and that Samvar deity, the soul of Kamath of previous birth begged pardon of his evil deeds and he also attained right belief. As soon as the omniscience manifested, the Samvsaran was built/created and the Lord moving many places delivered spiritual instructions. In the end when one month was left over of his age he left Samavsaran for cessation of activities of mind, speech & body, arrived Sammedshikharji and attained emancipation salvation from there only. 1. From which heaven the child Parshwanath came ? He came from Pranat heaven. 2. What was the second name of Parshwa kumar ? The second name of Parshwa kumar was Subhom. (Uttar Puran, 73/103) 3. What were the names of parents of Parshwa kumar ? The father was Vishwasen and the mother Vamadevi. 4. In which family succession, Parshwa kumar was born ? Parshwa kumar was born in Ugra Vansha. 5. On which days of lunar months the auspicious events of Parshwanath took place ? The auspicious event of Conception - Second day of dark half of lunar month Baisakha. The auspicious event of Birth - Eleventh day of dark half of lunar month of Paus. The auspicious event of Initiation -Eleventh day of dark half of lunar month of Paus. The auspicious event of Omniscience - 4th day of dark half of lunar month Chaitra. The auspicious event of Salvation - Seventh day of light half of the lunar month of Shravan. 6. What were the names of the place of initiation, forest of initiation and the Initiation - tree of Parshwa kumar ? The name of place of initiation of Parshwa kumar was Varansi, of forest was Ashwavan/ Asvatthvan and that of the tree was Dhav/Devdaru tree. 7. Where Muni Parshwanath took food for the first time after initiation and in whose residence ? Muni Parshwanath took food for first time after initiation at Gulamkhet (Dwaravati) in the palace of King Brahamdutta. 8. Where Muni Parshwanath attained omniscience and under which tree? Muni Parshwanath attained omniscience in Ashwavan (Kashi) under Devdaru tree. 9. What was the age and height of the body of Teerthankara Parshwanath ? The Age of Teerthankara Parshwanath was 100 years and the height 9 hands. 10. Where Teerthankara Parshwanath attained emancipation ? Teerthankara Parshwanath attained emancipation from Swarnbhadra peak of Sammed Shikhar Ji. 11. How many years Teerthankara Parshwanath exhorted spiritual instruction ? Teerthankara Parshwanath exhorted spiritual instructions for 69 years 7 months. 12. Who were the chief disciple (Gandhara), chief female disciple (Ganini) and the chief listner of Teerthankara Parshwanath ? The chief Gandhar of Teerthankara Parshwanath was Swayambhoo, the chief Ganini Sulochna and chief listner was Mahasen. 13. How many Muni, Aryika, Shravaka (devouts) and Shravikayen were there of Teerthankara Parshwanath ? There were 16000 Muni, 38000 Aryikayen, 1 lakh Shravakas and three lakh Shravikayen in theSamavsaran of Teerthankara Parshwanath. 14. What were the names of the Yaksha-Yakshni of Teerthankara Parshwanath ? The Yaksha of Parshwanath was Matang and Yakshni Padmavati. 15. What were the previous birth of Teerthankara Parshwanath and Kamath ? Parshwanath - The son of Vishwabhuti Brahaman Marubhuti Kamath - The son of Vishwabhuti and elder brother of Marubhuti. Parshwanath - Elephant Vajraghosha. Kamath - The Kukkut named snake. Parshwanath - Deity in Sahasrar named 12th heaven. Kamath - Dhumra Prabha named hell. Parshwanath - Agniveg Vidyadhar. Kamath - Python. Parshwanath - Deity in Achyut named 16th heaven. Kamath - Sixth hell. Parshwanath - Vajranabhi Chakravarti. Kamath - Kuranga named Bheel, a tribal person Parshwanath - Ahmindra in middle Graiveyaka. Kamath - Seventh hell. Parshwanath - King Anand. Kamath - Lion. Parshwanath - Indra in the Pranat named 13th heaven. Kamath - Fifth hell. Parshwanath - Teerthankara Parshwanath. Kamath - The King Mahipal and Samvar named stellar deity. [Parshwanath Charit: Acharya Sakalkirti] 16. How many years the discipline period of Teerthankara Parshwanath remained in vogue ? The discipline periods of Teerthankara Parshwanath continued for 278 years. [T.P., 4/1285] 17. How many times the soul of Kamath bereaved the life of Parshwanath ? The soul of Kamath bereaved the life of Parshwanath five times.

The 'Bhogbhumi (land of enjoyments) was concluding and the beginning of Karambhumi was taking place. At that very time the baby Rishabh was born in Ayodhya. His father was King Nabhirai and the mother was Queen Marudevi. Earlier the material of enjoyment used to be provided by Kalpavraksha. The Kalpavraksha stopped giving material of enjoyments as soon as the Karambhumi (land of action) began due to which people began to call repeatedly for help, for mercy and protection. All human being approached King Nabhirai for solving this problem. The King Nabhirai told that this problem will be solved by Prince Rishabhdeva. Seeing grieved people, Prince Rishabhdeva instructed them to adopt six occupations for earning livelihood. 1. Asi - Sword (Defence services) - 'Asi' means sword. Who protect and defend the country taking sword (arms) standing on the boundry such soldiers and also sepoy and Gorkha etc. who are appointed to protect the city, are said to earn their living by 'Asi'. 2. Masi - Book-keepers in private establishment and in government departments Accountants, Chartered Accountants and Bank-cashiers, etc. 3. Krishi - Agriculture - Non-violent agriculture / cultivation, farming. 4. Vidya - Learning - Practising 72 arts / skills or working as I.A.S., I. P.S. imparting education as Lecturer, Professors, etc. 5. Shilpa - Handicraft - Goldsmith, potter, painter, craftsman, tailor, hair-cutter, cook, etc. 6. Vanijya - Trade - Genuine and non-violent trade, industrial activities. From these instructions people felt at ease and they began to lead their life according to these instructions which is still continuing in the same form. After some time Prince Rishabhdeva was married to two girls named Nanda & Sunanda. The father performed the coronation of the Prince seing the right time. King Rishbhdeva had 101 sons and 2 daughters. King Rishbhdeva imparted knowledge of alphabets & numbers to both of his daughters. He taught knowlege of alphabet to Brahmi and of number/ figure to Sundari which is still in vogue. Once King Rishbhdeva was watching dance of a celestial damsel Neelanjana. Suddenly she collapsed and died. The Indra immediately arranged for the second damsel but King Rishbhdeva came to know through his clairvoyance that the first damsel had died and the Indra by trickery had replaced her by a second damsel. Knowing passing away of the celestial damsel, a feeling of aversion from worldly enjoyments awakened in him and entrusting the kingdom & throne to Bharat-Bahubali took initiation of nude Jain saint. He observed fast for six months. When he moved for taking food-intake then not any Shravak knew nine types of devotions (Navdha Bhakti) related to offering food to Jain saints. Therefore, again he had to observe fast for 7 months 9 days. While moving, one day he reached Hastinapur. As soon as the King Shreyansh had a glance at Rishbhdeva the recollection of the memory of his past births strucked his mind that he had offered food to a Muniraj endowed with the supernatural power of moving in the sky in the past 8th birth, with nine types of devotions and only due to lack of this nine types of devotion, Muniraj Rishbhdeva is not getting food. Then what matter, when Muni Rishabhdeva moved for taking food then King Som & King Shreyansh offered food first time to the first Teerthankara after so many fasts (with Navdha Bhakti) on the third day of the night half of the lunar month Baishakh from then only the festival of 'Akshaya Tirtiya'is in vogue. After observing penance for one thousand years Muni Rishabhdeva attained omniscience and delivered religious discourses in the form of resonant preaching/Omkar sound in the Samavsaran. In the course of time, when 14 days remained in balance of his age he, leaving the Samavsaran went to Kailash mountain, there he obseved Yog nirodha ,(i.e. ceased all activities of mind, speech and body) and attained final emancipation ,i.e. salvation on the 14th day of the dark fortnight of lunar month of Magha. 1. Where from baby Rishabhdeva had come ? The baby Rishabhdeva had come from Sarvarthsiddhi celestial space plane. 2. Tell prevalent names of Teerthankara Rishabhdeva ? Shri Adinath, Shri Vrashabhnath, Shri Purudeva, Shri Adi Brahma, Shri Prajapati, etc. 3. Where Rishabhdeva was born and what was the second name of that place ? Child Rishabhdeva was born in Ayodhya and its second name was Vineeta. 4. After how many days Muni Rishabhdeva got food after Muni-initiation ? After initiation Muni Rishabhdeva got food after 1 year 39 days. 5. What were the names of the Yaksha-Yakshni of Teerthankara Rishabhdeva ? The Name of the Yaksha was Gaumukh and of Yakshni was Chakreshwari. 6. Which son of king Rishabhdeva first of all attained salvation ? First of all son Anantvirya or Bahubali of Rishabhdeva attained salvation (There are two opinion regarding this). 7. From when the country Bharat is named as Bharat Varsha ? This region is named as Bharat Varsha from beginningless time. 8. Who was the first expositor of female education ? King Rishabhdeva was the first expositor of women education. 9. On which days of lunar months five auspicious events of Rishabhdeva took place ? 1. The auspicious event of Conception - Second day of Dark half of the lunar month Asar. 2. The auspicious event of Birth - Ninth day of the Dark half of the lunar month Chaitra. 3. The auspicious event of Initiation - Ninth day of the Dark half of the lunar month Chaitra. 4. The auspicious event of Omniscience - Eleventh day of the Dark half of the lunar month Falguna. 5. The auspicious event of Salvation - 14th day of the Dark half of the lunar month Magh. 10. What arrangment/ division of society in classes Rishabhdeva had instructed ? King Rishabhdeva had arranged the society in three classes - Kshatriya, Vaishya (trading class) and Sudra (working/serving class). 11. What are the names of the place of Initiation, Initiation forest & Initiation tree of the king Rishabhdeva ? The place of Initiation is Prayag, the Initiation forest is Siddharthaka Van and the Initia tion tree is Banyan tree. 12. Who were the chief disciple (Gandhara), chief female disciple (Ganini) and chief Listner of Teerthankara Rishabhdeva ? The chief Gandhara was Rishabhsen, the chief Ganini was Brahmi and the chief Listner was Bharat. 13. How many years of the discipline period (governing era) of Teerthankara Rishabhdeva remained / existed ? The discipline period of Teerthankara Rishabhdeva existed for 50 lakh crore sagar+1 Purvang. (T.P., 4/1261) 14. Where Muni Rishabhdeva attained omniscience and under which tree ? Muni Rishabhdeva attained omniscience in Shaktavan (Purimtalpur) and under Banyan tree. 15. How many Gandharas were there of Teerthankara Rishabhdeva ? There were 84 Ghandhara of Teerthankara Rishabhdeva. 16. How many Muni, Arikayen, Shravaka (male devouts) and Shravikayen (female devouts) were there in the Samavsaran of Teerthankara Rishabhdeva ? There were 84,000 Muni, 3,50,000 Arikayen, 3 lakhs Shravaka and 5 lakhs Shravikayen in the Samavsaran of Rishabhdeva. 17. When Teerthankara Rishabhdeva bounded the karmic nature of Teerthankara and in whose foot-proximity ? When Rishabhdeva was in the mode of Vajranabhi Chakravarti in his past third birth, then he, renouncing all his belongings, took initiation of Jain nude saint in the Samavsaran of Teerthankara Vajrasen who was his father. At that very time he bonded the karmic nature of Teerthankara. 18. What was the age & height of Teerthankara Rishabhdeva ? The age of Teerthankara Rishabhdeva was 84 Lakh Purva and height of the body was 500 Dhanusha.

1. What is 'Kalyanaka' ? The festivity specially celebrated by Indras, celestial and human beings at the time of conception, birth, penance (initiation) omniscience and salvation of Teerthankaras, is called Kalyanaka. 2. What are five Kalyanakas ? Auspicious event of conception, of birth, of penance (initiation), of omniscience and of salvation. 3. What is auspicious event of conception ? Saudharma Indra, knowing coming of Teerthankara in the womb of mother (impregnation) in near future through his divine clairvoyance, orders Kuber, the treasurer of the heaven, to build city for parents of the Teerthankara and to rain three & half crores of Jewels on their courtyard thrice in a day. Thus the rain of jewel starts before six months of conception and continues regularly till his birth, i.e., for about fifteen months. The mother of the Teerthankara sees extremely charming amusing and delightful 16 dreams in the last phase of night (a three hour's period) before conceiving. These dreams are indicative of the coming of Teerthankara in the womb. As soon as the conception of Teerthankara takes place, celestial beings alongwith Saudharma Indra circumambulating the city thrice salute the parents of the Teerthankara. Euologizing the Teerthankara in the womb they celebrate a great festivity. After rejoicing the auspicious event of the conception, the Saudharma Indra appoints shri, etc. female celestial maids for purifying the womb. These female celestial-maids attend and serve Jina's mother and make her mind engage in religious discussions and the Saudharma Indra goes back to his place alongwith other deities. 4. What is auspicious event of Birth ? After completion of period ofconception the Jina's mother gives birth to child Teerthankara. Just on the birth of child Teerthankara all the three world are filled with delight and happiness. Even to the extent that where beating & wounding/ carnage goes on throughout all the 24 hours even in those hells the infernal beings feel extra-ordinary pleasure for a moment and the seats of Indras of heaven begin trembling and the gong, lion's roar, bugle and conch begin to play on their own in the residence of Kalpvasi, Stellar, Peripatetic and Bhavanvasi deities respectively. Indras and celestial beings become sure of the birth of Teerthankara seeing all these omens and immediately getting down from their respective seats / thrones and marching seven steps ahead they salute and eulogize child Teerthankara indirectly. Afterwards by the order of Saudharma Indra seven types army of deities leave for birthplace of Teerthankara shouting cheers and rejoicing. The Saudharma Indra along with his Indrani also leaves for the birth-place riding on the Airavat Elephant. All celestial beings along with Saudharma Indra circumambulate thrice the birth place of the Teerthankara. Afterwards Shachi (Indrani of Saudharma Indra) entering the delivery room secretely, circumambulating Jina's mother thrice, making Jina's mother asleep through enchanting sleep and gazing at the graceful form of Jina-child with extreme ecstasy and rapture, brings the child and hands over him to the Saudharma Indra and makes asleep an illusory child near mother. Saudharma Indra becomes sentimental seeing the child Teerthankara and observes the beauty of child Teerthankara making '1000 eyes'. Afterwards riding on the Airavata Elaphant and causing the Jina-child to sit on his lap and going to the Sumeru mountain, anoint the Teerthankara child ensconcing on the Pandukashila, by the water of Kshirsagar with 1008 pitchers (water pot). Shachi adorns the child with heavenly attire and ornaments. Afterwards which mark Indra sees on the toe of right foot of the child declaring that very mark as the symbol / identification mark of the Teerthankara, gives name to the Teerthankara. Then Saudharma Indra ensconcing the child on the Airavat Elephant comes back to the birth-city. Indrani coming near the Jina's mother picks up the illusory child and removing the enchanting asleep of the mother keeps the Jina-child near her. The Jina's mother sees the child with extreme cheerful delight. The Indra and other celestial beings paying special reverence to the parents go back to the Indraloka. 5. What is auspicious event of Penance ? After auspicious event of Birth Teerthankara spend their childhood and on becoming youth they accept kingship (5 Teerthankaras out of present Teerthankaras did not accept kingship). Due to some or the other motive aversion from worldly life generates in him then at that very time Laukantika deities coming from Bramha heaven eulogize Teerthankara praising his detachment from worldly life. Afterwards the Saudharma Indra anoint the detached Teerthankara with the water of Kshirsagar which is called as Deekshabhisheka, i.e. penance - anointment. Then Teerthankara himself sits in the palanquin brought by the Kuber. Human beings and Vidhyadharas take that palanquin up to 7 steps each, afterwards celestial beings take that palanquin up to the Initiation-forest by sky-route. Having ensconced on the moon-stone-rock kept there by celestial beings facing east in the lotus posture and paying obeisance to Siddha Parmesthi, plucking hair by the fist and renouncing attire and ornaments thereby assuming Jina's-posture (state of nudity) takes resolve of major vows re nouncing all sinful activities. Saudharma Indra keeping hair in a gem-box, consign them to the Kshirsagar. After the initiation the celestial beings performing special worship-devotion of the Teerthankara go back to their respective places. (Jain Tattva Vidya, p. 35-36) 6. What is auspicious event of Omniscience ? Teerthankara after taking initiation of Muni, performs arduous penance by keeping mum and advancing religious concentration, ascending auspicious ladder related to destruction of Karmas (Kshapak Shreni) destroys deluding Karma completely in the end of 10th stage of spiritual development (Gunasthan) and in the last instant of the 12th stage of spiritual development as soon as the knowledge-obscuring, perception-obscuring and obstructive Karma are destroyed, attains omniscience, due to which he begins to know simultaneously all sentient and non-sentient substances along with their infinite modes. As soon as the omniscience is manifested to the Teerthankara, the celestial beings seeing the marks / symbols appearing in their respective places and trembling of the seat / throne of the Saudharma Indra come to know through their clairvoyance that the Teerthankara Muni has attained the omniscience. Hence, the Indra & the other deities stand up from their respective seats and marching seven steps ahead, pay their obeisance to the Teerthankara. The Saudharma Indra along with all celestial beings come to visit & worship the Teerthankara and the Kuber creates / builds Samavsaran by the orders of the Saudharma Indra in which Teerthankara ensconces. The Indra, deities, human beings & Tiryanchas visit, worship and listen to the preaching of the Teerthankara. 7. How many times the Teerthankara's discourse takes place in a day and up to how much time ? The Teerthankara discourses four times in a day - morning/ midday, evening and midnight and also at improper time on arrival of Chakravarti ,etc. V.I.P. The discourse lasts for 3 Muhurta, i.e. 2 hours and 24 minutes in one time, which is called resonant preaching of the Lord Teerthankara in the form of Omkar sound (Divya Dhvani). (Gommatsar jeevakand, Jeeva Prabodhini - 356) 8. What is the Moksha Kalyanaka (Auspicious event of Salvation) ? When the salvation time of Teerthankara becomes imminent then he leaving the Samavsaran goes to the place where salvation is to take place, performs 'Yog Nirodha',(i.e. cessation of activities of mind, speech and body) and as soon as he attains the 14th stage of spiritual development he, destroying four non-destructive Karmas, attains final emancipation, i.e. "Nirvan' in the least time which consumes just in pronouncing the last of the five short vowels (अ, इ, उ, ऋ,लू i.e. a, i, u, r, l). At that very time the Indra and deities come there in the 'Nirvan bhumi' (place of salvation) and placing the sacred body of the Teerthankara in palanquin studded with gems pay their obeisance. Afterwards Agnikumar' deities perform ceremony of cremation of the body of the Teerthankara by the fire produced from their crown and applying that ash on their forehead contemplate to become like Him. Afterwards all deities play together' Anand drama. In this way all deities performing worship of 'Nirvana Kalyanaka' of the Teerthankara methodically and making mark of feet in that place by thunderbolt-needle, go back to their respective places. (Jain Tattva Vidya, p. 38-39).

1. What is 'Samavsaran' ? 'Samavsaran' is the assembly of resonant preaching of 'Teerthankaras'. 2. Enumerate distinguishing features (pecularities) of 'Samavsaran' ? 1. 'Kuber', the lord of treasury of the heaven creates 'Samavsaran' from special diamonds and jewels by order of 'Saudharama' 'Indra' after manifestation of Kevaljñān' (Omni science) to 'Teerthankara'. 2. This 'Samavsaran' is a round-shaped rock made of 'Indra-Neelmani' (a kind of jewel) five thousand 'Dhanusha' above the ground in the space between the earth and sky and is expanded to 12 'yojan'. The 'Samavsaran' is created on this rock. 'Dhanusha' is equal to 4 hand i.e. 6 feet therefore, this 'Samavsaran' is 30,000 feet above the ground). (reference - Tiloypannati 4/ 724-725) 3. There are 20 thousand stairs in each direction.People/all living beings climb through these stairs without any labour just as nowadays through lift, and through escalator on which people stand and the stairs move on their own. 4. There is a passage adjacent to stairs that goes up to the first seat of Gandh Kuti' (seat of 'Teerthankara' in 'Samavsaran') situated in the centre of 'Samavsaran'. 5. There are eight grounds (lands) in 'Samavsaran' (i) Chaitya-Prasad land, (ii) Jalakhatika, (iii) Latavan Bhumi, (iv) Upvana Bhumi, (v) Dhwaja Bhumi, (vi) Kalpavraksha Bhumi, (vii) Bhavan Bhumi, (viii) Shri Mandap Bhumi, ahead of it there is a terrace made of crystal gems. Ahead of this terrace there are three sequential round pedestals (seats) one above the other reducing sequentially in diametre and above these first, second and third pedestal, the 'Gandhkuti' is situated. Teerthankara are seated on the lotus fixed/created on the throne placed in the 'Gandhkuti' but four 'Angul' (fingers length) above in the space with eight 'Pratiharyas' (auspicious emblems of Teerthankaras). 6. In the outer part of 'Samavsaran' there are two theatres/dancing places each on both sides of the passage i.e. in total there are 16 theaters (in eight Bhumi) in which 32 female deities used to dance in each of them. 7. Entering the doors, some ahead there are four 'Manstanbhas' (pride-benumbing monument pillars crowned with idols of Lord Omniscient (Arihant Parmeshthi) in each of four directions seeing which pride of proud person melts away. 8. There are twelve large rooms divided by sixteen walls adorned with crystal gems in the 'Shri Mandap Bhumi' in which there are twelve assembly halls. From the right side of 'Teerthankara' following sit in sequence : (i) Gandharas & all saints (Muni), (ii) kalpvasi female deities, (iii) Aryikayen and female shravikayen, (iv) female stellar deities, (v) female 'Vyantara' deities, (vi) female Bhavanvasi deties (vii) Residential celestial beeings i.e. Bhavanvasi deva, (viii) Vyantara deva, (ix) Stellar deva, (x) Kalpvasi deva, (xi) Chakravarti and human beings, (xii) Animals and Birds. (T.P.4/866-872) 9. Because of majesty of Teerthankara' there is no terror, disease, death, hunger, thirst, cold and heat, and natural enemies-snake and mangoose, deer and lion sit together and hear the preachings of 'Teerthankara'. In this connection Achharya Shri Vidyasagar Ji has written a Doha' (a rhyming couplet). पानी भरते देव हैं, वैभव होता दास । मृग मृगेन्द्र मिल बैठते, देख दया का वास॥ सर्वोदय शतक २९ Grandeur becomes slave, deities fetch the water, Seeing abode of mercy, lion-stag sit together. "Seeing abode of compassion ('Samavsaran') the deities remain ready in the service of the Teerthankara, grandeur becomes slave and the deer and lion sit together." 10. It takes only Antarmuhurta time (within 48 minutes) in entering and coming out from the 'Samavsaran' which is expanded in many 'Yojanas'. 11. Only five-sensed beings with mind (Samjñi) come in the 'Samavsaran'. 12. Living beings of all the three universes come in the 'Samavsaran' because 'Bhawanvasi' and 'Vyantara' deities from lower world also come there. 3.How many fasts are there of 'Samavsaran vow' and when they begin ? Observe fast on each 'Chaturdashi' (14th day of each lunar month) till one year. Thus observe 24 fasts. This vow can be started from any 'Chaturdasi' and repeat the following incantation at every bead of rosary three times on the fast day. "ओं ह्रीं जगदापद्विनाशाय सकल गुण करण्डाय श्री सर्वज्ञाय अर्हत्परमेष्ठिने नमः'' "Om Hirim Jagdapadvinashaya Sakal Gun Karandaya Shri Sarvagyaya Arhatparmestine Namah:".

1. Who is called Teerthankara ? 1. "तरंति संसार महार्णवं येन तत्तीर्थम्" i.e. By whose help the worldly ocean is crossed over, is 'Teertha' (landing place or river bank, bridge, etc. and its symbolic meaning is Religion) and initiator of this 'Teertha', (i.e. religion), is Teerthankara? 2. Religion means Right faith, Right knowledge, Right conduct, because worldly ocean is crossed over through these three, therefore these are called 'Teertha' and who preaches this 'Teertha' (religion), is called 'Teerthankara'. 2. How many 'Teerthankara' are there? Infact, there had been infinite number of 'Teerthankaras' but in 'Bharat' & 'Airavat' regions 24 Teerthankaras are born gradually one after the other during fourth period of 'Avsarpini' (The half worldly time cycle period marked with reducing height, age, power, etc.) and during third period of 'Utsarpini' (ascending cycle of time marked with increasing height, age, power, etc.), i.e. 'Dushma-Sushma'. 3. How many 'Teerthankara' exist in Videha region ? Well, 20 Teerthankara always exist in Videh region but there can be 160 Teerthankara at the most in all the five Videhas. 4. Enumerate the names of 24 Teerthankaras along with their emblems/marks of identification ? 5. At most how many Teerthankaras can exist simultaneously in two and half continent (Adhaidvipa) ? At most 170 Teerthankara can exist in Adhaidvipa (160 in Videha 5 in Bharat 5 in Airavat). 6. Whether some time 170 Teerthankara existed simultaneously ? It is heard that 170 Teerthankaras existed during time-period of Ajitnath Teerthankara. 7. How many auspicious events (Kalyanaka) take place of Teerthankaras ? Five auspicious events take place of Teerthankaras - Conception, Birth, Initiation or pen ance, Omniscience and Salvation. 8. Whether Teerthankaras of all regions, i.e. of Bharat, Airavat and Videh are en dowed with five auspicious events ? No, Teerthankaras of all Bharat and Airavat region are endowed with 5 auspicious events but in Videh Kshetra there are Teerthankaras of 2, 3 and 5 auspicious events, in two, the omniscience and salvation take place, whereas in three initiation, omniscience & salvation happen. 9. What are the pecularities of 'Teerthankaras' ? 'Teerthankaras' do not have beard, moustache. (Bodh Pahur, Teeka 32/98) 'Teerthankaras' do not drink mother's milk during their childhood but the Saudharma Indra (the Lord celestial deity) fills ambrosia in the thumb of their right hand after their birth-anointment which they suck and get grow. They accept food, clothes and ornaments only provided by the deities during their whole life (i.e. before initiation). 'Teerthankaras' are self-initiated (undertake religious initiation). There is no necessity for 'Teerthankaras' to go to temple during their childhood, as house-holder or even in the state of 'Muni'. They do not even meet any other 'Muni' during the state of house-holdership. Infernal beings of hell experience (feel) pleasure for some moments during Kalyanaks' of 'Teerthankaras'. 'Teerthankaras' bow only to 'Siddha Parmeshthi', therefore, they tell / pronounce 'Namaha Siddhebhya', i.e. 'I bow to Siddha'. Teerthankaras are endowed with 46 basic / fundamental virtues. The whole body of the Teerthankara is well proportionate, handsome & good looking. 10. Who fixes the emblem of 'Teerthankara'? When Saudharama Indra (the Lord of deities) performs auspicious anointment of 'Child - 'Teerthankara' on the 'Pandukshila' at that time which emblem (mark) is seen on the toe of his right foot, he fixes that very emblem of that 'Teerthankara' as his emblem (symbol). 11. On what 'Shila' (stone) lustral bath (birth anoinment) of which 'Teerthankara' of which region is performed ? Lustral bath (birth anointment) of 'Teerthankaras' of Bharat region is performed on 'Panduk Shila' that of Western 'Videha' region on 'Pandu Kambla Shila'; ofAiravat' region on 'Rakta Shila'; and of Eastern 'Videha' region on 'Rakta Kambla Shila'. (Triloksar, 633-634) 12. Which 'Teerthankara' was of what colour ? In the oblation of 'Kirtrim-Akirtrim - Jin Chaitya' worship the colour of Teerthankaras has been described as thus - द्वी कुन्देन्दु—तुषार—हार–धवलौ, द्वाविन्द्रनील-प्रभौ, द्वौ बन्धूक-सम-प्रभौ जिनवृषौ, द्वौ च प्रियङ्गुप्रभौ । शेषाः षोडश जन्म-मृत्यु-रहिताः संतप्त-हेम-प्रभासम् । ते संज्ञान-दिवाकराः सुर-नुताः सिद्धिं प्रयच्छन्तु नः । Some poet has said in respect of colour of Teerthankaras दो गोरे दो सांवरे, दो हरियल दो लाल। सोलह कंचन वरण हैं, तिन्हें नवाऊँ भाल। Two were of fair colour, Two darkish, two green, Two were of reddish colour, golden were sixteen. "Two were fair complexioned, two were dark complexioned, the two were greenish and two red, the rest sixteen were golden complexioned • Chandra Prabhu & Pushpadant - fair complexioned Munisuvratnath & Neminath - dark/Blue complexioned Padamprabha & Vasupujya - Red complexioned Suparshvanath & Parasvanath - Green complexioned Rest sixteen Teerthankaras - Gold/yellow complexioned. 13. Which 'Teerthankara' attained 'Moksha' (salvation) from which place ? Rishabhdeva attained 'Moksha' from 'Kailash Mountain', Vasupujya Ji from 'Champapur', Neminath Ji from 'Girnar', Mahaveer Swami from 'Pavapur' & rest 'Teerthankaras' (20) from 'Sammed Shikhar Ji', the great place of pilgrimage. 14. Enumerate 'Teerthankaras' whose names begin from ‘37'alphabet ? Adinath, Ajitnath, Abhinandannath, Anantnath, Arrnath and Ativeer (Mahaveer Swami). 15. Enumerate 'Teerthankaras' whose names begin with‘a' alphabet ? Virshabhnath, Vasupujya, Vimalnath, Vardhaman. 16. Enumerate 'Teerthankaras' whose names begin from 'A''T' alphabet ? Sambhavnath, Sumatinath, Suparshavanath, Suvidhinath, Shitalnath, Shreyamsanath, Shantinath & Sanmati. 17. How many 'Teerthankaras' are with symbols of one-sensed being ? Four - Lotus of Padamprabhu, Moon of Chandra Prabhu, Kalpvraksha' (tree of paradise) of Shitalnath and Neel Kamal (Blue Lotus) of Naminath Ji. 18. Which of the Teerthankaras' symbol is two-sensed living being ? Bhagwan Neminath's emblem is conch which is two-sensed. 19. How many 'Teerthankaras' are with symbols of inanimate (non-being) ? Three - Swastika (an auspicious emblem/fylfot) of Suparshvanath, 'Vajradanda' of Dharmanathji, Pot (Kalash) of Mallinathji. 20. How many 'Teerthankaras' are with symbols of animate beings of five senses ? Rest sixteen 'Teerthankaras' are with emblem of animate beings of five senses. 21. Tell symbols of those 'Teerthankaras' whose idols assume symbols of animals who carry luggage (load) ? Ox of Rishabhdevaji, Elephant of Ajitnathji, Horse of Sambhavnathji and Buffalo of Vasupujayaji. 22. Tell the names of symbols of 'Teerthankaras' which live in water ? Red Lotus, Crocodile, Fish, Tortoise, Blue Lotus, Conch and Serpent, these live in water. 23. Tell symbol of that one 'Teerthankara' whose body is with thorns ? There are thorns in the body of Porcupine. 24. Who is that living creature among symbols of all the 24 "Teerthankaras" who runs fastest of all ? The deer is the animal who runs fastest of all. 25. How many 'Teerthankaras' are there whose names begin with that first alphabet with which their symbol's names also begin with that very first alphabet ? Virshava (Ox) of Virshavanathji (Adinath), Santhia (fylfot) of Suparshvanath, Neel Kamal (Blue Lotus) of Naminathji, Simha (Lion) of Sanmati, Moon (Chandrma) crescent of Chandraprabhji. 26. Who is that 'Teerthankara' who took birth on the day of "Akinchanya Dharama" (Ninth day of 'Paryushan Parva', the possessionlessness) ? Veer (Mahaveer Swami). 27. Of how many Teerthankaras the marriage procession (journey of bridegroom to the bride's house) was taken out ? Of Twenty 'Teerthankaras'. 28. What is the difference between 'Teerthankaras' and common Arihantas, the Omni scient lords ? Kalyanaks (auspicious events) are performed of 'Teerthankaras', not of common 'Arihantas'. There are symbols of Teerthankaras, not of common 'Arihantas'. Samavsaran' Assembly (the place of resonant preaching of Lord 'Teerthankara') for 'Teerthankaras' is held, no such assembly is held for common Arihantas. There is Gandh Kutil for other 'Arihantas'. There are 'Gandharas' (chief disciple) of 'Teerthankaras', not of common 'Arihantas'. "Teerthankaras' possess clairvoyance (Avadhijñāna) by birth, there is no such rule for common 'Arihantas'. 'Teerthankaras' are invested with knowledge of other's thought form (Manahparyay Jñāna) as soon as they take initiation, there is no such rule for common 'Arihantas'. 'Teerthankaras' are the only son of their respective mother, while common 'Arihantas' may have many brothers and sisters. None member of'Teerthankaras' family die until they remain as a house-holder, but there is no such rule for common 'Arihantas'. Precisely, possessors of male psychic libido (Purusa Bhav Ved) become Teerthankara but common Arihant can have any of the three psychic libido. Precisely, Teerthankaras have balanced formation of their body organs (Samacaturasra Samsthan) alone but common Arihant may have any of the six. There is only rise of praised (auspicious) spatial movement (Prashsta Vihayogati) of Teerthankara but any of the two can be of common Arihantas. There will be rise of only Karmic nature causing melodious tone (Susvara Namkarma Prakrti) of the physique making Karma of Teerthankaras whereas common Arihantas can have any of the two. The living being coming from the fourth hell can not become Teerthankara, but the common Arihantas can. The mother of 'Teerthankara' sees sixteen dreams, there is no such rule for common 'Arihantas'. The emblem of 'Shrivatsa' (a particular type of mark) on the chest of'Teerthankaras' necessarily remains as a rule. There is no such rule for common 'Arihantas'. "Divya Dhwani' (Omniscient's revelation in the form of 'Omkar' sound) of 'Teerthankaras' emerges (comes out) as a rule, there is no such rule for common 'Arihantas'. 29. How many kings took consecration alongwith which 'Teerthankaras"? 4000 kings took consecration with Adinathji, 676 with Vasupujayaji, 300 each with Mallinathji and Parshvanathji. Mahaveerji took consecration (initiation) all alone and the rest 'Teerthankaras' with 1000 kings each. (Tiloypannati 4/675-76) 30. Which 'Teerthankaras' took what food stuff for the first time after the fast ? Adinathji took sugar-cane juice and the rest took milk and grains ,i.e. took many delicious food items made of milk and grains. 31. What was the complexion of donors who offered food to the 'Teerthankaras' for the first time after fast. First two donors, i.e. king Shreyansa and king Brahmdatta were of golden colour (Suvarna) and last two, i.e. king Brahmdatta and king Kool/Nandan were dark-complexioned and all other donors were of heated golden complexion. 32. From which posture different 'Teerthankaras' moved upward to 'Moksha' (salva tion)? Vrashabhnath, Vasupujaya and Neminathji (1,12,22) moved upward to 'Moksha' in sitting lotus-posture and rest all in standing posture but in Samavsaran' (place of resonant preach ing of Lord 'Teerthankaras') all 'Teerthankaras' sit in lotus-posture. 33. How many 'Teerthankaras' are there in whose 'Samavsaran' 'Aryikayen' (female ascetics) were less than 'Muni' ? In the Samavsaran of 'Dharamnathji' and 'Shantinathji', Arikayen were less in number than Muni. 34. What was the expansion - range of the Samavsaran of each Teerthankara ? Of Vrashabhnath - 12 yojan, then till Neminath 12 yojan each is to be subtracted / reduced for each Teethankara and in Parashwanath & Mahaveer 1/4 yojans each is to be reduced. Thus the Samavsaran of Parshwanath was of 1.25 yojan and that of Mahaveer it was of 1 yojan. (T.P., 4/824-25) 35. Which 'Teerthankara' left 'Samavsaran' before how many days for performing ces sation of activities of mind, speech and body (Yoga-nirodha) ? Rishabhdeva left 'Samavsaran' for performing cessation of activities of mind, speech and body before 14 days, two days before Mahaveer Swami and rest all before one month. 36. Who took least time for attaining 'Kevaljñāna' (Omniscience) ? Mallinath, who took only six days. 37. Which 'Teerthankara' took more time than others to attain 'Kevaljñāna' (Omniscience)? Rishabhdeva took 1000 years to attain 'Kewaljñāna' (Omniscience). 38. Which 'Teerthankara' had the least number of 'Gandharas'? Parasvanathji had only 10 'Gandharas'. 39. Which 'Teerthankaras' had greatest maximum number of 'Gandharas'? Sumatinathji had greatest number, i.e. 116 'Gandharas'. 40. How many Gandharas were of all the Teerthankaras ? There were total 1452 Gandharas of all the Teerthankaras. 41. Who (Teerthankar) had biggesst assembly of disciples? Padamprabha had an assembly of 3,30,000 disciples. 42. Who had eulogized 'Teerthankara' by one thousands names and where? 'Saudharama Indra' eulogized 'Teerthankara' by one thousands names after attaining 'Kevaljñāna' (Omniscience) by the Teerthankara. 43. What are the names of five celebate Teerthankara from childhood ? Vasupujaya Ji, Mallinath Ji, Neminath Ji, Parsvanath Ji and Mahaveer Swami Ji. 44. Enumerate names of 'Teerthankaras' who assumed three titles/ranks/positions ? Shantinath Ji, Kunthunath Ji & Arrnath Ji. All these three Teerthankara were possessors of three ranks - Teerthankara, Chakravarti and Kamdeva. 45. Who 'Teerthankaras' suffered calamity during 'Muni' period ? Suparshavanath Ji, Parashvanath ji & Mahaveer Swamiji. 46. The being who has bonded the karmic nature of 'Teerthankaras', in how many birth's he would move upward to 'Moksha'? Living being with two or three 'Kalyanakas' would move upward to 'Moksha' in that very birth and that with five 'Kalyanaks' will take three birth for it. 47. Who bonds nature of 'Teerthankaras' and where ? The man of the land of action (Karma Bhumi) bonds the nature of 'Teerthankaras' meditating 16 reflections and wishing welfare of the world sitting in the proximity of the foot of Kevali or Shrut Kevali (Shrut Kevali-saints well-versed in scriptural knowledge). 48. Why Teerthankaras, precisely, are twentyfour ? When Acharya Somdeva was asked this question, his reply was - "There is no unusal / transcendental in this belief because there are many objects in this universe such as planets, constellations, sign of zodiacs, dates and stars whose number is fixed as per time - conjunction of planets. Teerthankaras are excellent of all hence, the conjunction of planets at the time of their birth should also be or remains excellent. Astrologers (including Late Dr. Nemichand ji of Aara) are of the opinion that such best of all time-conjunctions of planets happen to occur only 24 times during each Dushma-Sushma time-period of one Kalpa Kala in which Teerthankara take or can take birth. Incarnations of Vishnu are also 24. Buddhists and Chiristians also accept 24 Buddhas & 24 forefathers respectively. 49. How 720 Teerthankaras are called Tees Chaubisi (Thiry set of 24 Teerthankara)? There are 5 Bharat & 5 Airavat regions in Adhaidvipa, i.e. equal to 10. In each of these regions there are 72 Teerthankaras each in all the three times (present, past, future). Hence 720 Teerthankaras are said in 10 regions concerning to all the three times.

1. What is the order/succession of the world in Bharat & Airavata Kshetra ? There are two division of time - 'Avasarpini'(descending cycle) and 'Utsarpini' (ascending cycle) in the 'Aryakhands' of Bharat-Airavata Kshetra. 'Avsarpini' time or cycle is that in which there is fall with regard to age (duration of life), stature (height), knowledge, grandeur ,etc. and 'Utsarpini' cycle is that in which there is rise in age, stature, knowledge, grandeur, etc. 2. How many years are there in a 'Kalpa Kala'? One 'Kalpa Kala'consists of 20 'Korha-Korhi'Sagar (i.e. 20x10000000x20000000) (a very long period) out of which 'Avsarpini-kala' is of 10 'Korha-Korhi' Sagar and 'Utsarpini-kala' is of 10 'Kora-Kori' Sagar. Both of these make one 'Kalpa Kala'. (Tiloyapannatti, 4/319) Illustration - This order is like 'Up' & 'Down' trains, just as the train passes to and fro from Bombay to Hawrah and Hawrah to Bombay. 3. How many kinds are there of 'Avsarpini' and 'Utsarpini' and which are they ? Six kinds of 'Avsarpini kala'are - Sushama-Sushama kala, Sushama kala, SushamaDushama kala, Dushama-Susama kala, Dushama kala and Dushama-Dushama. Contray to it, Six kinds of 'Utsarpini kala' are - Dushama-Dushama kala, Dushama kala, Dushama-Sushama kala, Sushama-Dushama kala, Sushama kala and Sushama-Sushama kala. 4. What is meaning of 'Sushama-Dushama'? The Hindi word 'Sama' (समा) is the division of time, prefix 'Su' and 'Dur' denote the meaning of good and bad respectively and according to the rule of grammar, the prefix 'Su' and 'Dur' being added seperately with 'Sama', the alphabet (स) becomes (ष) thus words 'Sushama' (सुषमा) and 'Dushama' (दुषमा) are formed which means good time and bad time respectivly. (M.P. 3/ 19) 5. Which earth remains in the first three 'Kala' of 'Avsarpini' and last three 'Kala' of 'Utsarpini' and what are their pecularities ? Bhogbhumi remains there,(i.e. land of worldly enjoyments). Following are the pecularities: Beings of Bhogbhumi take food but do not defecate excretion and urine. Human beings of this land are expert / skilled by nature in all the 64 arts, like syllabary, Mathematics, Drawing , Painting, etc. No deficient-sensed beings (Vikalendriya) and mindless five-sensed (Asamjñi Panchendriya) beings live here. There is no difference of day and night and no anguish of cold and heat is felt here. This land is full of beautiful rivers, lotus-filled oblong ponds vapika), bejewelled earth and soft grass. Human beings and animals of this place are endowed with 'Vajra-Vrashabhanaracha Samhanana' (an adamantine osseous structure) and 'Samachaturasra Samsthana' (balanced formation of body organs). Couple/twins offspring (son & daughter) are born and just after birth of this couple/twins their father and mother die of sneezing and yawn respectively. That offspring couple/twins live as husband and wife. They are called by the name of 'Arya' and 'Ariya'. Dead bodies of human beings are evaporated like camphor. There is no existence of neuter gender here, only male, female exist. They get things of enjoyments of worldly pleasure from 'Kalpavraksha'(wish-fulfilling trees). Strength equal to 9000 elephants is found in human beings of this place. (Tiloyapannati, 4/324-381) Peculiarities of 'Sushama-Sushama Kala' - 1. It is the time-period of the excellent 'Bhogabhumi'. Only pleasure and pleasure is felt here. It is exclusively an enjoyment time-period. 2. The beings of this time period attain full growth within 21 days after their birth in the following succession. Chewing the thumb lying on the bed (sleeping place) - 3 days 'Upveshan' (sitting) - 3 days 'Asthir gaman' (unsteady walking) - 3 days Sthir gaman' (stable walking) - 3 days 'Kalaguna Prapti' (attaining expertise (skills) in arts) - 3 days 'Tarunya' (attaining youth) - 3 days 'Samyaka Gun Prapti' (capability of attaining right belief) - 3 days Total 21 days Living beings of this land attain ability of attaining right-beliefafter 21 days. 3. They take food on every fourth day, (i.e. after 3 days) and that too equal to one plum. 4. In the beginning of this time period the height of human beings remains 6000 'Dhanusha' and age 3 'Palya' which decreasing gradually in the last, becomes 4000 'Dhanusha' and 2 'palya' respectively. 5. This time period is of 4 'Korha-Korhi' Sagar. The colour of body in this time-period remains like gold. (T.P., 4/324-398) (R.V. 3/29/2) Pecularities of 'Sushama Kala' - As compared to first time period gradual deficiency in pleasures begins in this time period. It is called as 'Madhyama Bhogbhumi Kala' (Medium land of enjoyments). Twins born during this time-period complete their full growth in 35 days. Just as it takes 3 days each for the 7 kinds of growths in the first time-period, these 7 growths in this time period are completed at the rate 5 days each. They take food on every third day after two days equal to one beleric myrobalan ('Bahera'). In the beginning of this time-period the height of human beings remains 4000 'Dhanusha' and age 2 'Palya' which decreasing gradually remains / becomes 2000 Dhanusha and one Palya respectively in the last. This time-period is of 3 'Korha-Korhi' Sagar and colour of the body in this time-period remains white. (Tiloypannati 4/399-406) Pecularities of 'Sushama-Dushama' - As compared to the second time-period gradual deficiency in pleasures begins in this time period. It is called 'Jaghanya Bhogbhumi' (Low Bhogbhumi). Twins born during this time-period complete their full growth in 49 days. Just as it takes 5 days each for 7 kinds of growths in the second time-period these are completed in this time-period at the rate of seven days per growth. They take food on every alternate day equal to one emblic myrobalan (Ambla). In the beginning of this time-period the height of human beings remains 2000 'Dhanusha' and age one 'Palya' which decreasing gradually becomes 500 'Dhanusha' (Triloksar, 783) and age one 'Purva Koti'. This time-period is of 2 'Korha-Korhi' Sagar and the colour of the body remains blue. (R.V. 3/29/2) When some less of one eighth part of this period remains to be completed, births of 'Kulkaras' begins, then they instruct human beings embarrassed by the winding up of 'Bhogbhumi' and teach them the art of living. They are also called 'Manu'. The last 'Kulkara' gives birth to first 'Teerthankara'. (Tiloypannati 4/407-516) Pecularities of 'Dushama-Sushama' kala - This time-period consists of more pain and less pleasure and 'Karamabhumi' (land of action) begins just from the beginning of this time-period. Because of disappearance of 'Kalpavraksha' now six occupations begin for livelihood Defence services (weilding of sword, etc. ,weapons), ink (writing work, accountancy, etc.), agriculture, knowledge/learning, handicrafts and trade these are six occupations. 'Shalaka Purusha' (Particular great personage like Teerthankara, Chakravarti, etc.). Great persons take birth and are salvated in this very period. One who is born in the fourth period can attain salvation in the fifth time period but who is born in the fifth time period can not attain salvation in the fifth period. The rule of twins-birth now comes to an end and rearing of children by parents begins. Human beings take food daily (once). In the beginning of this time-period the height of human beings remains 500 Dhanusha' and age one 'Purva Koti' which decreasing gradually becomes 7 hands and age 120 years in the last. This time period is of one 'Korha-Korhi' Sagar less 42000 years; human beings of five colours exist here. Human beings and animals are found of six 'Samhnana' and of six 'Samsthana'. (Triloksar : 783-85) Note - 84 Lakh x 84 Lakh x 1 Crore years = Purva Koti years. Pecularities of 'Dushama time-period - Human beings of this time-period are slow-witted. Human beings of this time-period take food many times (taking two times can also be said as many times). In the beginning of this time-period, the height of human beings remains 7 hands and age 120 years which decreasing gradually becomes 3 hands or 3.5 hands and age 20 years in the last This time-period is of 21000 years. Human beings of five colours but of lack-luster live here. Human beings and animals of last three 'Samhananas' exist here. One 'Kalki' (Oppressive king for Jain religion/ aggressive) and one 'Upkalki' (Rebel-lious king who acts against religion) take birth in a gap of 1000 years and 500 years respectively in this time-period. The last 21st 'Kalki' king 'Jala Manthan' shall demand tax from Muniraj, but what 'Muniraj' should give? The king asks him to give first morsel as tax. Muni Maharaja gives that morsel and comes back considering it a 'Pindaharana Amtraya' (obstacle of snatching food from hand). He comes to know by 'Avadhijñāna' (clairvoyance) that 'Pancham Kala' (Dushama time-period) is now on the verge of its expiry and his remaining age is only of three days. All the four (Veerangaja Muni, Saravashri Aryika, Agnila Shravaka, Pangushri Shravika) accept 'Sallekhna' (physical mortification for holy death) and relinquishing the body on the morning of 'Kartika Krishna Amavashya', become deity in Saudharma heaven and in the midday Asur Kumar deity kills that hostile to religion, 'Kalki' and at sun-set, the fire is extinguished. Thus the 'Panchama Kala' ends. (Tiloypannati 4/1486-1552) Note - As a rule one 'Avadhijñāni' (who possesses claivoyance knowledge) Muni remains in the period of each 'Kalki' king. Pecularities of 'Dushama-Dushama' time-period - 1. In the beginning of this time period the height of human beings remains 3 hands or 3.5 hands and age 20 years which decreasing gradually becomes 1 hand and age 15 or 16 years. 2. This time-period is also of 21000 years and the colour of the body remains black like smoke. 3. The food of the human beings of this time-period is roots and tuber and fruits and they roam about in jungles naked, being homeless. 4. Human beings of this time-period behave like animals and remain cruel, deaf, blind, dumb, ugly like monkey, hunchbacked, dwarf and suffer from many diseases. 5. Who take birth in this time-period come from hell and 'Tiryancha' body-form and go back there after death. 6. In the end of this 'Dusama-Dusama' time period 'Samvartaka' (lava) (stormy wind causing demolition of mountain, etc.) wind blows up to the last end of all directions demolishing mountains, trees and crushing the earth ,etc. due to which all living beings become unconscious (fainted) and some also die. Being oppressed with this, human beings and animals enter, on their own, 'Vijayardha' mountain and in the valley of GangaSindhu rivers for shelter and some compassionate Vidyadhara and deities take many human beings and 'Tiryancha' with them and place them there safely. After this 7 kinds of bad rain falls for seven days each. That time it rains of cloud hoar-frost, saltish water, poison, smoke, dust, thunderbolt, and fearsome burning flames (unpleasant to the sight) with unfathomable thunder sound for 49 days (7 days of each rain). Remaining human beings are destroyed by these disastrous rains. The earth becomes crushed and converted into crushed powder up to thickness of one 'Yojana' being burnt by the rain of poison and fire. Thus the 'Avsarpini' time-period of 10 'Kora-Kori' Sagar comes to an end. After this in the first time period of 'Utsarpini Kala' rains of seven kinds of substances - water, milk, ghee, nectar, juice, etc., fall respectively for seven days each which also continues for 49 days. The earth becomes oilish ( loving) and yields grains and medicines. vine, creeper, bush, tree, etc. begin to grow. Human beings and animals (who took shelter in vally, caves ,etc.) come out from the caves feeling the cool smell. Human beings behave like animals at that time and eat fruits of trees, roots, leaves, etc. being distressed of hunger. Age, height, wisdom, strength, etc. begin to increase in this timeperiod. The name of this time period is also Dushama-Dushama Kala'. (Tiloypannati 4/1558-1575) Dushama Kala - Age, height, wisdom, etc. also increase gradually in this time-period. When 1000 years remains in the completion (end) of this 'Kala' 14 'Kulkaras' are born in this time-period who teach human beings of their particular conduct according to their lineage and also cooking food with the fire etc. (Tiloypannati 4/1588-1590) Dushama - Sushama Kala - Gradually increasing age, height, strength, etc., in this time-period, the first 'Teerthankara Mahapadama' (soul of Raja Shrenika) will take birth from the last 'Kulkara' and afterwards 23 more Teerthankara will also born. Last Teerthankara will be 'Anantvirya' whose age will be of one 'Purva Koti' years and height 500 'Dhanusha'. Further comes the fourth time-period, Sushama-Dushama, the fifth time period, Sushama and the sixth time-period Sushama-Sushama. There will be respectively low, medium and excellent 'Bhogbhumi' in these three time-periods. Age and height will be gradually increasing in these periods. One 'Kalpakala' is completed after expiry of sixth - Sushama-Sushama time period. After elapse of such innumerable 'AvsarpiniUtsarpini Kala' one 'Hunda Avsarpini Kala' comes during which some improbable events happen. 'Hunda Avsarpini Kala' is going on in the present during which some unusual events are happening, for instance - It began to rain even before some time left over for the expiry of the third time-period Sushama-Dushama and 'Vikal-chatushka (deficient-sensed beings having two, three, four senses and mindless five sensed) began to take birth and the 'Kalpavraksha' were vanished and the beginning of 'Karama bhumi' took place in this very time-period. taking birth by first Teerthankara and his passing away for emancipation also took place in the third time-priod. Defeat of 'Chakravarti'. Originating pedigree of Brahmin class by Bharat Chakravarti. Discontinuation of Jinadharma took place from (emancipation of) the ninth 'Teerthankara' to the '16 Teerthankara', (i.e. there were not any Muni, Aryika, Shravaka, Shravika at that time). What was the time span of discontinuation of Jina Dharma' ? It was of 1/4 Palya between 9th and 10th Teerthankara, of 1/2 Palya between 10th and 11th, of 3/4 Palya between 11th and 12th, of 1 Palya between 12th and 13th, of 3/4 Palya between 13th and 14th, of 1/2 Palya between 14th and 15th, of 1/4 Palya between 15th and 16th Teerthankara, i.e. total discontinuation remained of four Palya). Only 58 'Shalaka Purusha' (great personage) took birth in Dushama-Sushama time period. Rishabha Deva took birth in the third time-period and also emancipated in that very period. Three Teerthankaras were also 'Chakarvarti' and 'Triprishtha' was a first 'Narayana' and afterwards his very soul became Bhagwan 'Mahavira', thus out of 63 Shalaka Purusha 5 less were born ,i.e. = 58 'Shalaka Purusha' remained in this time-period. 11 Rudras (who accepting consecration/initiation of Digamber saints became corrupt afterwards) and 9 quarrelsome 'Narada' existed in this time-period. Affliction were caused to three Teerthankara when they were in the state of Muni (7th, 23rd and 24th Teerthankara). Existence of 'Kalki' and 'Upkalki'. False deities and impious monks also remain in the third, fourth and the fifth time-period. Excessive rain and lack of rain, earthquake, falling down of thunderbolt, etc. Taking birth by Teerthankara in places other than Ayodhya and passing away for final emancipation from places other than 'Sammed Shikharji'. (Tiloypannati 4/1637-1645) 6. Whether the whole 'Bharat-Airavat' regions are affected by these time-periods? No, In five 'Malechha Khanda' and in Vijayardha series of 'Vidyadharas' situated in Bharat-Airavat Kshetras, gradual increase and decrease occurs like Dushama-Sushama time-period from its beginning to end. (Tiloypannati 4/1629) 7. What penal provision remains in vogue in the final stage of Bhogbhumi? First five 'Kulkara' used to punish offenders only with speaking 'Ha', i.e. 'Oh! You did wrong', further five Kulkara with 'Ha-Ma', i.e. 'Oh! You did wrong, don't do again', and remaining Kulkaras with 'Ha-Ma-Dhika', i.e. 'Oh! You did wrong, don't do again, you are reproached'. Thus they used to give such kinds of punishments. 8. What is the order of time-period in Videha Kshetra, and Syambhooraman Dvipa and Syambhooraman Sea ? There is continuous/existence of imperceptible minute changes like beginning period of the fourth time-period in Videha Kshetra and like Dushama time-period in the other portion of Syambhooraman Dvipa and in the Symbhooraman Sea. There is continuous existence of the state of affairs like first time-period in the celestial life-course and of the sixth timeperiod in the infernal life-course. (Here there is sense/implication of intense pleasure and intense pain, not of Age ,etc.), (Triloksar, 884) 9. Whether such huge measurements of living beings exists ? It seems somewhat strange ? Some evidences have been found in the present which indicate that such huge measurement of living beings is not strange but seems quite correct. Some such evidences are as follows : According to a report of excavation done in the sea-level of Dwarika by the Sea Archaeological Division of the Institute of Sea-Science, the height of houses sunk in the sea is 200 to 600 meters and their doors are 20 meter high, especially when-these remains are left over after burning of Dwarika by inauspicious luminous effigy. If doors are 20 meter high (about 70 feet) then human beings living there must not have been less than of 50-60 feet's height. According to Jain scriptures, height (Avgahana) of Bhagwan Neminath measured 10 'Dhanusha', i.e. 60 feet. Therefore, it is proved that so much huge measurement of living beings existed. That Dinosaur which modern science regards 30 to 50 feet long is, precisely a form of lizard before crores of years from today. One glacier (snow-rock) was displaced in Masco in 1993, one human skeleton was found inside it which was 23 feet long. Scientists consider (acknowledge) it 2 to 4 lakh years old. According to 'Shri Rajmal Ji' of Delhi, this human skeleton is kept in the museum of Masco still today. One skeleton of a lizard of many lakhs years old is kept in the museum of Baroda (Gujrat) length of which is 10 to 12 feet. Leather shoes of lakhs of years ago have been found in the caves of Tibet, length of which is of many feet. According to a book 'Bharat Aur Manava Sanskriti' by ('Vishambar Nath pandey', page no. 112-115) it has been proved from the excavation of MohanJodro - Harrappa that the age and height of human beings of earlier time-period had been long enough. One trunk (main part of the body) of a cat which is 10 lakhs years old has been found in Florida and its teeth are 7 inch long. One skeleton (structure) of a 'Kankronch' (an insect) of 572 crores years old has been found in America. These 'Kankronch' used to be as big as a rat. Three lakhs years old bones of elephants have been found in 'Castle the 'Guddo' near Rome, teeth of some of these elephants are 10 feet long. 1.- Males of the land of worldly enjoyments remains endowed with 72 kinds of arts / skills and women with 64 (Vasunandi Shravakachar, 263)

1. When Jainism was established and by whom ? Jainism is ab-aeterno-ad-infinitum, i.e. it existed from beginningless time and will exist till infinite time. Its founder is not also Teerthankara Rishabhdeva, Teerthankara Parshwanath and Teerthankara Mahaveer. Certainly it is so that from time to time its enforcement goes on happening through Teerthankaras and this religion advances only through them. Just as the Constitution of India does not change, only there is change in the government, similarly the doctrines (constitution/rules & regulation) of Jainism do not change, only the government (Teerthankaras) used to go on changing. But according to the opinion of general people some regard it a branch of Buddhism or its origination from Buddhism and some regard it a branch of Hindu religion but it is not so. 2. How the antiquity of Jainism is proved according to Archaeology department ? The antiquity of Jainism is proved according to the Archaeology department thus - The wellknown Archaeologist Dr. Rakhaldas Banarjee has investigated Indus valley civilization. On a seal No. 449 found here in excavation something has been written. Prof. Pran Nath Vidyalankar has read it as 'Jineswar' (Jin-e-e-israh - जिन-इ-इ-इसर:). According to the statement of the Archaeologist Raibhadur Chandra one idol has been found in the seals of the Indus valley in which disposition of renunciation and aversion from worldly enjoyments identical with the idol of Lord (Teerthankara) Rishabhdeva in standing posture of Mathura are seen. Moreover, the idol which is engraved on seal No. 2 F.G.H.., the disposition of renunciation is precisely clear on it and below the figure of the idol there is also the figure of the bull which is symbol of Teerthankara Rishabhdeva. On the basis of all these facts, many learned have regarded Jainism as of the period of Indus valley civilization. The Indus Valley civilization has been accepted 5000 years old from today. The main part of the nude human body found in Harappa also indicates the existence of Jain Teerthankaras in Indus valley civilization. Director General of the central Archaeological department T. N. Ramchandran has written after profound study - 'The engraved idol in meditative relaxation posture found in the investigation of Harappa, is fully a Digamber Jain idol'. The 'Kankali Teela' of Mathura is most important from the view-point of Jain Archaeology. In its excavation, apart from an extremely ancient deities-created mound (a domeshaped monuments containing relics), (whose creation-period is not known) one hundred ten rock inscriptions and hundreds of idols have been found which range from second century B.C. to 12th century. According to Archaeologists the above mentioned mound was rebuilt in eighth century B.C..According to Dr. Vincent A. Smith it is proved from the investigation related to Mathura that the existence of Jain Teerthankaras was there much earlier from Christian era. Recognition of Teerthankara Rishabhdeva, etc. twenty four Teerthankaras was in vogue from ancient time. (Jain Siddhant Shikshan : Muni Pramansagar ji) It is proved from the rock inscription of Hathi gufa got caused carved by Emperor Kharvel that the installation and worshipping of the idol of Rishabhdeva is in vogue from ancient time. 3. How the antiquity of Jainism is proved according to Vaisnava religion ? It is known from the investigation of various scriptures and mythological texts of Vaishnava religion that how much antiquity was there of Jainism which we are presenting here - 1. It is written in Shivpurana - अष्ट षष्ठिसु तीर्थेषु यात्रायां यत्फलं भवेत् । श्री आदिनाथ देवस्य स्मरणेनापि तद्भवेत् ॥ The fruit which is gained by the pilgrimage of 68 places of pilgrimage that much fruit is gained merely remembering Teerthankara Adinath. 2. It has been told in Mahabharat - युगेयुगे महापुण्यं दृश्यते द्वारिका पुरी । अवतीर्णो हरियंत्र प्रभासशशि भूषणः । रेवताद्रौ जिनो नेमियुगादि विमलाचले । ऋषीणामाश्रमादेव मुक्ति मार्गस्य कारणम् । Dwarkapuri is a great zone, in which Hari (Shri Krishna) was incarnated, which is made splendid like the moon in the rediant area and Neminath on Girnar mountain and Adinath on Kailash "(Astapada) had existed. This region being a hermitage of Risiees (great ascetics), is instrumental of salvation path. 3. It has been said in Mahabharat - आरोहस्व रथं पार्थ गांडीवं करे कुरु । निर्जिता मेदिनी मन्ये निर्गुथा यदि सन्मुखे । O Arjuna! ride on the chariot and take Gandeeva-bow in hand. I know, infront of whom Digamber Muni is coming, his victory is certain. 4. It has been said in Rigveda - | मैं त्रैलोक्य प्रतिष्ठितानां चतुर्विंशति तीर्थंकराणाम् । ऋषभादिवर्द्धमानान्तानां सिद्धानां शरणं प्रपद्ये॥ There are twentyfour Teerthankara renowned in all the three worlds beginning from Rishabhadeva up to Vardhman Swami. I take refuge of those liberated souls. 5. It has been said in Rigveda - मैं नग्नं सुधीरं दिग्वाससं ब्रह्मगर्भ सनातनं उपैमि वीरं । पुरुषमहँतमादित्य वर्णं तसमः पुरस्तात् स्वाहा ॥ I take refuge of nude, resolute, brave, naked, eternal Omniscient like Brahama, the suncomplexioned supreme being. 6. It has been said in Yajurveda - | ॐ नमोऽर्हन्तो ऋषभो । I pay my obeisance to Rishabhdeva named omniscient. 7. It has been written in Dakshina Murti Sahasranama treatise - | शिव उवाच। जैन मार्गरतो जैनो जितक्रोधो जितामयः।। Shivaji told - Who takes pleasure in the Jain path such follower of Jainism overcomes anger as well as diseases. 8. It has been said in Nag Purana - दशभिजितैर्विप्रैः यत्फलं जायते कृते । मुनेरर्हत्सुभक्तस्य तत्फलं जायते कलौ । What fruit is gained by feeding ten Brahmins in 'Satayuga', the same fruit is gained by giving food to a Arihant -devotee Muni in this Kaliag. 9. There is narration of Rishabhdeva in chapter 2 to 6 of the fifth canto of Bhagwat the gist of which, is that out of fourteen Manus Rishabhdeva took birth as the grand son of first Manu Swambhoo and the son of Nabhi who was the first preacher of Jainism. Euological prayers of Rishabhdeva have been described in 141 precepts of Rigveda. There are many such examples in many Hindu texts. 4. How the antiquity of jainism is proved according to scholars / learned ? A German scholar Dr. Jacobi is in agreement with this very view / option that the period of Lord Rishabhdeva is innumerable years earlier from now. In an English work captioned 'Bhagwan Aristnemi' written byShri Harisataya Bhattacharya Teerthankara Neminath has been accepted as a historical great personage. According to Dr. Vinsent Smith-Mathura search has given great support to the Jain traditions which are the incontrovertible proof of the antiquity and universality of Jain religion. Realization of Jain mound (Stoopa) of Mathura and idols of 24Teerthankaras with symbols prove that Jainism existed even before Christian era. Professor Chakravarti of Madras has confirmed in the book ,'Vaidik Sahitya ka Tulnatmak Addhyayan' that the Jainism is as old as the Hindu religion. Dr. Radhakrishnan has clearly written in 'Indian philosopy' on page 287 that people used to worship Teerthankara Rishabhdeva up to 1st century B.C. Shri Lokmanya Balgangadhar Tilak had delivered a speech in Baroda on 30th November, 1904 that the Jainism has left uninterrupted deep lasting effect on Brahmin religion "The priciple of non-violence existed in Jainism from very beginning. Today the Brahmins and all Hindu people are demanding which restriction on meat-eating and drinking of alcohol that is, precisely the legacy of Jainism and is precisely the influence of Jainism. The Jainism, which propagates and spreads mercy, compassion and non-violence will remain everlasting ad-inifinitum". Dr. Kalidas Nag had published which photograph of the nude-idol in his book 'Discovery of Asia' was 10 thousand years old. Dr. Nag has accepted this photograph corresponding to Jain idol. Shri Chitsang has thoroughly investigated the principles of Lord Rishabhdeva in Chinese language in 'Upaya Hirdaya Shashtra'. The personality and religion of Lord Rishabhdeva has greatly influenced the learned of Chinese language. Professor Jeosef Taksy of Itly has found one idol of Teerthankara in Tibbat which he took to Rome. It is made clear from this idol that sometime Jainism was in vogue also in Tibbat. It is proved by the statements/writings of Greek writers that Paythogoras Daijenesh, like Greek metaphyscicians, took education - initiation (restraint-vow ,etc.) from Jain Saints. Kalyan Muni went with King Alexandar in his country for propagation of religion. The well-known Archealogist of Japan Prof. Hazime Nakamura writes that which Chinese translated-editions of Buddhist texts are available, there is mention of the subject related with the first Teerthankara Rishabhdeva. Japanese are not unfamiliar with the pesonality of Teerthankara Rishabhdeva. Japanese identify Rishabhdeva by the name of 'Rakooshava'. 5. What is written in the treatises of Buddhism about Jainism ? It is written in Buddha Mahavagga - A great number of nude saints (Digamber Sadhoo) were delivering religious sermons on each road of Vaishali. It is written in Aguttar Nikaya - the son of Nath (Teerthankara Mahavir) was omniseer, having infinite knowledge and fully alert at every moment and was placed in the form of Omniscient. Teerthankara Rishabhdeva has been told as an unattached and passionless Teerthankar and a real spiritual authority in Manjoo Shrikalpa text. In Niyayabindu, Teerthanaka Mahaveer has been described as Omniscient, i.e. Teerthankara having omniscience, a real spiritual authority. It is written in Majjhimnikaya-Teerthankara Mahaveer was an Omniscient, omniseer and a scholar of entire knowledge and philosophy. It is written in Deergha Nikaya-Lord Mahaveer is a Teerthankara, is worshippable by human beings and is Gandharacharya ,i.e. a spiritual authority 6. Which is the number of incarnation of Rishabha (Rishabhavtara) out of 22 incarnation of Vishnu ? According to Vaishnava religon incarnation number eight. Exercise - Whether correct or incorrect ? Jainism was founded by Teerthankara Mahaveer. Jainism is also found in foreign countries. One learned has proved Teerthankara Neminath as a historical person. Paythogoras was not taught by Jain saints. Japanese recognise Teerthankara Rishabhdeva by the name of 'Rakooshava' Search elsewhere - 26 names of Vishnu have been given in Vaishnava religion. Apply definition of those names on Jainism. In which treatise of Vaishnava religion Vatrasana ,etc. nine sons of King Rishabhdeva have been told? Who philoshoper has told that all the four Vedas eulogize Teerthankara Rishabhdeva?

MAHA MANTRA NAMOKAR JAIN CONCEPT OF PRAYER The Great Incantation "NAMOKAR" Namo Arihantanam, णमो अरिहंताणं Namo Siddhanam, णमो सिद्धाणं Namo Airiyanam, णमो आइरियाणं Namo Uvajjhayanam, णमो उवझायाणं Namo Loye Savva Sahunam, णमो लोए सव्व साहूणं My Obeisance to Shri Arihant Ji, the Omniscient. My Obeisance to Shri Siddha Ji, the Liberated Soul. My Obeisance to Shri Airiyanam Ji (Acharya Ji), the Preceptors. My Obeisance to Shri Upadhyaya Ji, the spiritual Teacher. My Obeisance to Shri all Sadhu Ji, found in the whole universe. 1. What is Mantra ? (incantation) ? (1) Which contains infinite power, infinite meaning, is incantation. (2) Merely reciting which the intended work is accomplished, is incantion. 2. What is 'Namokar Mantra', in which language and metre it is written ? 'Namokar Mantra' is that in which obeisance is paid offered to all the five 'Parmeshthies'. It has been written in 'Prakrit' language and the metre is 'Arya'. 3. Why any particular person has not been saluted in this incantation ? Any particular person is not saluted in this incantation but the beings (souls) endowed with qualities (attributes) have been respectfully paid obeisance. Because it is the pecularity of Jain Philosophy that the personality, not any particular person, is saluted. 4. Who composed this "Namokar Mantra" ? Nobody composed this incantation. It existed from the beginningless time and will continue so i.e. it has neither beginning nor end. 5. Who Acharya had put it in writing form for the first time and in what treatise ? Acharya Shri Puspadant Ji Maharaj had put it in writing form in the first part of "Satkhandagam" treatise as 'Mangalacharan' (Invocatory preamble - auspicious beginning for the success of his work) in the second century. 6. Give some synonymous words for Namokar Mantra ? 1. Anadinidhan Mantra - It is eternal incantation, i.e. it has neither beginning nor end. 2. Aprajit Mantra - It can not be defeated by any one. 3. Maha Mantra - It is great and best of all the Mantras. 4. Mool Mantra - The Original Mantra. It is the root of all incantations. There is no tree without root, similarly no incantation can withstand without it. 5. Mirtiyunjaya mantra - That which wins even the death. The death can be overcome with iti.e. the salvation can be attained by meditating this incantation. 6. Sarva Siddhidayak Mantra - All supernatural powers and “Siddhis/accomplishments are attained by repeating this incantation. 7. Taaran-Taran mantra - One ownself crosses over the ocean of the world alongwith others with the help of this incantation. 8. Adi Mantra - It is the first of all incantations i.e. it is the first source of all incantations. 9. Panch Namaskar mantra - Incantation saluting all the five 'Parmeshthies'. 10. Mangal Mantra - It is the first auspicious incantation among all other incantations. 11. Kewal Jñãn mantra - The Omniscience can also be attained by this incantation. 7. How many incantations have originated from the 'Namokar Mantra' ? Eighty four lac incantations have originated from this Mantra'. 8. In which places this 'Mantra' should be recited ? It should be recited at every step, i.e. in grief, in pleasure, in place of fear, in every path, in terrible place, in the battle-field, just as - दुःखे सुखे भयस्थाने, पथि दुर्गे रणेऽपि वा। श्री पञ्चगुरु मन्त्रस्य, पाठः कार्यः पदे पदे॥ णमोकार मंत्र माहात्म्य, १२॥ “Namokar Mantra” be recited, At every step, in all places, During pain-pleasure, in war, And in all terrible places. 9. Whether 'Namokar Mantra' can be recited in or at impure places ? This 'Namokar Mantra' can always be remembered at all places - pure or impure but should be uttered at pure places. At impure places, it should only be read (repeated) in mind alone. It is also said: अपवित्रः पवित्रोऽवा सुस्थितो दुःस्थितोऽपि वा। ध्यायेत्पञ्च नमस्कारं, सर्वपापैः प्रमुच्यते॥ पूजा पीठिका All sins are destroyed when meditating the 'Panch Namaskar Mantra', matters little, whether the place is pure or impure or the meditator is well settled or ill-settled". 10. Whether we gain equal (alike) fruit irrespective of place where it is repeated ? गृहे जपफलं प्रोक्त वने शतगुणं भवेत् । पुण्यारामे तथारण्ये सहस्रगुणितं मतम् ।। पर्वते दशसहस्रं च नद्यां लक्षमुदाहृतं । कोटि देवालये प्राहुरनन्तं जिनसत्रिधौ ।। (Namokar Mantra Kalpa, p.105) No, By adoration of Namokar Mantra in home one gains its fruit only one-fold, in forest hundred times, in garden and dense forest thousand times, on mountains ten thousand times, on the bank of a river, lakhs times, in Jina temples crore times and infront of Jinendra Deva infinite times. Therefore, for accomplishing desired matter (or activity) it is relatively better that one should worship (repeat) this Mantra infront of Jinendra Deva or in Jina Temple. 11. How the Namokar Mantra was proved as the best one through experiment ? Ritual performance of 'Namokar Mantra' was held at Gwalior, one crore times repitition/ recitation of this 'Mantra' was done. Two plants were planted in two different flower-pots to observe the feelings of that place. Ordinary water was poured daily in one plant and other was watered with the water consecrated by recitation of the 'Mantra'. It was seen after some days that the plant which was watered with consecrated water was growing at a very fast rate (speed) while the other which was watered with ordinary water was growing very slowly. 12. How many couplets, alphabets, Matrayen (intra-syllabic vowel symbols) consonants and vowels are there in 'Namokar Mantra'? Note - 1. Consonants with vowels are to be counted here such as in णमो अरिहंताणं - ण, म, रि, ह, ता, ण = 6, also count further in this way. Note - 2. Alphabets are 35 but vowels are 34 because according to Mantra scripture "अ" is elisioned in णमो अरिहंताणं पद verse. Counting मात्राएँ (inter-syllabic-symbols) - I=One (Laghu), S = 2 (Guru). Note - In "Prakrit" language ए, ऐ, ओ, औ are vowels which are of three kinds - short vowel, long vowel and wet vowel (हस्व, दीर्घ, और प्लुत) (Shri Dhavla book, 13/45/247) Therefore regarding ‘ए' in 'लोए' as short vowel, there will be 58 'Matrayen'. 13. How many words are there in each incantation signifying "Parmeshthi" ? पणतीस सोल छप्पण चदुद्गमेगं च जवहज्झाए। परमेट्ठीवाचयाणं अण्णं च गुरुवएसेण॥ द्रव्य संग्रह, ४९ Meaning - Repeat / recite and meditate the incantations consisting of 35, 16,6,5,4, 2 and 1 alphabet signifying Parmeshthi and also recite other incantations as per spiritual instructions of the Guru. You have already read above the incantation consisting of 35 alphabets. Furthur incantation consisting of 16 alphabets is - अर्हत्सिद्धाचार्योपाध्यायसर्वसाधुभ्यो नमः । अथवा अरिहन्त सिद्ध आइरिया उवज्झाया साधु। "Arhatsiddhacharyopaddhayayasarvasadhubhyo Namah" or "Arihant Siddha Airiya Uvajjhaya Sadhu" Incantation of 6 alphabets - अरिहन्त सिद्ध या अरिहन्त साधु । Arihanta Siddha or Arihant Sadhu. Incantation of 5 alphabets - असिआउसा या नम: सिद्धेभ्यः । Asiausa or Namah Siddhebhya. Incantation of 4 alphabets - अरिहन्त या असिसाहू । Arihanta or Asisahoo Incantation of 2 alphabets - सिद्ध या अहँ । Siddha or Arham Incantation of 1 alphabets - अ, ओम, र्ह्रं, श्रीं और ह्रीं । A, Om, Hiram, Shrim & Hrim 14. How "Panch Parmesthi" are conceived in the word 'Om' ? “Om” consists of first alphabet of all the five Permesthi (five supreme divinities) as has been said. अरहंता असरीरा आइरिया तह उवज्झाया मुणिणो। पढमक्खरणिप्पण्णो ओंकारो पञ्च परमेट्ठी ॥ द्रव्य संग्रह टीका ४९ Meaning - By combining first alphabet of all the five 'Parmeshthi' the word 'Om or "" is formed. 'अ' of Arihant, 'अ' of "अशरीरी" (an another name of Siddha Parmesthi is terti' i.e. without body, 'आ' of Achharya, 'उ' of Upadhyaya and 'म' of Sahu (an another name of Sadhu is Muni). Thus combining "अ + अ + आ + उ + म " the word 'Om'or is formed. The figure of 'Om' is also written thus "" 15. Why 'Namokar Mantra' is recited 9 or 108 times ? The number 9 is eternal. If we multiply it by any number then by adding together all digits of its product (result obtained by multiplication) the result comes to '9', for example - 9x3 = 27 (2+7=9), 4x9 = 36 (3+6=9). Therefore, to attain eternal status (abode in Moksha), the 'Namokar Mantra' is recited 9 times. Influx of Karmas is effected through 108 doors, there fore, to prevent (check) influx of Karmas, the 'Namokar Mantra' is recited (repeated) 108 times. 'Namokar Mantra' can be repeated (read) 27 times, in 'Repentance' or as an alter native of 108 breathings (exhailing and inhailing air) 9 or 36 times. 16. How the Namokar Mantra is read/recited in breathings (exhaling & inhaling air) ? The 'Namokar Mantra' is read in three breathings - 'Namo Arihantaram' while inhaling, 'Namo Siddharam' while exhaling, again while inhaling, 'Namo Ayiriyanam', 'Namo Uvajjhayanam', while exhaling and in the end while in haling air recite 'Namo Loye' and 'Sabbsahunam' at the time of exhaling air. 17. What are the methods of repeating incantation / counting the beads of rosary ? There are three methods of counting incantation/counting the beads of rosary - 'Kamal Jap', i.e. counting incantation taking support of eight petalled lotus, 'Hastanguli Jap', i.e. counting incantation taking support of the fingers of the hand and 'Mala Jap', i.e. counting the beads of rosary. 1 - Method of Kamal Jap - Think of a white eight-petalled lotus in ownself's heart. Imagine twelve yellow colour points on each of its petals as well as twelve points on its central circular shaped-pericarp. Now repeat the incantation on each of its 108 points. 2 - Method of Hastangul Jap - The process of reciting incantation on the fingers is this - Beginning this incantation from the middle joint of the middle finger and coming on upside joint of that very finger and from there moving on the upside joint of the fore finger come by and by down ward on the last joint of that very finger and from there moving on the last joint of the ring finger and coming upward on this finger by and by come on the first joint of that very ring finger. Thus repeating the incantation nine times each (one round on the fingers consists 9 times) the one time repeating incantion (one Jap) completes by taking 12 such rounds i.e. total incantation becomes 108 (9 x 12 = 108) 3 - Mala Jap (counting the beads of rosary) - Count the beads of rosary by a rosary of 108 beads. (Mangal Mantra Namokar : Eke Anuchintan, p-72-74) 18. In which direction utterence/pronunciation of 'Mantra', and meditation should be performed ? East or North faced direction has been said to be auspicious for utterence of 'Mantra'; repeating beads of rosary (telling beads) and for meditation because there is different fruit of each direction. East - Mohantak (It is destroyer of delusion). South - Pragyantaka (It is destroyer of wisdom). West - Padmanatka (It is destroyer of heart feelings) North - Vighnantaka (It is destroyer of obstacles/hinderences). 19. What are the kinds of repetition of incantation according to Acharyas on the basis of pronunciation ? चतुर्विधा हि वाग्वैखरी मध्यमा पश्यन्ती सूक्ष्माश्चेति। (तत्त्वानुशासन, पृ. ६६) 'Chaturvidha hi vagvaikhri Madhyama Pashyanti Sukshmascheti.' (Tattvanushashan, p-66) 1. Vaikhri - Repeating incantation by speaking loudly so that others may also hear. 2. Madhyama - In this lips do not stir but inside the tongue stirs. 3. Pashyanti - In this neither the lips nor the tongue stirs, only there is thinking over/meditation of incantation in the mind. 4. Sukshma - Which was the meditation of the incantation in the mind, leaving that also, is Sukshma (subtle) repetition of incantation. Where the difference between the worshipper and the object of worship ,(i.e. worshippable) ends, i.e. where the support of the incantation is left over, that very is Sukshma repetition of the incantation. 20. How many fasts are observed in the vow of Namokar Mantra ? 35 fasts are observed in the vow of Namokar Mantra. 21. How many fasts are observed in each of which lunar/solar dates in this vow ? 5 fasts of the fifth day, 7 of the seventh day, 9 of the 9th day and 14 of the fourteenth day of the lunar/solar months are observed in this vow. 22. When this vow is started ? This vow is started from the seventh day of the light lunar month of "Asar" or from any fifth, seventh, ninth or fourteenth lunar/solar day of any lunar/solar month. 23. What is the effect of this incantation ? This Panch Namaskar Mantra is the destroyer of all the sins and is the first auspicious incantation of all other auspicious, just as - एसो पञ्च णमोयारो सव्वपावप्पणासणो । मङ्गलाणं च सव्वेसिं पढमं होई मङ्गलं ॥ The word "Mangal" is defined in two ways. Mang = Sukha (happiness) L (ल) - to bring, to give ,i.e. which bestows happiness, is Mangal (auspicious). Mangal - Mam=sin 'Gal'='Galayatiti', i.e. melts / dissolves = that is which melts/destroy sins, is called 'Mangal', i.e. auspicious. The word Mangal (auspicious) in worldly meaning - unmarried girl, yellow mustard, elephant, pitcher filled with water, the calf in the state of drinking milk, etc., are auspicious. Pertaining to next world - Arihant, Siddha, Acharya, Upaddhayaya and Sadhoo Parmeshthi (Divinity) are auspicious. 24. What is the grandeur of 'Namokar Mantra'? This incantation is regarded as the king of all incantations. Reciting it all earlier accumulated Karmas are destroyed due to which many bodily, mental sufferings / trouble are averted. Fear of terrible animals - lion, snake ,etc. does not occur, ghosts, peripatetic deities (Vyantara), etc. flee away. Very deadly poison is nullified by its effect. Many beings got superior bodyform and learnings only by hearing this incantation. There are many examples of it in Jain scriptures. It is, in fact, matchless 1. Seth Padamaruchi caused to hear 'Namokar Mantra' to an ox and it became 'Sugreev' (in the next birth). Specific Mention - First of all the ox took birth as king Vrashabdhwaja afterwards Sugreev and Seth Padamaruchi became Ramchandraji in the subsequent birth 2. Ramchandra Ji caused to hear 'Namokar Mantra' to a bird 'Jatayu' (vulture) and it became deity in the heaven. 3. Jeevandhar Kumar caused to hear 'Namokar Mantra' to a dog and he became 'Yakshendra' (a demigod). 4. The thief Anjan acquired scriptural knowledge (supernatural power) of moving in the sky because of his having strong faith in 'Namokar Mantra'. 25. Tell some other example of the grandeur of the Namokar Mantra ? Acharya Deshbhushanji Maharaj was passing through a city. There was the only son of a Muslim Brother. A snake had bitten his that son who had been treated by all the knower/ well-versed in spell and expert in magical and mystical formula of the city but to no effect. By chance Acharya Deshbhushanji was passing on that way. Seeing him that Muslim brother caught hold of his feet and began to say "You are a celebrated mendicant. You are surely endowed with some supernatural power, , kindly nullify the effect of the poison, this is my only son, I shall be indebted to you for ever." Acharya Deshbhushanji Maharaj was an excellent religious practiser. He was having supernatueal powers by magical means. He immediately took some water from his Kamandalu consecrated it by recitation of a 'Mantra' and sprinkled on him, then that child became quite o.k. 26. Whether there are other miraculous powers in incantations ? Mantras contain of many miraculous powers by which the most powerful deities could also be subdued. Heavy rains, typhoon, etc. are also checked. This incantation is well-known in the world for nullifying the snake-poison. 27. Why Acharya, Upadhyaya have not been taken in 'Chattari dandak' (A Hindi metre consisting of long lines) ? Acharya and Upadhyaya are specific positions which have been ascertained with regard to giving expiation, imparting education, etc,. for managing the congregation smoothly. Hence these have been conceived in Sadhu Parmeshthi. 28. How many 'Sagar of sins' acquired in numberless years/births) are destroyed by pronunciation of 'Namokar Mantra'? Invoking the name even of one alphabet of 'Namokar Mantra' with devotion, sins of seven Sagar are destroyed, reciting five alphabets, sins of fifty Sagar are destroyed and pronouncing the full incantation, sins of five hundreds Sagar are destroyed. (Tattvanushasan uddharat 63)