Samavasarana

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Samavasarana of Tirthankara

In Jainism, Samavasarana or Samosharana ("Refuge to All") is the divine preaching hall of the Tirthankara, stated to have more than 20,000 stairs in it. The word samavasarana is derived from two words, sama, meaning general and avasara, meaning opportunity. It is an important feature in Jain art.[1] The Samavasarana seems to have replaced the original Jain stupa as an object of worship.[2]

Samavasarana

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In samavasarana, the tirthankara sits on a throne without touching it (about two inches above it).[3] Around the tirthankara sit the ganadharas (chief disciples). Living beings sit in the following order:[4]

  • In the first hall, ascetics
  • In the second hall, one class of deva ladies
  • In the third hall, aryikas (nuns) and laywomen
  • In the next three halls, three other classes of deva ladies
  • In the next four halls, the four classes of devas (heavenly beings)
  • Men, in the eleventh hall
  • Animals, in the last hall

According to Jain texts, there would be four wide roads with four huge columns,

Rishabhadeva's samavasarana was 12 km2 (4.6 sq mi).[6]

Effects

Samavasarana

In samavasarana, a tirthankara sits facing the east, but appears to be looking in all directions.

less greedy.[8] The speech of the tirthankara is distinctly heard by every one present.[4]

Gallery

  • Jain manuscript page with Mahavira teaching to all creatures in Samavasarana, western India, c. 1500–1600, gouache on paper
    Jain manuscript page with Mahavira teaching to all creatures in Samavasarana, western India, c. 1500–1600, gouache on paper
  • Samavasarana of Mahavira as depicted in 19th-century art from Mysore.
    Samavasarana of Mahavira as depicted in 19th-century art from Mysore.
  • Painting of Samavasarana (Assembly hall) of a Jain Tirthankara. It depicts various beings who come to hear the preachings of the Jina peacefully
    Painting of Samavasarana (Assembly hall) of a Jain Tirthankara. It depicts various beings who come to hear the preachings of the Jina peacefully
  • Samosharan depiction
    Samosharan depiction

See also

References

Citation

  1. ^ Wiley 2009, p. 184.
  2. .
  3. ^ Jain 2008, p. 95.
  4. ^ a b c Jain 2008, p. 96.
  5. ^ Jain 2008, p. 93.
  6. ^ "APPENDIX 14". jainworld.com.
  7. ^ Jain 2008, p. 98.
  8. ^ Pramansagar 2008, p. 39-43.

Sources

Further reading

External links