Samavasarana
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In Jainism, Samavasarana or Samosharana "Refuge to All" is a term for the divine preaching hall of the Tirthankara. The word samavasarana is derived from two words, sama meaning general and avasara meaning opportunity. A place where all have a common opportunity of acquiring the wisdom.[1] The divine pavilion is built by heavenly beings (devas) after the tirthankara attain omniscience (Kevala Jnana).[2] The theme of Samavasaranas has been popular in Jain art.
Hall
In samavasarana, the tirthankara sat on a throne without touching it (about two inches above it).[3] Around, the tirthankara sits the ganadharas (chief disciples). Following is the order in which living beings sit:[4]
- In the first hall, ascetics
- In the second hall, one class of deva ladies
- In the third hall, nuns and laywomen
- In the next three halls, three other class 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, Manasthamba (literally, pride pillar), one in each side.[5] The total size of the hall varies depending upon the height of the people in that era. Size of Rishabhadeva's samavasarana was 12 km².[6]
Effects of the Samavasarana
In samavasarana, a tirthankara sits facing the east, but appears to be looking in all directions.[4] Tirthankara sits on a soft cushion while preaching the Jain philosophy in plain terms.[7] All humans and animals can understand the discourse. Jain scriptures say that all creatures who listen would become less violent and greed less.[8] The speech of the tirthankara is distinctly heard by every one present.[4]
Gallery
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Jain manuscript page with Mahavira teaching to all creatures in Samavasarana, western India, c. 1500-1600, gouache on paper
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Samavsarana of Mahavira as depicted in 19th-century art from Mysore.
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Painting of Samavasarana (Assembly hall) of a Jain Tirthankara. It depicts various beings who come to hear the preachings of the Jina peacefully
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Samosharan depiction
See also
Notes
References
- Rai, Champat Jain (2008), Risabha Deva (Second ed.), India: Bhagwan Rishabhdeo Granth Mala, ISBN 9788177720228
- Pramansagar, Muni (2008), jain tattvavidya, India: Bhartiya Gyanpeeth, ISBN 978-81-263-1480-5
Further reading
- Champat Rai Jain (1929). "X: THE SAMAVASARANA". Risabha Deva - The Founder of Jainism. K. Mitra, Indian Press, Allahabad. p. 126.
External links
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