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Tirthakaras: The details of the lives of four Tirthakaras, viz., Usabha, Samti, Kumthu and Ara, are given in the Vasudevahindi by Sanghadasa The important events in the lives of all the Tirthakaras given here, so also elsewhere in the Jaina literature, are more or less the same. A Tirthakara is born in the family of the Kstriyas, many times in the same family as that of Usabha 1. He leads a princely life. When reminded of his duty of showing the path of liberation by the Logamtiya gods, he wanders as a monk in search of the supreme knowledge, which he attains under a sacred tree ( this tree differs from Tirthakara to Tirthakara ) and then preaches the tenets of the Jaina religion, and organises the four sections of the followers of Jainism. Some of the details in the life of Usabha, the first Tirthakara are more than the general sketch given above, as in addition to his role as a Tirthakara, he was to be the founder of civilization also, as his work is outlined in Vasudevahindi by Sanghadasa 1. Vasudevahindi by Sanghadasa, 188.

Felicitation at the time of birth : 576 One of the important events in the life of a Tirthkara was the celebration by gods at the time of h his birth. When born, a Tirthakara is taken to mt. Meru by Indra, and is anointed there on the ai pamdukambalasila. The felicitation has been described in the Vasudevahindi(F), in details in the case of Usabha¹ and in summary the in the case of, remaining three Tirthakaras². Usabha, when born, was first greeted by the fiftysix Disakumaris referred to above. They performed the jatakamma sacrament, bathed him, kindled fire and sang auspicious songs. Then came Sakka, the sahassanayana, and took him away to mt.Meru. Before removing Usaha from his mother's bed, Sakka deposited a replica of Usabha by her side. On the sacred aipamdukambala slab Usabha is anointed and worshipped by Accuimda as also by other gods. After this ceremony, he is taken back to his mother by Sakka. Such a description of the nativity of Usabha or any other Tirthakara is not be found in the canons. 1. Vasudevahindi by Sanghadasa, 159-61. 2. Ibid., 340-44"

577 Samosarana : Another very important event in the life of a saviour, as described in the Vasudevahindi by Sanghadasa is the Samosarana. After the attainment of kevada knowledge, a Tirthakara delivers his first sermon to all the beings of this world with a view to lead them to the path of liberation. The gods rejoicing at this auspicious moment, create with their supernatural powers a huge auditorium which can accommodate all types of beings in this world. A detailed description of such a Samosarana has been given in the life sketch of Samti, as it appears in the Vasudevahindi by Sanghadasa¹. The gods first sprinkle fragrant water and shower flowers. The tract of land a yojana around the Tirthakara, looks as though it is heaven. The three types of gods construct three ramparts (pakara) of jewels, gold and silver, on the four sides of which have entrances (gopura) which are as majestic as the mount Rayaya. In the centre of the site is the sacred tree under which the saviour of the world sits, facing east, on a crystal lion throne provided with a foot-stool. Over him are the parasols one above the other (chattaichatta). On all the 1. Vasudevahindi by Sanghadasa, 341.

578 sides are the banners (jhaya) depicting lion and dises (sihacakkajjhae)¹. In front of him is a dhammacakka resplendent like the Sun, supported by a golden lotus of thousand petals. Facing him are the Jakkhas fanning with camaras. The gods, monks, nuns and lay followers sit in this sacred city of three prakaras in their assigned places. The Araha then preaches his religion in a speech which can be understood by all. The idea of a Samavasarana is similar to the Buddhist dhammacakkapavattana - setting in motion the wheel of dhamma at the time of the first sermon of the Buddha, As noted above, the dhammacakka² placed in front of the Araha is also present in the Samavasarana. The difference in the two (Buddhist and Jaina idea of the first sermon) is that of the sacred city with three ramparts. The First Alms : Another event of signal importance in the life e of a Titthayara is his seeking the first alms. Usaha got 1. Vasudevahindi by Sanghadasa, 5. 2. The wheel in lotus has been depicted in the Buddhist Sculptures of and Bharhut; Bharhut, pl.VI and VII.

579 his first alms from prince Sajamsa, his own grandson. The five miracles were performed by the gods. They are what a (i) the exclamations of approbation like 'Oh! great gift' (aho danam), (ii) beating of drums in the sky, (iii) showering of wealth, (iv) showering of five coloured flowers, and (v) tossing up the upper garments. (celukkheva) The Vasudevahindi by Dharmadasa provides some in formation about Titthayaras. Of the twenty-four fordmakers of this Osappini, Damamditi Usabha, Ajiya, Demiamditi, Anamtai were born as also died in the city of Saketa 2. Pupphadamta, Sambhava, Sila or Sitala and Supasa were born respectively at Kakamdi ³, Savatthi, Bhaddilapura 5 and Varanasi 6. The other two 1. Vasudevahindi by Sanghadasa, 165. In the case of even ordinary monks wealth was showered by gods in the house of the donor; Vasudevahindi by Sanghadasa, 23. 2. Vasudevahindi by Dharmadasa, II.158b. Usabhasami-ajiya-dam aditi-anamtainam caunham pi titthagarana jammanikkhamanatthanam / Dammamditi is probably a corrupt form of Abhinamdana who was the fourth Tirthakara. 3. Ibid., II.202a. 4. Ibid., 1.9a. 5. Ibid., 1.8b; II.7a. 6. Ibid., II.200a.

580 1 Titthayaras referred to are Nami and Aritthanemi; latter was a nephew of Vasudeva², hero of the Vasudevahindi