12 CHAKRAVATI

The 12 CHakravartis

CHakravartis are emperors who rule over a part of the world (Bharata-land having six parts). Their life is embellished with similar features like those of the Tirthankaras. Every CakarvartI obtains his high rank on account of good actions done in earlier existences and on account of a Nidana, i.e. a wish which is passion- ately cherished in an earlier life. He is born in the royal family of Iksvaku, grows in pomp and glory and is ex­perienced in all arts and sciences. Having beauty and power, being brave and clever, he is embellished with 36 insignias of mind and body. After vanquishing all the opponents in battle, he conquers the world; served and praised by gods and genii, he is anointed emperor. He rules for a long period and powerfully, enjoying all the pleasures with his many wives and treasures which the earth can offer. The end of the life of Cakravartls is very different. Whereas some renounce the world or even become Tirthankaras (like the 16th, 17th and 18th Cakravartis of this world-period) and get redemption, others come to the heaven of gods after their death, and some others fall into hell on account of their bad actions. Cakravartis owe their success not only to their capa­bility and power and the support they get from their supermundane beings, but also, above all, to the won­derful "gems" (Ratnas) and precious "treasures" (Nidhi) which are in their possession. The 14 gems are the living beings of different types which serve the Cakravartis. They are divided into those which are provided only with one sense (Ekendriya-ratna) and those which have five senses (Pancendriya-ratna). The seven gems with one sense are: 1. Cakra, a discus embellished with jewels; the Cakravarti hurls it in the battle against his opponent. Provided with unfailing power, it returns into the hand of the one who has thrown it, after it has smashed the head of the enemy. If it does not immediately kill the opponent for some reason, then it follows him, like a falcon its booty where it can destroy him. 2. Danda, a splendid staff with which the earth can be bored into its depths, but which also alliviates the pain and misery by its touch. 3. Khadga, a sharp sword which breaks all resistance. 4. Chatra, a glittering white sun-umbrella. It is for the Cakravarti not only as a symbol of his dignity as a ruler, but it also cripples his enemy by its look. It protects against rain and sun, against wind and weather and gives cool shade in hot season and a warm shade in cold season. 5. Carma, a wonderful hide which cannot be pierced by cut and thrust. It can, at the same time, be used as a raft while crossing rivers and oceans and also serves occasionally as a field on which the grains sown in the morning carry fruits in the evening. 6. Mani, a gem of uncomparable dazzle belonging to a particular type of cat-eyes (Vaidurya). It lends victor)', cures wounds and illuminates darkness as bright as the sun. 7. Kakini, a sort of a very hollow mass in the form of a dice of a shining luminosity. This is used by a Cakravarti also to get light while entering a dark cave by grazing its walls and to remove the effect of poison, etc. The seven gems with five senses are: 1. Senapati, the commander of a Cakravarti. He is a reliable and an uncorruptible servant of his master, alert and far-sighted, commanding the language of the Yavanas (Greeks) and the Mlecchas (barbarians) in word and script, well-versed in politics and art of life, a pow­erful fighter and a clever strategist. 2. Grhapati, chamberlain who looks after the kitchen and storeroom and has the wardrobe and provisions under his command. 3. Varddhaka, architect who is entrusted with the building of houses, palaces and cities. 4. Purohita, house-priest who conducts the religious ceremonies, conversant with magic mantras and is an artistic poet. 5. Gaja, elephant of unsurpassable power. 6. Asva, beautiful horse which is endowed with aus­picious signs. 7. Strl, a most beautiful woman, eternally youngs vvarm at touch in cold season and cool in hot season energising the husband constantly to new pleasure by her look and driving away disease by her touch. The nine "treasures" (Nidhis) with which a Cakravarti is endowed, are, according to one view, collection of books in which there is literature on 9 different branches of science, according to another, contair!ers or treasure-houses in which there are things whose appli­cation is taught in those books. Names and contents of the 9 Nidhis are: 1. Naisarpa: houses, 2. Panduka: ricc and corns, 3. Pingalaka: ornament, 4. Sarvaratna.ka; 14 gems, 5. Mahapadma: clothing, 6. Kala: determinatjon of time for astrological predictions, 7. Mahakala: mines of metals and precious stones, 8. Manavaka: weapons warcraft, 9. Sankha: poetry, dramaturgy, music. WHATEVER I POSTED IN THIS POST,IS BASED ON INFORMATION GIVEN IN THE SITE WWW.JAINE.ORG