Marudevi
Marudevī was the mother of the first Jain Tirthankara, Rishabhanatha and the queen of King Nabhi.[1]
Quick Facts Other names, Personal information ...
| Marudevi | |
|---|---|
Mother of Rishabhanatha | |
 | |
| Other names | Mata Marudevi |
| Personal information | |
| Spouse | Nabhi |
| Children | Rishabha |
Close
_Wellcome_L0034148.jpg)
The enlivening of the embryo through the descent of the future Tīrthankara's soul in the mortal body is celebrated as Garbha Kalyānaka[2] At this time, Queen Marudevi dreamt sixteen auspicious dreams. King Nabhirāja (who was endowed with clairvoyance) explained the significance of these dreams in the morning.[3]
More information Dreams (According to Digambara traditions), Interpretation by Nābhirāja (He refers to Rishabhanatha) ...
| Dreams
(According to Digambara traditions) |
Interpretation by Nābhirāja (He refers to Rishabhanatha) |
|---|---|
| 1. A white mighty elephant the sound of whose voice was like thunder and whose trunk was moist with temple-fluid. | He will be the preceptor of the preceptors, to be worshiped by the devas. |
| 2. A magnificent bull, whiter than the petals of the lotus and having a beautiful form. | The dream foretold the birth of a great religious Teacher who would spread the light of knowledge. |
| 3. A ferocious, white lion possessing immense strength and with thick cluster of hairs on the neck. | He will be strong as the lion, in overcoming all enemies. |
| 4. Goddess Lakshmi’s anointment (abhiśeka) with water out of golden pitchers, by two large guardian elephants. | He will be the Supreme Being in the three worlds and that the devas will perform his abhiśeka at Mount Meru. |
| 5. Two garlands of fragrant flowers over which were hovering black bees intoxicated with the fragrance. | He will be the Founder of true Faith whose fragrance will spread all-around |
| 6. Full moon surrounded by stars. | He will bring soothing peace and happiness to all beings |
| 7. Sight of the radiant, rising sun in the east, obscuring the lustre of all other lights. | He will dispel the darkness of ignorance |
| 8. The eighth dream saw two fishes playing gloriously in a lovely pool of water, full of lotuses. | He will bring propitious outcomes for all living beings. |
| 9. She saw two golden pitchers with lotuses on the top. | He will possess the treasure of superior qualities, including excellent meditation. |
| 10. She saw an effulgent lake filled with water shining like liquid gold due to the floating remains of yellow lotus leaves | He will have the most auspicious form and body. |
| 11. She saw an ocean whose strong waves were breaking into small white sprays. | He will attain superior nine accomplishments (navalabdhi) and omniscience. |
| 12. She then saw a very big, resplendent, golden throne set with bright diamonds and rubies. | He will become the World Teacher |
| 13. The thirteenth dream was the sight of a jewel-bedecked heavenly plane of the devas which shone like the morning sun. | He will descend from the heaven to take birth on this earth. |
| 14. The next dream was the rising residence of Nāgendra, the lord of the devas of the Nāgakumāra clan. | He will be born with clairvoyance |
| 15. A very large heap of glittering jewels whose brightness illuminated the sky. | He will be the embodiment of Right Faith, Right Knowledge and Right Conduct. |
| 16. The last dream was the sight of a blazing, bright fire with smokeless flame. | He will burn up the entire karmas associated with His soul with the fire of pure meditation. |
Close
After these sixteen dreams she saw a large, beautiful bull entering her open mouth, indicative of a pious and extraordinary soul entering her womb.[4]
Marudevi is mentioned in the Hindu scripture Bhagavata Purana as mother of Rishabhanatha.[5]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Marudevi.
Citations
- Zimmer 1953, p. 195.
- Doniger 1993, p. 243.
Sources
- Doniger, Wendy, ed. (1993), Purana Perennis: Reciprocity and Transformation in Hindu and Jaina Texts, State University of New York Press, ISBN 0-7914-1381-0
- Jain, Vijay K. (2015), Acarya Samantabhadra's Svayambhustotra: Adoration of The Twenty-four Tirthankara, Vikalp Printers, ISBN 9788190363976, archived from the original on 16 September 2015,
Non-Copyright
- Jain, Champat Rai (2008), Risabha Deva (Second ed.), India: Bhagwan Rishabhdeo Granth Mala, ISBN 9788177720228
- Zimmer, Heinrich (1953), Joseph Campbell (ed.), Philosophies Of India, London: Routledge & Kegan Paul Ltd, ISBN 978-8120807396