Ratnaprabhasuri
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Ratnaprabhasuri was a
ÅšvetÄmbara The ÅšvetÄmbara (; also spelled Shwetambara, Shvetambara, Svetambara or Swetambara) is one of the two main branches of Jainism, the other being the Digambara. ''ÅšvetÄmbara'' in Sanskrit means "white-clad", and refers to its ascetics' practi ...
Jain ascetic and the 6th successor in the lineage of the monastic heads of the ''Chaturvidha Sangha's'' ()
UpkeÅ›a Gaccha UpkeÅ›a Gaccha is the oldest ''gaccha'' (monastic order) of ÅšvetÄmbara Jainism. It is one of the 84 ''gacchas'' of the ÅšvetÄmbara sect that were once in existence. Unlike most other ''gacchas'' that follow Mahavira's lineage and begin with ...
. He succeeded
Swayamprabhasuri Swayamprabhasuri or Svayamprabhasuri was a ÅšvetÄmbara Jain ascetic and the 5th successor in the lineage of the monastic heads of the ''Chaturvidha Sangha's'' () UpkeÅ›a Gaccha. He succeeded KeÅ›iÅ›ramanÄcharya and is believed to have exi ...
and is believed to have existed in 6th–5th century BC. He is most well-known as the founder of the ''OswÄl'' clan of ÅšvetÄmbara Jains.


Birth and initiation

As per scriptures of the
ÅšvetÄmbara The ÅšvetÄmbara (; also spelled Shwetambara, Shvetambara, Svetambara or Swetambara) is one of the two main branches of Jainism, the other being the Digambara. ''ÅšvetÄmbara'' in Sanskrit means "white-clad", and refers to its ascetics' practi ...
sect, he is believed to have been born in the 5th century BC in a royal family belonging to the ''VidyÄdhara'' clan as ''Prince Ratnachuda''. Later on, he became a ''VidyÄdhara'' king. As a member of the ''VidyÄdhara'' clan, he is said to have possessed several ''vidyÄs'' (magical powers).
ÅšvetÄmbara The ÅšvetÄmbara (; also spelled Shwetambara, Shvetambara, Svetambara or Swetambara) is one of the two main branches of Jainism, the other being the Digambara. ''ÅšvetÄmbara'' in Sanskrit means "white-clad", and refers to its ascetics' practi ...
scriptures have vivid descriptions of ''VidyÄdhara'' kingdoms and legends about the magical powers possessed by the members of this clan. According to legends,
Swayamprabhasuri Swayamprabhasuri or Svayamprabhasuri was a ÅšvetÄmbara Jain ascetic and the 5th successor in the lineage of the monastic heads of the ''Chaturvidha Sangha's'' () UpkeÅ›a Gaccha. He succeeded KeÅ›iÅ›ramanÄcharya and is believed to have exi ...
was once preaching lay followers about renouncing and embracing monkhood, and ''King Ratnachuda'' was flying above him like ''VidyÄdharas'' usually did. ''Ratnachuda'' halted to hear the sermon. Moved by the sermon, the soft-hearted king expressed his will to become a monk. He renounced his wealth and kingdom. His son, ''Kanakchuda'', succeeded him as the next ''VidyÄdhara'' king. With 500 other ''VidyÄdharas'', ''Ratnachuda'' accepted initiation into the ''Jain'' ''sangha'' and was known as ''Ratnachudamuni''.


Monastic lineage

According to the 23rd chapter of the
Uttaradhyayana Sutra Uttaradhyayana or Uttaradhyayana Sutra is one of the most important sacred books of Jains. It consists of 36 chapters, each of which deals with aspects of Jain doctrine and discipline. It is believed by some to contain the actual words of Bha ...
, an ancient canonical text of the ÅšvetÄmbara sect, KeÅ›iÅ›ramanÄcharya, the 4th pattadhÄr in Parshvanatha's lineage, had a conversation with Mahavira's prime disciple
Gautama Swami Gautama Swami, born as Indrabhuti Gautama was the first ''Ganadhara'' (chief disciple) of Mahavira, the 24th and last Jain Tirthankara of present half cycle of time. He is also referred to as Guru Gautama, Gautama Ganadhara, and Ganadhara Gauta ...
about the differences in the teachings of Parshvanatha and
Mahavira Mahavira (Devanagari: महावीर, ), also known as Vardhamana (Devanagari: वरà¥à¤§à¤®à¤¾à¤¨, ), was the 24th ''Tirthankara'' (Supreme Preacher and Ford Maker) of Jainism. Although the dates and most historical details of his lif ...
. Disciples of Parshvanatha wore colored (usually dark-brown) clothes and those of
Mahavira Mahavira (Devanagari: महावीर, ), also known as Vardhamana (Devanagari: वरà¥à¤§à¤®à¤¾à¤¨, ), was the 24th ''Tirthankara'' (Supreme Preacher and Ford Maker) of Jainism. Although the dates and most historical details of his lif ...
wore seamless white clothes. It is such differences that KeÅ›iÅ›ramanÄcharya discusses with
Gautama Swami Gautama Swami, born as Indrabhuti Gautama was the first ''Ganadhara'' (chief disciple) of Mahavira, the 24th and last Jain Tirthankara of present half cycle of time. He is also referred to as Guru Gautama, Gautama Ganadhara, and Ganadhara Gauta ...
. The text further states that upon receiving adequately satisfying answers from
Gautama Swami Gautama Swami, born as Indrabhuti Gautama was the first ''Ganadhara'' (chief disciple) of Mahavira, the 24th and last Jain Tirthankara of present half cycle of time. He is also referred to as Guru Gautama, Gautama Ganadhara, and Ganadhara Gauta ...
, KeÅ›iÅ›ramanÄcharya and all his disciples accepted the order of
Mahavira Mahavira (Devanagari: महावीर, ), also known as Vardhamana (Devanagari: वरà¥à¤§à¤®à¤¾à¤¨, ), was the 24th ''Tirthankara'' (Supreme Preacher and Ford Maker) of Jainism. Although the dates and most historical details of his lif ...
and merged into Mahavira's ''Chaturvidha Sangha''. Later on, this lineage came to be known as the
UpkeÅ›a Gaccha UpkeÅ›a Gaccha is the oldest ''gaccha'' (monastic order) of ÅšvetÄmbara Jainism. It is one of the 84 ''gacchas'' of the ÅšvetÄmbara sect that were once in existence. Unlike most other ''gacchas'' that follow Mahavira's lineage and begin with ...
. Even after the merger, this ''
gaccha Gaccha, alternatively spelled as Gachchha, is a monastic order, along with lay followers, of the idol worshipping Murtipujaka ÅšvetÄmbara sect of Jainism. Etymology ''Gaccha'' literally means "who travel together". History According to Jain ...
'' () always maintained its unique identity of being one of Parshvanatha's lineage until its extinction in and around 1930 AD. Ratnaprabhasuri was the 6th head of the
UpkeÅ›a Gaccha UpkeÅ›a Gaccha is the oldest ''gaccha'' (monastic order) of ÅšvetÄmbara Jainism. It is one of the 84 ''gacchas'' of the ÅšvetÄmbara sect that were once in existence. Unlike most other ''gacchas'' that follow Mahavira's lineage and begin with ...
after Ganadhara Shubhadatt, Arya Haridattsuri, Arya Samudrasuri, KeÅ›iÅ›ramanÄcharya and
Swayamprabhasuri Swayamprabhasuri or Svayamprabhasuri was a ÅšvetÄmbara Jain ascetic and the 5th successor in the lineage of the monastic heads of the ''Chaturvidha Sangha's'' () UpkeÅ›a Gaccha. He succeeded KeÅ›iÅ›ramanÄcharya and is believed to have exi ...
.


Ascetic life

Just like his preceptor
Swayamprabhasuri Swayamprabhasuri or Svayamprabhasuri was a ÅšvetÄmbara Jain ascetic and the 5th successor in the lineage of the monastic heads of the ''Chaturvidha Sangha's'' () UpkeÅ›a Gaccha. He succeeded KeÅ›iÅ›ramanÄcharya and is believed to have exi ...
, he is also said to have been well-versed with the ''DvÄdaÅ›Äá¹…ga'' () and the 14 ''purvas'' of the Jain canon. He is, considered to have known the complete canon, making him one of the ''Åšrut KevalÄ«s''. Since he knew the 14 ''purvas'', he is considered to have been a ''PurvadhÄri'' as well. The full text of 12th ''aá¹…ga
Drstivada The DṛṣṭivÄda or Drishtivaad ("Disputation about views") is a lost text in the Jain religion. It is the last of the 12 Jain Ägamas as per Åšvetámbara tradition, said to be promulgated by MÄhavÄ«ra himself and composed by Ganadhar ...
'' including the 14 ''purvas'' is completely lost now''.'' According to a non-canonical
ÅšvetÄmbara The ÅšvetÄmbara (; also spelled Shwetambara, Shvetambara, Svetambara or Swetambara) is one of the two main branches of Jainism, the other being the Digambara. ''ÅšvetÄmbara'' in Sanskrit means "white-clad", and refers to its ascetics' practi ...
text ''"Upkeśa Gaccha Caritra"'' () of the
ÅšvetÄmbara The ÅšvetÄmbara (; also spelled Shwetambara, Shvetambara, Svetambara or Swetambara) is one of the two main branches of Jainism, the other being the Digambara. ''ÅšvetÄmbara'' in Sanskrit means "white-clad", and refers to its ascetics' practi ...
sect, 52 years after Mahavira's ''
nirvana Nirvana, in the Indian religions (Jainism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism), is the concept of an individual's passions being extinguished as the ultimate state of salvation, release, or liberation from suffering ('' duḥkha'') and from the ...
'', Swayamprabhasuri consecrated ''Ratnachudamuni'' as the next
acharya In Indian religions and society, an ''acharya'' (Sanskrit: आचारà¥à¤¯, IAST: ; Pali: ''Äcariya'') is a religious teacher in Hinduism and Buddhism and a spiritual guide to Hindus and Buddhists. The designation has different meanings i ...
() of
UpkeÅ›a Gaccha UpkeÅ›a Gaccha is the oldest ''gaccha'' (monastic order) of ÅšvetÄmbara Jainism. It is one of the 84 ''gacchas'' of the ÅšvetÄmbara sect that were once in existence. Unlike most other ''gacchas'' that follow Mahavira's lineage and begin with ...
and named him ''Ä€cÄrya Ratnaprabhasuri''. He became the 6th ''pattadhÄr'' () in the 23rd
tirthankara In Jainism, a ''Tirthankara'' (; ) is a saviour and supreme preacher of the ''Dharma (Jainism), dharma'' (righteous path). The word ''tirthankara'' signifies the founder of a ''Tirtha (Jainism), tirtha'', a fordable passage across ''SaṃsÄ ...
Parshvanatha's lineage. Therefore, unlike most Jain ascetics today who trace their lineage to the 24th Tirthankara
Mahavira Mahavira (Devanagari: महावीर, ), also known as Vardhamana (Devanagari: वरà¥à¤§à¤®à¤¾à¤¨, ), was the 24th ''Tirthankara'' (Supreme Preacher and Ford Maker) of Jainism. Although the dates and most historical details of his lif ...
, Ratnaprabhasuri traces his monastic lineage to the 23rd Tirthankara Parshvanatha. Scriptures describing his life mention that he helped eliminate violent practices of
animal sacrifice Animal sacrifice is the ritual killing and offering of animals, usually as part of a religious ritual or to appease or maintain favour with a deity. Animal sacrifices were common throughout Europe and the Ancient Near East until the spread of Chris ...
in the name of religion, especially the rituals of ''
Shaktism Shaktism () is a major Hindu denomination in which the God in Hinduism, deity or metaphysics, metaphysical reality is considered metaphorically to be a woman. Shaktism involves a galaxy of goddesses, all regarded as different aspects, mani ...
'' in several regions, with his efforts at Osian being the most popular and recognized.


Creation of the 'OswÄl clan'


History of Upkeśapattan (or ''Osian'')

Ratnaprabhasuri's preceptor
Swayamprabhasuri Swayamprabhasuri or Svayamprabhasuri was a ÅšvetÄmbara Jain ascetic and the 5th successor in the lineage of the monastic heads of the ''Chaturvidha Sangha's'' () UpkeÅ›a Gaccha. He succeeded KeÅ›iÅ›ramanÄcharya and is believed to have exi ...
had converted King Jayasena, the ruler of '' ÅšrÄ«mal'', into a devout Jain ''ÅšrÄvaka''. The king had two sons, namely ''BhÄ«masena'' and ''Chandrasena.'' The former was a devout ''Shaiva'' and the latter a devout Jain. Since ''BhÄ«masena'' was older than ''Chandrasena'', he acceded to the throne after the king's death. Injustice to Jains became commonplace. All Jains, along with ''Chandrasena'' moved towards
Mount Abu Mount Abu (), known as Arbudgiri in Jain tradition, is a hill station in the Aravalli Range in the Sirohi district of the state of Rajasthan in western India. Here, the mountain forms a rocky plateau 22 km long by 9 km wide. It is ref ...
, and established a new town named ''ChandrÄvati'' with ''Chandrasena'' as their ruler. ''Chandrasena'' constructed 300 Jain temples at ''Chandravati'', the consecration of which was performed by
Swayamprabhasuri Swayamprabhasuri or Svayamprabhasuri was a ÅšvetÄmbara Jain ascetic and the 5th successor in the lineage of the monastic heads of the ''Chaturvidha Sangha's'' () UpkeÅ›a Gaccha. He succeeded KeÅ›iÅ›ramanÄcharya and is believed to have exi ...
. Meanwhile, ''Bhīmasena'' was regretting his decision. He also changed the name of '' Śrīmal'' to ''
Bhinmal Bhinmal (previously Shrimal Nagar) is an ancient town in the Jalore District of Rajasthan, India. It is south of Jalore. Bhinmal was the early capital of Gurjaradesa, comprising modern-day southern Rajasthan and northern Gujarat. The town was ...
. Bhīmasena'' had two sons, namely ''Shrīpunja'' and ''Uppaldeva''. Due to internal disputes, ''Uppaldeva'' left the kingdom to establish a kingdom on his own. He established the town of ''Upkeśapattan'' near modern-day
Jodhpur Jodhpur () is the second-largest city of the north-western Indian state of Rajasthan, after its capital Jaipur. As of 2023, the city has a population of 1.83 million. It serves as the administrative headquarters of the Jodhpur district and ...
. Later, this town came to be known as ''Osian''. Several householders from various towns and villages moved to ''Upkeśapattan''. The merchants of the town did well and the town flourished.


Ratnaprabhasuri's penance near Upkeśapattan

According to a legend, in 457 BC, Ratnaprabhasuri was at
Mount Abu Mount Abu (), known as Arbudgiri in Jain tradition, is a hill station in the Aravalli Range in the Sirohi district of the state of Rajasthan in western India. Here, the mountain forms a rocky plateau 22 km long by 9 km wide. It is ref ...
, and demi-goddess
Chakreshvari In Jain cosmology, Chakeshvari or ''Apraticakra'' is the guardian goddess or Yakshini (attendant deity) of Rishabhanatha. She is the tutelary deity of the Sarawagi The Sarawagi or Saraogi or Sarawgi Jain community, meaning a Jain ÅšrÄvaka, ...
appeared before him and urged him to spread the word of
Jainism Jainism ( ), also known as Jain Dharma, is an Indian religions, Indian religion whose three main pillars are nonviolence (), asceticism (), and a rejection of all simplistic and one-sided views of truth and reality (). Jainism traces its s ...
and save animals from religious violence in
Maru Pradesh Maru Pradesh is a geographical, cultural, social, economic, political and linguistic region of the Thar Desert in the Northwest India. It is also a proposed state in India with its proposed capital being Bikaner, the Central city of Maru Prades ...
. She said that
Swayamprabhasuri Swayamprabhasuri or Svayamprabhasuri was a ÅšvetÄmbara Jain ascetic and the 5th successor in the lineage of the monastic heads of the ''Chaturvidha Sangha's'' () UpkeÅ›a Gaccha. He succeeded KeÅ›iÅ›ramanÄcharya and is believed to have exi ...
could not go beyond Śrīmal and Padmavati. He agreed to her and started moving towards
Rajasthan Rajasthan (; Literal translation, lit. 'Land of Kings') is a States and union territories of India, state in northwestern India. It covers or 10.4 per cent of India's total geographical area. It is the List of states and union territories of ...
with his 500 disciples. Upon reaching, he and his disciples started a month-long penance on a small hill just outside the town. When it was time to break the fast, his disciples entered the town to beg for alms. They could not find food ' free from 42 faults' as all residents of the town worshipped
Chamunda Chamunda (, ), also known as Chamundeshwari, Chamundi or Charchika, is a fearsome form of Chandi, the Hindu mother goddess, Mahadevi and is one of the seven Matrikas.Wangu p.72 She is also one of the chief Yoginis, a group of sixty-four or ...
, performed
animal sacrifice Animal sacrifice is the ritual killing and offering of animals, usually as part of a religious ritual or to appease or maintain favour with a deity. Animal sacrifices were common throughout Europe and the Ancient Near East until the spread of Chris ...
, and consumed food unfit for Jain monks. In such situation, it was getting difficult for monks to survive and Ratnaprabhasuri ordered all his disciples to begin moving to another city.


Ratnaprabhasuri's chaturmasya at Upkeśapattan

Legends say that demi-goddesses
Chamunda Chamunda (, ), also known as Chamundeshwari, Chamundi or Charchika, is a fearsome form of Chandi, the Hindu mother goddess, Mahadevi and is one of the seven Matrikas.Wangu p.72 She is also one of the chief Yoginis, a group of sixty-four or ...
and
Chakreshvari In Jain cosmology, Chakeshvari or ''Apraticakra'' is the guardian goddess or Yakshini (attendant deity) of Rishabhanatha. She is the tutelary deity of the Sarawagi The Sarawagi or Saraogi or Sarawgi Jain community, meaning a Jain ÅšrÄvaka, ...
are friendly to one another. Due to this relationship between them and knowing that the monks sent by
Chakreshvari In Jain cosmology, Chakeshvari or ''Apraticakra'' is the guardian goddess or Yakshini (attendant deity) of Rishabhanatha. She is the tutelary deity of the Sarawagi The Sarawagi or Saraogi or Sarawgi Jain community, meaning a Jain ÅšrÄvaka, ...
were going away,
Chamunda Chamunda (, ), also known as Chamundeshwari, Chamundi or Charchika, is a fearsome form of Chandi, the Hindu mother goddess, Mahadevi and is one of the seven Matrikas.Wangu p.72 She is also one of the chief Yoginis, a group of sixty-four or ...
met Ratnaprabhasuri and urged him to stay for c''haturmasya''. He ordered monks who would not be able to perform severe penance to start walking towards another town. 465 monks left and 35 monks stayed with him. Uppaldeva's daughter ''SaubhÄgyadevi'' was married to his minister Uhada's son. He was bitten by a snake and all forms of treatment did not help revive him. When he was being taken for cremation, Chamunda took the form of a white-clad Jain monk and told the people that he was still alive and then disappeared. When Uppaldeva heard this, he and the others took his son-in-law to Ratnaprabhasuri. The water collected after washing Ratnaprabhasuri's feet was splashed on the prince's face and he was instantly revived. The king felt indebted to Ratnaprabhasuri and gifted him valuables. However, the latter denied stating that he had given up his kingdom at ''Mount VaitÄdhya'' to become a monk. He said that he would not accept any such materialistic repayment. The people requested him to deliver a sermon.


Ratnaprabhasuri's sermon

He delivered an impactful sermon on the various bodies a soul wanders in and how rare a birth a human is. He emphasized that in such a rare state, one should perform acts of righteousness and embrace non-violence. He then preached about the twelve vows of householders and five vows of Jain monks that lead to
Ratnatraya Jainism emphasises that ratnatraya (triple gems of Jainism) — the right faith (''Samyak Darshana''), right knowledge (''Samyak Gyana'') and right conduct (''Samyak Charitra'') — constitutes the path to liberation. These are known as the tripl ...
and eventual
moksha ''Moksha'' (; , '), also called ''vimoksha'', ''vimukti'', and ''mukti'', is a term in Jainism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Sikhism for various forms of emancipation, liberation, '' nirvana'', or release. In its soteriological and eschatologic ...
. He condemned the consumption of alcohol and meat sternly and on giving up animal sacrifice. He also insisted upon embracing non-violence. Further, he preached about establishing
Jain temple A Jain temple, Derasar (Gujarati: દેરાસર) or Basadi (Kannada: ಬಸದಿ) is the place of worship for Jains, the followers of Jainism. Jain architecture is essentially restricted to temples and monasteries, and Jain buildings ge ...
s, installing icons of
Tirthankara In Jainism, a ''Tirthankara'' (; ) is a saviour and supreme preacher of the ''Dharma (Jainism), dharma'' (righteous path). The word ''tirthankara'' signifies the founder of a ''Tirtha (Jainism), tirtha'', a fordable passage across ''SaṃsÄ ...
s, and worshipping them regularly. Everyone regretted their acts of violence the moment his sermon ended. All residents of the town, along with King Uppaldeva accepted
Jainism Jainism ( ), also known as Jain Dharma, is an Indian religions, Indian religion whose three main pillars are nonviolence (), asceticism (), and a rejection of all simplistic and one-sided views of truth and reality (). Jainism traces its s ...
wholeheartedly.


Ratnaprabhasuri's debate with Brahmins

Shaiva Brahmins were infuriated looking at the influence of Ratnaprabhasuri on the residents of the town. They demanded a ''ÅšÄstrÄrtha'' (). Ratnaprabhasuri and his 35 disciples agreed to it. The Brahmins began by stating the lack of devotion in Jains and questioning Jainism's antiquity. Ratnaprabhasuri's disciple ''VÄ«rdhawalopÄdhyÄya'' countered this claim by stating accounts of Jainism in the Brahmin scriptures. Ratnaprabhasuri concluded the debate stating that they have no benefit in people accepting or rejecting Jainism and that it is their moral duty to spread the word of Jainism. Brahmins eventually lost the debate and the entire town converted to Jainism. Several Jain temples were established several icons were consecrated. Ratnaprabhasuri also wrote several non-canonical scriptures such as ''Tattvamimansa'', ''TattvavichÄr'' etc.


Establishment of Osian's 'Mahavira Temple'

Uppaladeva's minister Uhada was already establishing a temple dedicated to
Vishnu Vishnu (; , , ), also known as Narayana and Hari, is one of the Hindu deities, principal deities of Hinduism. He is the supreme being within Vaishnavism, one of the major traditions within contemporary Hinduism, and the god of preservation ( ...
. However, the construction was being hindered. Ratnaprabhasuri suggested him to construct it with
Mahavira Mahavira (Devanagari: महावीर, ), also known as Vardhamana (Devanagari: वरà¥à¤§à¤®à¤¾à¤¨, ), was the 24th ''Tirthankara'' (Supreme Preacher and Ford Maker) of Jainism. Although the dates and most historical details of his lif ...
as the principal deity. The temple was ready. The residents of the town asked Ratnaprabhasuri about an icon to consecrate. He knew that
Chamunda Chamunda (, ), also known as Chamundeshwari, Chamundi or Charchika, is a fearsome form of Chandi, the Hindu mother goddess, Mahadevi and is one of the seven Matrikas.Wangu p.72 She is also one of the chief Yoginis, a group of sixty-four or ...
was preparing one using sand and the milk of a cow, so he asked the residents to keep patience. According to scriptural and local legends, one day, the cowherd saw his cow discharging milk at a part in the village. He informed Minister Uhada and the latter dug the land there. He found an idol of the 24th
Tirthankara In Jainism, a ''Tirthankara'' (; ) is a saviour and supreme preacher of the ''Dharma (Jainism), dharma'' (righteous path). The word ''tirthankara'' signifies the founder of a ''Tirtha (Jainism), tirtha'', a fordable passage across ''SaṃsÄ ...
Mahavira Mahavira (Devanagari: महावीर, ), also known as Vardhamana (Devanagari: वरà¥à¤§à¤®à¤¾à¤¨, ), was the 24th ''Tirthankara'' (Supreme Preacher and Ford Maker) of Jainism. Although the dates and most historical details of his lif ...
. They urged Ratnaprabhasuri to consecrate this idol in the temple. However, the preceptor knew that the idol was unfinished and needed 7 more days to be completely sculpted by the demi-goddess. However, looking at the excitement and devotion among the people, he allowed digging and taking the idol out.
Chamunda Chamunda (, ), also known as Chamundeshwari, Chamundi or Charchika, is a fearsome form of Chandi, the Hindu mother goddess, Mahadevi and is one of the seven Matrikas.Wangu p.72 She is also one of the chief Yoginis, a group of sixty-four or ...
was angered by this and forced every householder to sacrifice one goat and every household to sacrifice one buffalo every day during the 9 days of the
Navaratri Navaratri () is an annual Hindu festival observed in honor of the goddess Durga, an aspect of Adi Parashakti, the supreme goddess. It spans over nine nights, first in the month of Chaitra (March/April of the Gregorian calendar), and aga ...
.


Conversion of ChÄmundÄ into 'Sacchiya MÄtÄ'

After a lengthy sermon by Ratnaprabhasuri, ''ChÄmundÄ'' realized that violence was not the correct way and attained the
Ratnatraya Jainism emphasises that ratnatraya (triple gems of Jainism) — the right faith (''Samyak Darshana''), right knowledge (''Samyak Gyana'') and right conduct (''Samyak Charitra'') — constitutes the path to liberation. These are known as the tripl ...
. She became a samyaktvi (one of right faith, knowledge, and conduct) demi-goddess. She was renamed to Sacchiya MÄtÄ by Ratnaprabhasuri and was consecrated as the ''adhiÅ›thÄyikÄ'' () of the Mahavira Jain temple, Osian. A shrine dedicated to her was also constructed on the small hill where Ratnaprabhasuri had performed penance. Later, the idol of
Mahavira Mahavira (Devanagari: महावीर, ), also known as Vardhamana (Devanagari: वरà¥à¤§à¤®à¤¾à¤¨, ), was the 24th ''Tirthankara'' (Supreme Preacher and Ford Maker) of Jainism. Although the dates and most historical details of his lif ...
was consecrated.


Establishment of the 'OswÄl clan'

The residents of the town insisted upon Ratnaprabhasuri to name their clan different from '' ÅšrÄ«malis'' and ''PorvÄls.'' Ratnaprabhasuri named the clan ''OswÄl''. They were strict adherents of the
ÅšvetÄmbara The ÅšvetÄmbara (; also spelled Shwetambara, Shvetambara, Svetambara or Swetambara) is one of the two main branches of Jainism, the other being the Digambara. ''ÅšvetÄmbara'' in Sanskrit means "white-clad", and refers to its ascetics' practi ...
sect. A poetic version of the legend was also written by a later monk belonging to the
UpkeÅ›a Gaccha UpkeÅ›a Gaccha is the oldest ''gaccha'' (monastic order) of ÅšvetÄmbara Jainism. It is one of the 84 ''gacchas'' of the ÅšvetÄmbara sect that were once in existence. Unlike most other ''gacchas'' that follow Mahavira's lineage and begin with ...
.


Death and legacy

Just like his preceptor
Swayamprabhasuri Swayamprabhasuri or Svayamprabhasuri was a ÅšvetÄmbara Jain ascetic and the 5th successor in the lineage of the monastic heads of the ''Chaturvidha Sangha's'' () UpkeÅ›a Gaccha. He succeeded KeÅ›iÅ›ramanÄcharya and is believed to have exi ...
, he went to
Palitana Palitana is a city in the Bhavnagar district of the Indian state of Gujarat. It is one of the most significant pilgrimage destinations for followers of Jainism, renowned for the Shatrunjaya hill temples, a sprawling complex of over 900 marble t ...
and performed ''
Sallekhana (IAST: ), also known as ''samlehna'', ''santhara'', ''samadhi-marana'' or ''sanyasana-marana'', is a supplementary vow to the ethical code of conduct of Jainism. It is the religious practice of voluntarily fasting to death by gradually redu ...
'' and died after a month-long fast at the age of 84 in 443 BC. Before he died, he consecrated ''VÄ«rdhawalopÄdhyÄya'' as the next head of the monastic order of
UpkeÅ›a Gaccha UpkeÅ›a Gaccha is the oldest ''gaccha'' (monastic order) of ÅšvetÄmbara Jainism. It is one of the 84 ''gacchas'' of the ÅšvetÄmbara sect that were once in existence. Unlike most other ''gacchas'' that follow Mahavira's lineage and begin with ...
and named him ''Yakshadevasuri''. Ratnaprabhasuri is the subject of several non-canonical
ÅšvetÄmbara The ÅšvetÄmbara (; also spelled Shwetambara, Shvetambara, Svetambara or Swetambara) is one of the two main branches of Jainism, the other being the Digambara. ''ÅšvetÄmbara'' in Sanskrit means "white-clad", and refers to its ascetics' practi ...
scriptures such as Ratnaprabhasuri's (a later monk and not the subject of this article) ''"Upkeśa Gaccha Caritra"'' () as well as the ''
pattavali A Pattavali (From Sanskrit patta: seat, avali: chain), Sthaviravali or Theravali, is a record of a spiritual lineage of heads of monastic orders. They are thus spiritual genealogies. It is generally presumed that two successive names are teach ...
'' of UpkeÅ›a Gaccha that is mentioned in Vijayanandsuri's ''AjnÄna-timira-bhÄskara'', which was also translated by renowned Indologist and professor A. F. Rudolph Hoernle. These and other similar biographical scriptures called ''pattavali caritras'' describe his ascetic life and life as a king in great detail. It is said that Ratnaprabhasuri was one of the most impactful
ÅšvetÄmbara The ÅšvetÄmbara (; also spelled Shwetambara, Shvetambara, Svetambara or Swetambara) is one of the two main branches of Jainism, the other being the Digambara. ''ÅšvetÄmbara'' in Sanskrit means "white-clad", and refers to its ascetics' practi ...
Jain monks, given the success of the Oswal clan. Several scholars have studied his life, seeing him as a crucial figure in the history and culture of
Jainism Jainism ( ), also known as Jain Dharma, is an Indian religions, Indian religion whose three main pillars are nonviolence (), asceticism (), and a rejection of all simplistic and one-sided views of truth and reality (). Jainism traces its s ...
because he is considered to be the founder of the ''OswÄl'' clan. Today, roughly three-fourths of
ÅšvetÄmbara The ÅšvetÄmbara (; also spelled Shwetambara, Shvetambara, Svetambara or Swetambara) is one of the two main branches of Jainism, the other being the Digambara. ''ÅšvetÄmbara'' in Sanskrit means "white-clad", and refers to its ascetics' practi ...
Jains belong to the ''OswÄl'' clan. His monastic lineage and ancestry came to be known as
UpkeÅ›a Gaccha UpkeÅ›a Gaccha is the oldest ''gaccha'' (monastic order) of ÅšvetÄmbara Jainism. It is one of the 84 ''gacchas'' of the ÅšvetÄmbara sect that were once in existence. Unlike most other ''gacchas'' that follow Mahavira's lineage and begin with ...
only after his efforts at ''Osian'', which was also known as ''Upkeśapattan'' or ''Upkeśapur''. In veneration to him, his footprints have been installed at
Dilwara Temples The Dilwara Temples or Delvada Temples are a group of ÅšvÄ“tÄmbara Jain temples located about kilometres from the Mount Abu settlement in Sirohi District, Rajasthan's only hill station. The earliest were built by Vimal Shah , a Jain mini ...
and Mahavira Jain temple, Osian.


See also

*
Uttaradhyayana Sutra Uttaradhyayana or Uttaradhyayana Sutra is one of the most important sacred books of Jains. It consists of 36 chapters, each of which deals with aspects of Jain doctrine and discipline. It is believed by some to contain the actual words of Bha ...
*
Tapa Gaccha Tapa Gaccha is the largest Gaccha (monastic order) of ÅšvetÄmbara Jainism. More than half of the existing Jain ascetics belong to the Tapa Gaccha. Several successful Sanskrit scholars belonged to Tapa Gaccha, including Hiravijaya, Meghavijaya, ...
*
Hiravijaya Hiravijaya (1526–1595), also known as Muni Hiravijayji and Hiravijay Suri, was a high priest of the Tapa Gaccha monastic order, following the Jain ÅšvetÄmbara tradition. He is known for propounding the Jain philosophy to Mughal Emperor Ak ...
suri *
Sudharmaswami Sudharmaswami ( or Sudharman; 607 BC – 507 BC) was the fifth ganadhara of Mahavira. All the current Jain acharyas and monks follow his rule. Life Sudharmaswami was the spiritual successor of Indrabhuti Gautama in religious order reorganise ...


References

{{Jainism topics Indian Jain writers Indian Jain monks Prakrit literature ÅšvetÄmbara monks