Trishasthi Shalaka Purush in Jainism

 

Who are Trishasthi Shalaka Purush in Jainism?

According to Jain cosmology, there are 63 illustrious or most worthy persons mentioned. The Jain universal or legendary history is a compilation of the deeds of these illustrious persons. Trishasthi shalaka purush, a Sanskrit epic poem was written by Acharya Hemchandra in the twelfth century. The shalaka purush comprise of the following groups:

              24 Tirthankaras (teaching Gods)

              12 Chakravartis (universal monarchs, emperor of six continents)

               9 Vasudevas (Narayanas) (warrior heroes)

               9 Prati-vasudevas (Prati-narayanas) (antiheroes)

               9 Baladevas (Balabhadras) (gentle heroes).

 

24 tirthankaras are Rishavdev, Ajita, Sambhava, Abhinandana, Sumati, Padmaprabha, Suparshva, Chandraprabha, Suvidhi, Shitala, Shreyansha, Vasupujya, Vimala, Ananta, Dharma, Shanti, Kunthu, Ara, Malli, Munisuvrata, Nami, Arishtanemi, Parsva, Mahavira.

 12 Chakravartis are Bharata, Sagara, Maghavan, Sanatkumar, Shanti, Kunthu, Ara, Subhauma, Padmanabha, Harishena, Joysena, Brahmadatta.

 9 Vasudevas are Triprishtha, Dwiprishtha, Swayambhu, Purushottama, Purushsimha, Pundarika, Dattadeva, Narayana (Laxmana), Krishna.

 9 Prati-vasudevas are Ashwagriba, Taraka, Meraka,a Madhukaitabha, Nishumbha, Bali, Prahlada, Ravana, Jarasandha.

 9 Baladevas are Achala, Jiyo, Bhadra, Suprabha, Sudarshana, Ananda, Nandana (Nandimitra), Padma, Rama (Balarama or Ramachandra).

 

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