Auspicious dreams are often described in texts of Jainism which forecast the virtue of children. Their number varies according to different traditions and they described frequently as fourteen or sixteen dreams. They are seen by mothers of the prominent figures in Jainism including Tirthankaras, on the conception of their soul in the womb. They are interpreted as describing virtues and kingship of a future child. They are also found in various artistic media as an ornamentation.
Dreams Their number and description differ according to major traditions of Jainism. According to Digambara tradition, there are 16 dreams while according to Śvetāmbara tradition, there are 14 dreams. Most of them are same. They are described in detail as dreams of queen Trishala, mother of Mahavira, in some Jain texts. + Auspicious dreams No.Digambara No.Śvetāmbara Name Image Dream Interpretation 1 1 Airavata White elephant with four tusks, similar to the elephant of the god Indra Mother would give birth to a child with good character. The four tusk of elephant depicts the four components of Sangha: monks, nuns, laymen and laywomen. 2 2 Vrishabha Bull The dream foretold the birth of a great religious Teacher who would spread the light of knowledge. 3 3 Simha Lion Power, strength and fearlessness. The child will be strong as the lion, in overcoming all enemies. 4 4 Lakshmi The goddess of wealth, Lakshmi or Shri Wealth and prosperity 5 5 Phul-mala Pair of garlands Popularity and respect 6 6 Chandra Moon Peace and help to others 7 7 Surya Sun Supreme knowledge - 8 Dhvaja Flag with lion pictured on it flying on golden stick Leadership 8 - Meena-yugma Pair of fishes Handsomeness 9 9 Purna Kalasha Full jug / pair of full vases with lotuses Perfect in virtues and would be full of compassion for all living beings. The kalasha is considered auspicious in Dharmic religions. 10 10 Padma Sarovar Lotus pond / celestial lake Detachment from worldly possessions 11 11 Ratnakar Ocean / rough ocean Achievement of infinite perception and knowledge, spiritual liberation 12 - Simhasana Large, resplendent, golden throne set with bright diamonds and rubies Son will become the World Teacher 13 12 Deva-Vimana Celestial cheriot palace Angels in heaven would respect, honor his spiritual teachings 14 - Palace The rising residence of Nāgendra, the lord of the devas of the Nāgakumāra clan Child will be born with clairvoyance 15 13 Ratnadhag Heap of jewels Virtues and wisdom 16 14 Nirdhumra Agni Smokeless fire Reform and restoration of religious order. He would burn his karmas and attain salvation.
These dreams features animals, objects and a goddess associated with positive virtues and kingship. They are generally considered positive symbols in Indian culture so they frequently appear in other Indian religions like Buddhism and Hinduism.
Importance
In texts These dreams are connected with the births of Tirthankaras and the other prominent people including Chakravarti, Balabhadra/Baladeva and Vāsudeva in Jainism. They are 63 in total and called Shalakapurusha. Their mothers see a certain number of dreams on conception of their soul in womb. They are described in the great detail in Kalpasutra. 12th century Jain monk Hemchandracharya described and interpreted them in detail in Trishashthishalakapurush. Avashyak-niryukti, an early verse-commentary in Prakrit, explains relation of names of some Tirthankaras and these dreams.
+Foretelling as per Kalpasutra Number of dreams What it foretells 14 dreams birth of a future Tirthankara or Chakravarti (universal monarch) 7 of the 14 dreams birth of a future Vāsudeva 4 of the 14 dreams birth of a future Baladeva/Balabhadra 1 of the 14 dreams birth of a future Mandalika (king)
Festivals On the fifth day of festival of Paryusana, Jain monks read or narrate the portion of the Kalpasutra dealing with birth of last Tirthankara Mahavira, to the Jain lay people. They are displayed to the people in the form of silver models and auctioned for temporary possession and display to other people for festive days.
Other These dreams are symbolised and found in artistic media like paintings in manuscripts and on its covers, books, ornamentation in stone carvings, invitation scrolls and temple furnitures.
References Citations
Sources
External links
The Dreams of Queen Trishala Dreams of mother of Tirthankara Dreams in Jainism -Jainpedia Description on Sacred-Texts