Samavsharan

Samavsharan or  Samosharana.  “Refuge to All” is a term for the divine preaching hall of the Tirthankara. The word ”samavasarana” is derived from two words, ”sama” meaning general and ”avasara” meaning opportunity. A place where all have a common opportunity of acquiring the wisdom.

The divine pavilion is built by heavenly beings  ”devas” after the tirthankara attain omniscience Jains The theme of Samavsaranas has been popular in Jain art.

 Hall 

The divine hall exceeds everything that human eyes have ever seen. In samavasarana, the ”tirthankara” sat on a throne without touching it (about two inches above it). Around, the tirthankara sits the ”ganadharas” (chief disciples).

Following is the order in which living beings sit:

• In the first hall, Jain monasticism ascetics
• In the second hall, one class of deva ladies
• In the third hall, nuns and laywomen
• In the next three halls, three other class of deva ladies
• In the next four halls, the four classes of devas (heavenly beings)
• Men, in the eleventh hall
• Animals, in the last hall

According to Jain texts, there would be four wide roads with four huge columns, Manasthamba (literally, pride pillar), one in each side. The total size of the hall varies depending upon the height of the people in that era.

Effects of the Samavasarana 

In samavasarana, a tirthankara sits facing the east, but appears to be looking in all directions. Tirthankara sits on a soft cushion while preaching the Jain philosophy in plain terms.

All humans and animals can understand the discourse. Jain scriptures say that all creatures who listen would become less violent and Aparigraha greed less. The speech of the tirthankara is distinctly heard by every one present.

Champat Rai Jain