Chakreshvari Devi
Yakshini (guardian deity) of Lord Rishabhanatha
Yakshini (Guardian Deity)
Relations: Lord Rishabhanatha
Place of Origin: India
Origin Date: Ancient period
Domain: Protection of devotees, safeguarding temples
Symbols: Chakra (wheel), Mongoose
Attributes: Protection, strength
Epithets: Chakreshvari, Ambika
Equivalents: None
Religion: Jainism
Sacred Texts: Various Jain scriptures
Iconography: Depicted with a chakra (wheel) and a mongoose, often in a protective stance.
Description
Chakreshvari Devi is the Yakshini of Lord Rishabhanatha, the first Tirthankara. She is known for her protective nature and is often depicted with a chakra (wheel) and a mongoose.
Narratives
Birth and Origins:
Chakreshvari Devi, also known as Apraticakra, is the guardian goddess or Yakshini of Lord Rishabhanatha, the first Tirthankara. She is the tutelary deity of the Sarawagi Jain community. Her color is golden, and her vehicle is the Garuda. She is depicted with eight arms, carrying various weapons and symbols, including two Chakras, a Trishula, a bow, an arrow, a noose, an elephant goad, and a Varadamudra.
Protection of Lord Rishabhanatha:
Chakreshvari Devi is known for her protective nature. She safeguarded Lord Rishabhanatha during his meditations and spiritual practices. Her role as a protector highlights her devotion and dedication to the Tirthankara.
Legend of the Temple at Attewali:
During the times of Raja Prithviraj Chauhan, a group of pilgrims from Rajasthan were traveling to the ancient Jain Temple of Kangra. They carried an idol of Mata Chakreshvari Devi. When they halted at Sirhind, the chariot carrying the idol did not move the next morning. A divine voice instructed them to dig the land nearby, where they found a fountain of water. The pilgrims installed the idol at that place, which became the Mata Shri Chakreshwari Devi Jain Tirth, a famous temple in Punjab2.
Role as a Shasan Devi:
Chakreshvari Devi is revered as a Shasan Devi (protective goddess) in Jainism. She is worshipped for her protective and benevolent qualities. Her association with Lord Rishabhanatha makes her an important deity in Jain rituals and practices.
Worship Beliefs and Practices of Chakreshvari Devi
Chakreshvari Devi is a revered goddess in Jainism, known for her protective nature and association with Lord Rishabhanatha, the first Tirthankara. She is often depicted with a chakra (wheel) and a mongoose, symbolizing protection and power.
Core Beliefs
Yakshini of Rishabhanatha: Chakreshvari Devi is considered the Yakshini (attendant goddess) of Lord Rishabhanatha. She is believed to protect and assist devotees in their spiritual journey, embodying the qualities of protection and power.
Symbol of Protection and Power: Chakreshvari Devi represents protection and power, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding devotees from negative influences. Her association with the chakra and the mongoose highlights her role as a guardian.
Attributes and Significance
Depictions: Chakreshvari Devi is often depicted with a chakra (wheel) and a mongoose. She may be shown with eight arms, carrying various weapons and symbols, including a trishula (trident), bow, arrow, noose, and elephant goad. Her vehicle is the Garuda.
Symbols: Common symbols associated with Chakreshvari Devi include the chakra, the mongoose, and the Garuda. These symbols are used in rituals and ceremonies to invoke her presence and blessings.
Cultural Hero: The stories and depictions of Chakreshvari Devi are passed down through generations, maintaining their significance in Jain culture and mythology. She is a symbol of protection, power, and the support of spiritual endeavors.
Practices of Worship
Rituals and Ceremonies: Devotees perform various rituals and ceremonies to honor Chakreshvari Devi. These include offerings of food, flowers, and other goods to seek her favor and protection. Rituals often take place in temples dedicated to Chakreshvari Devi, where devotees can offer prayers and make offerings.
Sacred Sites: Temples and shrines dedicated to Chakreshvari Devi can be found throughout India and other regions with Jain populations. Some of the most famous sites include the Mata Shri Chakreshwari Devi Jain Tirth in Punjab.
Offerings: Offerings to Chakreshvari Devi typically include food, flowers, and items related to her symbols, such as chakra figurines and mongoose statues. These offerings symbolize gratitude and the desire for protection and blessings.
Festivals and Traditions
Chakreshvari Jayanti: Chakreshvari Jayanti is a major festival dedicated to Chakreshvari Devi, celebrating her significance and protective nature. The festival includes prayers, rituals, and offerings to seek Chakreshvari Devi's blessings for the coming year.
Cultural Celebrations: Chakreshvari Devi's story may be included in cultural celebrations and festivals that honor Jain heritage and traditions. These gatherings often include music, dance, and storytelling.
Prayers: Devotees pray to Chakreshvari Devi for protection, power, and the successful practice of their spiritual beliefs. Traditional prayers often invoke her role as the Yakshini of Rishabhanatha and a symbol of protection.
Chakreshvari Devi's role as the Yakshini of Rishabhanatha embodies the core values and beliefs of Jainism, emphasizing the importance of protection, power, and the support of spiritual endeavors.