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Ashtamangal details Jain
In Jainism, Ashtamangal means “eight auspicious symbols”. They are used in pūjā, prātiṣṭhā, temple-decoration, on Vedi, and in manuscripts (like Kalpa-sūtra) as signs of शुभ (mangal) and spiritual progress.
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The 8 Ashtamangal (commonly used in Jain tradition)
- Swastik (स्वस्तिक)
- Four-armed cross symbol. - Reminds us of the four gatis (destinies) and that we must strive for moksha. - Also a sign of शुभता (auspiciousness) before starting any mangalik work.
- Shrivatsa (श्रिवत्स)
- A special auspicious mark seen on the chest of the Jina. - Symbol of pure, infinite compassion and spiritual glory of the Tirthankar.
- Nandyavart (नन्द्यावर्त)
- A complex, many-armed form of the swastik. - Sign of endless prosperity in dharma, expansion of right faith and right knowledge.
- Vardhamanak (वर्धमानक)
- A small pot/bowl or grain-measuring vessel, often overflowing. - Symbolizes continuous growth (vardhan) of punya, dharma, and spiritual virtues.
- Bhadrasan (भद्रासन)
- A holy seat or throne. - Indicates the venerable seat of the Jina and our inner readiness to receive true knowledge.
- Kalash (कलश)
- A full water vessel (copper/silver/steel) often with mango leaves and coconut. - Symbol of purity, abundance, and auspicious beginning; all शुभ कार्य start with kalash.
- Darpan (दर्पण – Mirror)
- A mirror. - Reminds that we should see our true self (आत्मा) clearly, without distortion of rāga–dveṣa (attachment–aversion).
- Meen-Yugal (मीन-युगल – Pair of Fishes)
- Two fishes together. - Symbol of fearlessness and ability to move through saṃsāra, like fish in water, without getting bound; victory over passions.
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Digambar and Shvetambar – small differences
- Both traditions accept the idea of Ashtamangal as eight mangal symbols used around Jina images and in rituals.
- In practical, popular usage (temples, Kalpa-sūtra illustrations, pratistha, etc.), both traditions commonly use the above 8 symbols:
- In some older textual / technical lists, especially in Digambar literature, Ashtamangal are sometimes described more as objects used in royal or divine procession (umbrella, banner, pot, fly-whisk, mirror, seat, fan, vessel). These are more iconographic / ritual objects, not the popular eight symbols every Jain knows today.
For daily understanding and practice, when Jains say “Ashtamangal”, they usually mean the eight symbolic forms listed above.
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Where are Ashtamangal used?
- On the vedi (platform) near the Jina at the start of pūjā
- In pratisthā rituals and other big mangalik functions
- Drawn with rice grains before idols or on wooden boards
- In manuscripts and paintings, especially Kalpa-sūtra depictions
- As reminders of dharma, purity, and the goal of moksha
They are not for material “luck” only. Their main purpose in Jain Dharma is to turn the mind towards right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct, and to remember the glory and qualities of the Tirthankars.
