In Jainism, the concept of nimitt refers to a "secondary cause" or an external instrumental factor that aids in the fruition of a particular event, while the upadan is the primary cause or the internal capability or merit of the soul.

Kevala Jnana is the highest form of knowledge—omniscience—attained by an Arhat, where all karmic veils on knowledge are destroyed.

Chandanbala is a prominent figure in Jain tradition, known for her exemplary devotion and pivotal role in the life of Lord Mahavira.

Chandanbala as the Nimitt for Mahavira’s Kevala Jnana

According to Jain scriptures and traditional accounts, Chandanbala is recognized as the nimitt (instrumental cause) for Lord Mahavira attaining Kevala Jnana. Here’s the explanation:

• During his 12-and-a-half-year-long spiritual practices and severe penance, Lord Mahavira observed the vow of receiving food only under specific conditions (e.g., from a pure-hearted person, in a specific vessel, etc.).
• It was Chandanbala, a virtuous and devoted woman, who ultimately fulfilled all these conditions unknowingly and offered food to Mahavira with utmost devotion and purity.
• Upon receiving the proper alms from Chandanbala, Mahavira’s last obstacle regarding the vow of food (ahara) was removed.
• Shortly after accepting food from Chandanbala, Lord Mahavira attained Kevala Jnana at the banks of the Rijubalika river.
• In this context, Chandanbala is considered the nimitt (external facilitating cause) for the event of Mahavira attaining Kevala Jnana. The upadan (internal cause) was Mahavira's own spiritual purity and destruction of karmas.

Scriptural Reference

This episode is described in texts such as the Kalpa Sūtra and various Jain Āgamas, as well as in popular Jain literature and tradition.

Summary Table

| Event | Upadan (Primary Cause) | Nimitt (Secondary/Instrumental Cause) | |-------------------------------------|-----------------------------|---------------------------------------| | Mahavira’s attainment of Kevala Jnana | Destruction of his own karmas | Offering of food by Chandanbala |

In summary: Chandanbala is considered the nimitt (instrumental cause) for Lord Mahavira’s attainment of Kevala Jnana in Jain tradition.