In Jainism, the Gandharas (or Ganadharas) are the chief disciples of a Tirthankara, serving as leaders of the four orders of the Sangha and the primary interpreters of the Tirthankara's divine voice. They are responsible for organizing the Tirthankara's teachings into scriptures (Agamas). Without the Gandharas, the compilation of the Tirthankara's teachings would not be possible.
Origin of the word Gandhar:
❀ Gana - group or assembly
❀ Dhar - holder or leader
Thus, Gandhar means the leader of a group of monks and the chief interpreter of the teachings of a Tirthankara.
Major aspects of Gandhara in Jainism:
❀ Gandharas are direct disciples who receive the divine teachings and structure them into the Dwadashangas (12 scriptures). They manage the Gana (monastic order).
❀ They are considered the second highest rank after the Tirthankara and are essential for the propagation of the Dharma after the Tirthankara's nirvana.
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Bhagwan Mahaveer had 11 prominent Gandharas. The first was Gautamswami and the fifth Sudharmaswami became the leader of the ascetic community after Mahavira's nirvana.
❀ According to texts such as Tiloyapannatti, the total number of Gandharas of the 24 Tirthankaras is 1,459.
❀ Unlike the 24 fixed Tirthankaras, the number of Gandharas varies with each Tirthankara.
Spiritual Significance of the Gandharas ]
❀ Gandharas are worshipped as highly enlightened souls who, after guiding the community, ultimately attain Kevala Jnana (omniscience) and Moksha.
❀ They are not Tirthankaras, but are very close to spiritual liberation.
❀ Their lives embody supreme devotion, discipline, and scriptural knowledge.
❀ Tirthankaras impart divine knowledge. The Gandharas understand it fully. The Gandharas organize and disseminate it in the form of scriptures.
They are therefore considered the pillars of the Jain scriptural tradition.
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