Ganadhara

In Jainism, the term Ganadhara is used to refer the chief disciple of a Tirthankara. In samavasarana, the Tīrthankara sat on a throne without touching it (about two inches above it).^[1] Around, the Tīrthankara sits the Ganadharas.^[2] According to Digambara tradition, only a disciple of exceptional brilliance and accomplishment (riddhi) is able to fully assimilate, without doubt, delusion, or misapprehension, the anekanta teachings of a Tirthankara.^[3] The presence of such a disciple is mandatory in the samavasarana before Tirthankara delivers his sermons. Ganadhara interpret and mediate to other people the divine sound (divyadhwani) which the Jains claim emanates from Tirthankara's body when he preaches.^[4]

The monastic sangha of Jainism is divided into a number of orders or troupes called ganas, each headed by a ganadhara.^[5]^[6]

In 20th century, statues depicting Tīrthankaras and Ganadharas were unearthed in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha.^[7]

^ Jain 2008, p. 95.
^ Jain 2008, p. 96.
^ Jain 2012, p. xi.
^ Dundas 2002, p. 37.
^ The Early Centuries of Jainism
^ Jain Agama Literature
^ Nagendra-Natha Vasu, The archaeological survey of Mayurabhanja, p. xivi

[FOOTNOTEJain200895-1] Jain 2008, p. 95.

[FOOTNOTEJain200896-2] Jain 2008, p. 96.

[FOOTNOTEJain2012xi-3] Jain 2012, p. xi.

[FOOTNOTEDundas200237-4] Dundas 2002, p. 37.

[5] The Early Centuries of Jainism

[6] Jain Agama Literature

[7] Nagendra-Natha Vasu, The archaeological survey of Mayurabhanja, p. xivi

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