JBD11 - Vidya Devi - Spiritual Power Of Knowledge
Vidya Devi - Spiritual Power Of Knowledge
In Jainism, the term Vidya devi denotes the sixteen goddesses of learning, also called Mahavidyas or Shrutadevis. They are divine embodiments of knowledge who bless devotees with wisdom and understanding. These deities are led by Shruta-Devi (Saraswati), regarded as the supreme goddess of learning.
The sixteen Vidya Devis are distinct from the twenty-four Shasana Devis, who serve as protectors of each Tirthankara and the Jain faith. The Vidya Devis reside in the seventh Valaya (circle) of the sacred Siddhachakra and are depicted with multiple arms and symbolic attributes representing various forms of knowledge and learning.
Who is Vidya Devi ?
Vidyādevī (विद्यादेवी) is known as the Goddess of Knowledge and Learning in Jainism — a divine embodiment of Vidya, meaning “wisdom” or “true knowledge.”
In Jain philosophy, knowledge (Jñāna) is the path to liberation, and the Vidyādevīs represent this sacred power of enlightenment. The term “Vidyādevī” can refer to one goddess — often identified with Sarasvatī or Śruta-devī, the supreme goddess of learning — or collectively to the sixteen Vidyādevīs, each symbolizing a specific form of knowledge or science.
Iconography and Artistic Depictions
There is no single creation story common to all sixteen Vidyādevīs. Their legends, symbols, and appearances vary between the two main Jain sects — Śvetāmbara and Digambara.
They are often depicted with two or multiple arms, adorned with ornaments, and accompanied by various animal mounts (vāhanas). Their visual forms often resemble those of Yakṣiṇīs, the female guardian spirits, though their role is purely intellectual and spiritual rather than protective.
Some key examples include:
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Rohiṇī – In the Śvetāmbara tradition, she rides a cow and holds a conch, rosary, bow, and arrow.
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Prajñapti – Seated on a peacock, she holds a lotus and a śakti (spear).
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Vajraśṛnkhalā – Often shown with a chain and a club, seated on a lotus.
Unlike the Hindu Sarasvatī, the Vidyādevīs are typically not shown holding a book or vīṇā (lute). Instead, their attributes reflect their mystical functions — mastery over knowledge, control of senses, and liberation from ignorance.
Religious Significance of Vidyādevī
Vidyādevī symbolizes divine knowledge and wisdom in Jainism — the power that frees the soul from ignorance and leads to liberation (moksha).
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She represents true knowledge (Samyak Jñāna), one of the three pillars of Jain faith.
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Originating from Sarasvatī (Śruta-devī), she embodies scriptural learning and right understanding.
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Worship of Vidyādevī inspires purity of mind, spiritual clarity, and devotion to truth.
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Festivals like Jñāna Pañcamī and Navapad Olī celebrate her as the goddess of learning and enlightenment.
In essence, Vidyādevī personifies Jainism’s belief that knowledge is sacred energy — the path to freedom and inner peace.
Spiritual Importance of Vidyādevī
Vidyādevī represents the spiritual power of knowledge that guides the soul from ignorance to enlightenment. In Jainism, she is not just a goddess of learning but a symbol of inner awakening and self-realization.
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She inspires right knowledge (Samyak Jñāna), essential for breaking the cycle of birth and death.
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Worshipping Vidyādevī encourages clarity, discipline, and purity of thought.
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She reminds devotees that true wisdom lies within, discovered through meditation and understanding of truth.
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Her blessings lead to spiritual liberation (Moksha), where the soul attains peace and infinite awareness.
In essence, Vidyādevī embodies the Jain belief that knowledge is divine light — the key to freedom and eternal bliss.
Festivals of the Vidyādevīs
The Vidyādevīs, goddesses of knowledge in Jainism, are honored during several sacred festivals that celebrate wisdom and learning.
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Jñāna Pañcamī (Gyana Panchami): Observed on the fifth day after Diwali, this festival is dedicated to pure knowledge (jñāna). Devotees worship Sarasvatī and the sixteen Vidyādevīs by performing prayers, meditation, and by cleaning and honoring sacred scriptures.
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Navapad Olī: Celebrated twice a year (March/April and September/October), devotees meditate upon the principle of Jñāna—knowledge personified by the Vidyādevīs—through semi-fasting and self-reflection.
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Ashtahnika Parva: An eight-day festival for spiritual study and insight, observed by both major Jain sects, where Sarasvatī and other Vidyādevīs are worshipped to attain wisdom.
List of the Sixteen Vidyādevīs
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Rohiṇī
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Prajñapti
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Vajraśṛnkhalā
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Vajrāṅkuśā
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Apraticakrā
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Puruṣadattā
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Kālī
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Mahākālī
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Gaurī
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Gāndhārī
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Sarvāstra-Mahājvālā
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Mānavī
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Vairoṭyā
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Acchuptā
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Mānasī
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Mahāmānasī
Each goddess symbolizes a distinct “Vidya” (knowledge or mystical science) — ranging from insight and discipline to divine intuition and magical power.
Hidden Facts
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The 16 Vidyādevīs evolved from the worship of Sarasvatī (Śruta-devī), the original goddess of learning.
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Their Tantric-inspired iconography reflects power, wisdom, and mystic energy.
They reside on Mount Vaitāḍhya in the Madhyaloka (middle world). -
Unique to Jainism, they personify knowledge, unlike the Śāsana Devis who protect the faith.
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Each goddess symbolizes a different form of learning or science.
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Their worship emphasizes purity, study, and inner enlightenment over material gain.
