The 12 Chakravartis

Who are Chakravartis ?

Chakravartis are emperors who rule over a part of the world (Bharata- and having six parts). Their life is embellished with similar features like those of the Tirthankaras. Every ChakarvartI obtains his high rank on account of good actions done in earlier existences and on account of a Nidana, i.e. a wish which is passionately cherished in an earlier life. He is born in the royal family of Iksvaku, grows in pomp and glory and is ex­perienced in all arts and sciences. Having beauty and power, being brave and clever, he is embellished with 36 insignias of mind and body. After vanquishing all the opponents in battle, he conquers the world; served and praised by gods and genii, he is anointed emperor.

He rules for a long period and powerfully, enjoying all the pleasures with his many wives and treasures which the earth can offer. The end of the life of Chakravartls is very different. Whereas some renounce the world or even become Tirthankaras (like the 16th, 17th and 18th Chakravartis of this world-period) and get redemption, others come to the heaven of gods after their death, and some others fall into hell on account of their bad actions.

Chakravartis owe their success not only to their capa­bility and power and the support they get from their supermundane beings, but also, above all, to the won­derful “gems” (Ratnas) and precious “treasures” (Nidhi) which are in their possession. 

The 12 Chakravartis

Chakravartis are emperors who rule over a part of the world (Bharata- and having six parts). Their life is embellished with similar features like those of the Tirthankaras.

According to Jain mythology, there were 12 Chakravartis, as following:

1. Bharat
2. Sagar

3. Maghava

4. Sanatkumar

5. Shanti

6. Kunthu

7. Arah

8. Subhoum

9. Padm

10. Harishen

11. Jaysen

12. Bramhdatt

The nine “treasures” with which a Chakravarti is blessed

Chakravartis are emperors who rule over a part of the world (Bharata- and having six parts). Their life is embellished with similar features like those of the Tirthankaras.

The nine “treasures” (Nidhis) with which a Chakravarti is blessed, are, according to one view, collection of books in which there is literature on 9 different branches of science, according to another, contair!ers or treasure-houses in which there are things whose appli­cation is taught in those books. Names and contents of the 9 Nidhis are:

1. Naisarpa: houses,

2. Panduka: ricc and corns,

3. Pingalaka: ornament,

4. Sarvaratna.ka; 14 gems,

5. Mahapadma: clothing,

6. Kala: determinatjon of time for astrological predictions,

7. Mahakala: mines of metals and precious stones,

8. Manavaka: weapons warcraft,

9. Sankha: poetry, dramaturgy, music.