This title is given to those Sadhus who have acquired a special knowledge of the Agams and philosophical systems. They teach Jain scriptures to sadhus and sadhvis.They are like torches of knowledge.
Illustration : Upddhyaya is like a burning lamp that lights other lamps with the touch of its flame of knowledge. As donating eye to a blind is a magnanimous deed, giving knowledge to an ignorant is a great virtue. This pious work is done by upddhyayas.
The eleven volumes of Anga Sruta (preachings of Tirthankara Mahavlra and scribed by ganadharas and twelve Updhga Sruta (subordinate scriptures to the Anga sruta but scribed by deary as other than ganadharas) (on the table to the right of the Upddhyaya) are jointly called the Ganipitaka. These canons form the foundation of the knowledge in the Jain religion. To do deep study of these, to guide others openly in proper study and to answer queries and clear doubts of disciples is the work of the Upddhyaya.
The twenty five qualities of Upddhyaya are :
- (1-11) The eleven Angas,
- (12-23) The twelve Upanga,
- (24) Carana sattari (seventy general rules of monks), and
- (25) Karana sattari (seventy special rules observed by monks).
To meditate over the Namo Uvajjhayanam line as the flame of knowledge is helpful in attaining knowledge and education.
This line is visualized with a blue glow. The blue colour imparts peace and tranquility and helps in concentration.
