Spectrum of Sarasvatī : Śrutadevī: Śrutadevī (7) Śruta-skanda Yantras

[33] Śrutaskanda, Śravaṇabeḷagoḷa

One more object of veneration in the Jinamandira is the śrutaskanda yantra. Particularly in the Digaṁbara temples such plaques are invariably enshrined.   The Yantra represents entire Jaina āgama paramparā, canonical tradition. In a way it symbolises śrutadevatā, Jaina goddess of learning. The diagram depicts a number of branches that emanate from the central pillar. Each of such different strata, like stretched arms, denote the name of a section in the Jaina āgama and the number of verses in it are also recorded. The śrutaskanda mirrors in a nutshell the quintessence of Jaina canonical evolution. Obviously, it enjoys the status of a Śruta-devatā.