Echoes of Govardhana in Jain Literature: The Lifting of Koṭiśilā and Consecration as Ardhacakrin

Abstract

The article “Echoes of Govardhana in Jain Literature: The Lifting of Koṭiśilā and Consecration as Ardhacakrin” by Jonathan Geen explores Jain narrative traditions that parallel the Vaishnava Govardhana-līlā. Focusing on the tale of Koṭiśilā mountain lifted by Bharata, son of Ṛṣabha, Geen analyzes Jain scriptures and commentaries that mirror structural and thematic elements of Kṛṣṇa’s feat. The article highlights Jain interpretations of mountain-lifting as emblematic of moral authority, ascetic power, and cosmic order. By comparing these motifs, Geen sheds light on intertextual resonances across traditions and the shared mythic vocabulary concerning mountains, protection, and divine strength.