Jenyanaka
| Jenyanaka जेन्यान्अक 真儼誕 | |
|---|---|
| Member of Dzathe | |
 | |
| Other names | The Forgetful, Second Father, Grandfather Sun |
| Planet | Sun |
| Gender | Male |
| Region | Satria |
Jenyanaka was the solar diety and primary subject of veneration in ancient Bhaga society. Jenyanaka, assisted by the Lekhakah or "Scribes", was the arbiter of the lives of men and determined which individuals were allowed to reincarnate. Although necessarily associated with the souls of the dead, Jenyanaka was primarily considered a god of auspicious births or reincarnation. Jenyanaka could not be consulted Bana divination because he did not know the names of the dead, but omens of Jenyanaka's presence were especially valued at the birth of a child, most prominently great importance was placed on being born during daylight hours. During the era of Bhaga, Jenyanaka enjoyed a very high status as king of men's fate and figure of supreme virtue.
In later traditions, after the advent of general reincarnation, Jenyanaka took on new aspects as an inconstant and improvident trickster. Instead of rewarding the souls of supremely righteous with high status, people generally believed that the process was mostly random, although Jenyanaka could be entreated for a better second birth, there were no gaurantees. There are relatively few special devotees of Jenyanaka in contemporary times.
History
Some of the oldest documentation of Bhaga is concenred with mankind's relationship with Jenyanaka and his personality. Within Satrian religious traditions, one of the oldest events suggested is the story of Sunusutika, the first man to given a second life by the gods.
Iconography
As a solar deity, Jenyanaka is most often depicted riding a chariot surrounded by rays of light or fire. He is very much associated with traditional aristocracy, since that was the group that he most favored. Within classic art, he is shown in sophisticated, splendourous raiment. This form has remained mostly constant, but over time Jenyanaka has appeared as more old-fashioned and unapproachable. Jenyanaka was also often depicted feasting, which would have been an auspicious activity for Bhaga society, but more recently he appears as a wastrel and drunkard in archaic garb.
Copy of 7th century cave art
Chanwan painting, 15th century
Watercolor illustration, 19th century
