Jainism and Karnataka Culture

SR No.: 011062
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: S R Sharma
Publisher: Karnataka Historical Research Society Dharwar
Publication Year: 1940
Total Pages: 263
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 9 MB

Page 187

IDEALISM AND REALISM
143
literary evidence, in support of these statements, is indeed, easy to find. For instance, in one inscription Jina is spoken of thus : जयत्यतिशयजिनभासुरास्फुरवन्दिताः श्रीमान् जिनमति सष्टेरादेः कर्ता। Jina or Jina-pati, adored by the gods, is here described as patie: waf or the first Creator of the world.55 Speaking of another such epigraph at Tumkûr, Rice has pointed out, “ In an endeavour to accomodate itself to the age, Jina is described as the Universal Spirit who is Siva, Dhātri (Brahma ), Sugata (Buddha) and Vişņu”.58 Likewise, a Jaina grant of the Ratta King, Kārtiviryadeva, says that“ the dust of the earth may be counted, and the drops of rain ; , but the reward of preserving an act of piety cannot be estimated even by the Creator." 57
We have already noticed in numerous Jaina grants such acts of piety either in the shape of building, or of endowing temples for their upkeep, repairs, or carrying on the eight-fold worship of the gods. 58 Fergusson has remarked that the Jainas built temples out of all proportion to their population owing to the belief that temple-building was a means to salvation; temples were really prayers in stone.' 59 Sravana Belgoļa is one witness to this spirit of devotion. It attracted pilgrims from all places who have left their mark on the local records. Princes and people alike made grants for anointing the images with milk, and decorating them with flowers and garlands.60 Similarly, gifts were made for feeding ascetics, construction of water-sheds for the use of Jaina devotees; for the study of Sūtras ; for burning lamps before the gods, and for their daily
55 Fleet S. and 0. C. Inscription, Ind. Ant. VII. p. 106, LL 51-2,
Br. Sutalprasadji points out that for Jaina poate these terms had a different mencing. e.g. that are not "means Risbanhadeva who made
rules in Tamil and not creator of tho world." 66 Rico, Mysors and Coorg from the Inscriptions, p, 203, Tumkur 9. 87 Fleet, Ratta Inscriptions, JB BRAS X, p. 239. 68 Cf. Mysore Archaeological Report, 1923, p. 51; Ep. Ind. III, pp.
207-9, 11. 89 Fergusson, Hist. of Ind. and East, Arch. II, p. 26. 60 Cf. Ep. Car. II, SB 235-8, 242-5, 947, 268 and Introd, pp. 79-3, 77-8,89.