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 189

IDEALISM AND REALISM
145
from the bondage of fortytwo chains; and Siddhasênadivākara to have converted a Siva-linga into the image of Pārsvanātha. 64 That such stories are repeated even in the case of learned sages like Samantabhadra, Akalanka, and others is only proof that this Bhakti movement did not confine itself to the laity in the long run. Akalanka is said to have invoked the goddess Kūshmāndini to work a miracle against the Buddhist goddess Tārā, and by her interference won a victory over his rivals.65 We have already alluded to Elācārya's allaying the devil by means of the Jwālāmālini-stótra.66 There are in the inscriptions, as well, frequent allusions to the goddess Padmavati who still finds a large number of devotees, especially among the Jainas of the Kannaờa speaking districts. For instance, one at Belūr speaks of a Jainavratiša ( ascetic) who by his mantras was subduing the goddess Padmāvati for the increase of the wealth of the Hoysalas; later on we are told, “that Yakshi became worshipped as the goddess Vasantikā.67
Ammanavara-caritré or the “Doings of the Mother" is a manuscript which is commonly found in the possession of many Jainas in the Kannaďa country; and Buchanan also refers to it as' Amonora carita. Indeed, the light that Buchanan throws on the popular form of Jainism at the time of his visit, about a
64 Cf. Marathi Jnána Kos'a (37), p. 332-33. I have seen manuscripts
of these bymns well illustrated with magic symbols and detailed instructions as to the number, place, time, etc. for the repetition of each mantra, as well as miraculous powers attributed to each, such as the power of bestowing wealth, longivity, immunity from fire, accident, etc. etc. They are in the Sri Ailak Pannālál Digambara Jaina Saras. watibhavana, Bhuleswar. Bombay; and some of them have been pube lished by Mr, Nāthuram Premi, in the Hindi-Grantha-Ratnankara.Kär.
yalaya, Hirābag, Bombay 4. 65 Cf. Ep. Car. II Introd., p. 84. 66 of. Hirālál, Catalogue of MSS. in C. P. and Berar, Introd, p. xxx. 67 Cf. Buchanan's Travels III, p. 81; Ep. Car. V, Belur 124, traps., p. 88.
The name of the Jaina-pratis'a, referred to in this epigraph is stated to be Varāhamana-munindra in the list of the Humcha gurus. Cf. Rice Mysore and Coorg I, p. 372. J.K.C. - 2628-19