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 211

IDEALISM AND REALISM
169 Delhi, Kolhapur, Jaina Kānci (part of. Conjeevaram) and Penugonda (Anantapur District. ) 161 The foundation of this chief pontificate is attributed to Cãundarāya, who erected the colossus at Sravaņa Belgoļa. To provide for the maintenance and worship of the image he established a Matha and other religious institutions with liberal endowments, and appointed Siddhāntācārya (Nemicandra ?) as guru. There is a full genealogy of successive teachers who followed Siddbåntācārya. From 1117 A. D. these gurus are said to have borne the name
of Cārukirti Panditācārya. 162 We have seen that this has also - been the little of the South Kanara pontiffs. The year of the
change in the little of the Belgoļa pontiffs is significant. It synchronises well with the period of Rāmānuja's personal influence over Bițțidêva Hoysaļa. 153 That was a turning point in the history of Jainism in Mysore. For a time at least the chief centre of Jainism was transferred to South Kanara, symbolised by the removal of important Jaina manuscripts ( like Dhavala and Jayadhavala) to Muļbidre where they are still to be found. 154 It is not to be denied that there was a line of gurus at Sravaņa Belgola even from earlier times; but of this, however, we have no connected records. At the time I visited the Matha (May, 1927) everything was under Government lock and key, the pontifical seat being the subject of severe contention by two rival candidates, reflecting thereby the unfortunate factiousness which everywhere prevails in the community. Amidst the relics reminding one, of the once glorious past, was a genuine naked Digambara ascetic, Vņşabhaséna by name, residing in the Bhandari Basadi built by a treasurer of Narasimha I (Hoysala ).
The Jainas in the Bombay Karnāṭaka as well have their own gurus. The existence of two divisions called respectively Laksmisena-gana and Jina-sena-gana seems to indicate that
161 Ep. Car. IV Ng 43, trans., p. 125. 162 Rice, Mysore and Coorg 1, p. 372. 153 Ramănuja left Mysore in 1118 A. D. 164 Of. Ep. Car. II Introd., p. 28.