Medieval Jainism

SR No.: 011082
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Bhasker Anand Saletore
Publisher: Karnataka Publishing House
Total Pages: 448
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 27 MB

Page 132

JAINA MEN OF ACTION
117 settle her mind in the belief that her body would be rendered fruitful by the praise of Jina and her wealth by the gratification (of the desires) of the sages.” According to the same record she died in A.D. 1120 “ by the perfection of the rite of sallekhanā.” That is to say, "adopting sarnyasana, observing the rule of lying on one side only, uttering the five salutations which were addressed to the five parameştis, (viz., the Jinas, the Siddhas, the Ācāryas, the Upādhyāyas, and the Sadhus, collectively known as the pañca-parameştis), she went to the world of gods.” It was then that her son Ganga Rāja set up a suitable epitaph consecrating it with gifts, worship, anointment, etc.1
To such worthy parents was born Ganga Rāja. The same Cāmundarāya basadi inscription gives us the full 'birudas of this remarkable Jaina military leader. They were the following-Obtainer of the band of five great instruments, Mahāsāmantādhipati, Mahāpracanda Danďanāyaka, terrifier of his enemies, purifier of his family, friend of the learned, a moon in raising the volume of the milk ocean the Jina dharma, a mine to the jewel perfect faith in Jainism, taker of delight in gifts of food, shelter, medicine, and learning, a joy to the hearts of the blessed, a pūrņa-kumbha (vessel filled with water) for the coronation of the Hoysala Mahārāja, a fountain pillar for supporting the mansion of dharma, a hero who keeps his word, chaser of his enemies, a mill-stone to traitors, possessor of these and many other titles, the Mahāpradhāna, Dandunāyaka Ganga Rāja.
We have now to see how far these titles were justifiable in the light of the work which he did both as a commander
1. E. C. II, 118, pp. 48-49. 2. Ibid., 118, p. 49.