International Jain Conference 1985 3rd Conference

Author(s): Satish Jain, Kamalchand Sogani
Publisher: Ahimsa International

Page 181

Who can forget the free-standing pillars (Manastambhas) standing in front of almost every Jaina temples (Basadi) in Karnataka, particularly the one at Mudabidire with its unique elegence? Moreover, this region is also known for its having about seven monolithic Bahubali statues set at various centres of Jaina culture in different periods of its history. The one, the colossus, at Sravanabelgola, set by great Camundaraya in 981 A.D., being world-famous, has brought a distinctive cultural status to Karnataka.
It would rather sound like a paradox, at the outset, when we say that Jainism has its own contribution to Karnataka in the domain of politics as well. But it is a historical fact that, maintaining intact its religio-spiritual tenets and metaphysical beliefs, Jainism kept on accommodating itself to the age and environment, and gradually became the dominant religion of the land for nearly twelve centuries (200 A.D. to 1300 A.D. ) and guided the fortunes of some of the most powerful royal families ruling over it, besides being a creator of two kingdomsthe Ganga and the Hoysala. During this whole course of history the role of the Jaina teachers was of all benevolence both to the rulers as well as the ruled. It is enough, at this context, if we bring back to our memory the words of advice extended by Acarya Simhanandi to the Ganga kings, Dadiga and Madhava : "That if they failed in what they promised, if they did not approve of the Jainasasana, if they seized the wives of others, if they ate honey or flesh, if they formed relationship with the low, if they gave not of their wealth to the needy and if they fled from the battle field, then, their race would go to ruin" (Kallurgudda Stone Inscription, dated 1122 A.D.)
Helping towards stability and success of many kingdoms in Karnataka for several centuries, the Jaina wisdom also endeavoured, all along, for the social uplift and welfare of the land. Cultivating the Kannada vernacular, the Jaina teachers composed numerous works of varied interests and utility. Carefully preserving such and other works in the Jnana-bhandaras, the Jaina monasteries also acted as veritable centres of learning. The social organisatioa of Jainism, particularly with its four-fold gift (Caturvidha-dana), fulfilled manifold needs of the society-intellectual, philanthrophic, humanitarian, moral etc. Moreover, the Jaina teachers, ever moving from place to place, carried on a kind of mass-education through their regular sermons with interesting moralising tales and illustrations. Inscriptional and literary references are eloquent about the fact that, these teachers, some of which are noted as Moving Tirtha (Jangama-tirtha) incessantly worked to eradicate the seven vices (Sapta-vyasana) and other bad elements from the masses and to cultivate among them social virtues like compassion, honesty, charity etc. The percolative process and cumulative effect of all such efforts and endeavours through centuries, it may be observed, have made the people of Karnataka to be (comparatively more) tolerant, accommodative and vegetarian even to this day. Co-ordinator for Jainology Chair Karnatak University Dharwad (Karnatak)