Sallekhana is Not Suicide

SR No.: 001568
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: T K Tukol
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad
Publication Year: 1976
Total Pages: 124
Language: English
Classification: Book_English & Religion
File Size: 8 MB

Page 35

SaHekhana in Practice
A. D.)a 6 The next one simply states that Mellagavasa-guru of Inungur expired on the same mountain ( 700 A. D.) 2 8
Due to numerous ascetics adopting the vow of Sallekhana, the mountain had become hallowed and it is called firthagiri (i. e. holy hill) (700 A. D.). Sasimati was a nun; she was possessed of noble qualities and had performed many devotional acts. She had studied the scriptures extensively. She came to Raļvappu and saw that her end was near. She thought to herself : “ This is the course I have to adopt.” She ascended the holy hill and observed the vow of samnyasana. She ascended the heaven.31 The next inscription does not mention the name of the ascetic who attained salvation on the hill by observing the vow of Sallekhana.a 8
Śaucadarya (i. e. one who had attained purity) had attained greatness by his penance. He came to the hill with great joy and ascended the same. He observed the vow and obtained happiness equal to that of Indra (750 A. D.) 8 9 Similarly another ascetic by name Mahadeva who was the chief of ascetics felt that he was nearing his end and ascended the great mountain. He performed great penance and reached the heaven (700 A. D.) 80
Candradevācārya had obtained great renown in Nadi kingdom for his modesty, purity of conduct and great penance. He observed the vow on the mountain (which is now described as the Rși mountain ) of Kaļavappu and attained happiness being honoured by gods ( 700 A. D. ). 81
Nandişeņa was the chief of sages. He was convinced that the pleasures, beauty, treasures, wealth and power were all fleeting like the rainbow or the streaks of lightning and that, that was the supreme truth. He was strong-minded. He adopted samnyāsana and went to the world of gods ( 700 A. D.). 88 25. Ibid., Vol. II, Ins. 27.
26. Ibid., Vol. II, Ins. 28. 27. Ibid., Vol. II, Ins. 76.
28. Ibid., Vol. II, Ins. 77. 29. Ibid., Vol. II, Ins. 79.
30. Ibid., Vol. II, Ins. 80. 31. Ibid., Vol. II, Ins. 84.
32. Ibid., Vol. II, Ins. 83.