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 48

Sallekhana in Practice
her head purified by the fragrant water of Jina." Her Guru was Prabhacandra Siddhanta Deva, who was well-versed in the scriptures (siddhānta-siromaṇi), renowned for his learning and penance. On Monday the 5th day of the bright half of the month of Caitra in Saka year 1050 (1131 A. D.) Śāntalā. devi ended her life at the holy place Shivaganga and went to svarga.
68
Though the inscription throws no light as to why Santalādevi went to Shivaganga, the fact has been accepted by B. A. Saletore who says "Queen Santaladevi's work to promote the cause of the Jina dharma was lasting.. True to the instruction of Jina dharma, she died by the orthodox manner of Sallekhana in 1131 A. D. at the holy place of Shivaganga (thirty miles to the north-west of Bangalore )''69 in Tumkur District in the Karnataka State. It does not appear that Shivaganga had the present Vīraśaiva associations then.
37
The same inscription also refers to the death of Macikabbe, the mother of Santaladevi. On hearing that the queen had attained godhood, she went over to Belgola and observed severe penance by adopting the vow of Sallekhana. The description of her condition is very revealing: "With eyes half-closed, repeating the five words (i. e. namokara mantra), glorious with meditation on Jinendra, magnanimous in parting from relatives, absorbed in the vow of samnyasi, fasting for one month, Macikabbe herself attained godhood by means of her penance in the presence of all the blessed" (sakala Bhavyara sannidhiyo!). This is what Dr. Saletore states: "The queen has attained the state of gods; I cannot remain behind,' thus saying her mother Macikabbe, coming to Belgola, adopted severe samnyāsana and renouncing the world, died. The half closed eyes, the repetition of five expressions, the method of meditating on Jinendra, the dignity of taking leave of relatives, indicating samnyasana, Macikabbe fasting cheerfully for one month, easily attained the state of gods by samādhi 68. Ibid., Vol. II, Ins. 53. (143) 69. Medieval Jainism, p. 166.