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 54

Sallekhană in Practice
an embodiment of religious faith and devoted to her husband. The date is Visvāvasu Samvatsarada, Pușya month, Sunday, the Makara Sankrānti day.82
In an inscription found at Cikkamagađi in Shikarpur Taluka (District Shimoga ) near the Šantinātha Temple, it is stated that śāntala was the daughter of Sankaya Nayaka and Muddavve. She acquired fame for her charity. She was Sīta of her times. She was devoted to Jinanātha and was the worshipper of Nayakīrti-deva Muni. She was regarded as a jewel amongst women and had reached the height of good character. She became engrossed in her meditation of Jina and reached heaven in peace and happiness. 88 Part of the inscription is erased (1190 A. D. ).88
There is another inscription at the same place. Many relevant details cannot be deciphered. The first part states that one Biroja died and secured sugati on Friday, Caitra Sudha 2 of Virodhināma Samvatsara. There is clear mention in that very inscription about one Bommavve having adopted the vow of Sallekhanā ( sannasan samadhiyam) and reached heaven on Wednesday. 84
Somalādevi was the lay disciple of Subhacandra Muni and she adopted the vow of Sallekhanā even before her spiritual master in about 1200 A. D. Much of the inscription is erased. She is praised as a Jina yogini, very much devoted to the worship of Jinendra. She was liberal and charitable like the divine cow and had become famous for her perfect devotion. With the permission of her Guru, she adopted the vow at the śāntīśvara temple and performed it according to the Jaina rites with perfect right faith (sam yaktvadim) and joy. She attained the state of godhood.85
The inscription at Arsikere Taluka (Dt. Hassan) is all worn out. It appears that there was one Devanandi who was a disciple of some bhatýäraka. His disciple Epa (further portion 82. Ibid., Vol. VII, Ins. 148.
83. Ibid., Vol. VII, Ins. 200. 84. Ibid., Vol. VII, Ins. 201.
85. Ibid., Vol. VII, Ins. 232.