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 56

Sallekhana in Practice
the inscription is worn out. The name of his father was Balacandradeva who was the disciple of Mahamanḍalācārya Rāja Guru Nemicandra-pandita-deva who illuminated the world by his matchless fame and study of the agamas of supreme Jina. The wife of the deceased was Kalabbe. She was equal to Sita, Rukmini and Rati. She attained samadhi by the rite of Sallekhana 1213 A. D.92
Very few details are available about the death of Vidyadhara Bucidevarasa who expired in the Saka year 1138 (1216 A. D.) on Jyestha Suddha Paurṇima. He was the armychaplain of the Raya (king). The other portions are not visible as they are worn out.93
On a stone within the enclosure of the Padmavati temple at Humcha there is an inscription which states that Male Mache Gaunda sent for all the people after coming to know that his own life was coming to an end. He adopted the vow of samnyasana, observed it according to all rites and went to heaven on Sunday the 13th day of the bright half of the month of Śravaṇa."
94
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Bandalike in Shikarpur Taluka seems to have been a Jaina centre as there was a Jaina Matha. An inscription found to the left of the temple of Santinatha was erected by Bharatesvara on behalf of the Matha recording the death by Sallekhana of Subhacandra-deva, the disciple of Lalitakīrti Muni belonging to the Mula-sangha of the Kranurgana and Tintrinikagaecha. Śubhacandra had abandoned all company. He took the permission of his Guru and adopted the vow. He was deeply engrossed in the repetition of the Pañcapada (i. e. the five ṇamokara mantras). He was firm in his meditation and departed to the abode of gods by observing the saṁnyäsana on Monday, the fourth day of the bright half of the month of Caitra of the Srimukha year (1213 A. D.).95
92. Ibid., Vol. II, Ins. 389. 94. Ibid., Vol. VIII, Ins. 59.
93. Ibid., Vol. I, Ins. 76.
95. Ibid., Vol. VII, Ins. 226..