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 57

46
Sallekhana in Practice
Payisetti, son of Nagisetti, was a pious Jaina, known as Samyaktva Cudamani (crest jewel of Right Faith in Jainism) and a disciple of Abhinava Panditācārya. The latter belonged to the lineage of Kundakunda. Payisetti meditated upon the feet of Jinesvara and obtained the blessed state by samādhi (1311 A. D.).96
There is a similar record which is partly effaced about the son of Somaya who died by samnyasana on Wednesday, the 5th day of the bright half of Pusya month, Śaka Year 1170 (1247 A. D.).91
On the 5th stone is recorded the death by Sallekhana rites of Soyi-Devi and her departure to heaven. She was the lay disciple of Balacandra Deva and was endowed with character, all virtues and adept in vows. Her father was Madhava and mother was Kāmāmbika. There was none to equal Balacandradeva in poetry, recitation, discussion and oratory ( 1245 A. D.)98
There is a simple memorial to Abhaya( candra), the disciple of Municandra Maladhari-deva. He died by samadhi and went to heaven (1248 A. D. ).99 In the same enclosure to the temple of Padmavati, there is another stone which records the death of Parsva Senabova, the beloved son of Brahmayya Senabova. He died on the 10th day of the bright half of the month of Śrāvaṇa in Śaka year 1172 (1248 A. D. ). 10°
This is an unusual epitaph which refers to the Sallekhana deaths of Puspašenadeva and Akalankadeva. It is in two parts: the first in prose and the second in verse. The event took place in Śaka year 1178 Ananda Samvatsara, on Tuesday the 4th day of the dark half of the month Pusya; both the munis went to heaven after observing the vow of samnyasana according to rites. They had given up even water. They were endowed with all virtues and character. They had been spending their time in reading scriptures, meditation, complete
96. Ibid., Vol. II, Ins. 125. 98. Ibid., Vol. VIII, Ins. 53. 100. Ibid., Vol. VIII, Ins. 56.
97. Ibid., Vol. VIII, Ins. 50. 99. Ibid., Vol. VIII, Ins. 53.