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 66

Sallekhanā in Practice
Glowing tributes are paid to Samantabhadra, Sivakoti Sūri, Deva Nandi, Pūjyapada, Bhattākaļanka, Gunasena Sūri, Puşpadanta, Bhūtabali, Arhat bali and numerous others who had already distinguished themselves for their learning and penance. This Sāsana is said to have been composed by Arhaddāsa as a mark of his devotion to his Guru. The inscription is located in the Siddhara Basti to the North. 29
In the Eastern corner of the Akkana Basti, Sravanabel. goļa there is a short inscription recording that Harihara Raya attained peace on Monday, the 10th day of the dark half of Bhādrapada of the Tāraṇa Samvatsara ( 1404 A. D. ).3 •
At Hire-Avali is found the 17th stone pertaining to the reign of Harihara Raya. In the Saka Samvatsara Svabhānu 1325 ( 1403 A. D.) on the 7th day of Bhadrapada, Friday, Bommigauņdi, the wife of Bechi Gaunda, adopted the vow of samnyāsana, observed it according to the rites, quitted the heavy load of the body here and secured salvation. The verse states that she had abandoned all her family and was unequalled in virtues. She was meditating on Jina and repeating the pañcanamaskāra in her mind. Her Guru was MaracandraMaladhāri Deva. 31 The next epitaph refers to the reign of Deva Raya. During his regime, Maduka Gauda, the good son of Bechi Gauda went to heaven after following the rites of samadhi. This event took place on the bright half of the month of Phalguņa, śārvari Samvatsara, Śaka year 1343 ( 1421 A. D.).82 He was the disciple of Munibhadra Svāmi. The next inscription contains a number of verses in praise of Gopa Gauda who adopted the vow and attained heaven on Thursday, the 10th day of the dark half of the month of Caitra, Saka year 1339 ( 1420 A. D.). His father was Rāma Gauda and was the favourite disciple of Munibhadra Svāmi. Gopa Gauda is described as having been charitable and having repaired many Jaina temples. He had become famous in the Jiddulige area
29. Ibid., Vol. VIII, Ins. 105. 30. Ibid., Vol. VIII, Ins. 51.
31. Ibid., Vol. II, Ins. 105 (254). 32. Ibid., Vol. II, Ins. 126 ( 329 ).