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 70

Sallekhana in Practice
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sitting quietly. The devotees who came for the darśana observed this and caused no disturbance. After his meditation was over, the Muniji saw the cobra and touched it with his pea. cock-piñchhi and waved it on the cobra's head saying “O, King of serpants, your work is over and you can go." The cobra touched the ground as if in salutation and left the place quietly. On occasions, he used to deliver religious discourses and get engrossed in meditation. His peace of mind remained supreme all through. He finally expired at 1.30 P. M. on 24th September 1973 silently repeating the pañcanamokara mantra. Death came on the 42nd day after the adoption of the vow. He died a peaceful death leaving a silent message of devotion to religion. About 15 thousand people had collected to participate in the last journey. 44
Another instance of Sallekhanā occured on 21st September 1973 about which the details are not full. Sri Bhadrabahu Muni-maharaja was very ill at Bārāmati where he was spending his four months of the rainy season. He adopted the vow of Sallek hanā on 17th September 1973 in the presence of Sreyānsasāgara Muni-mahārāja. Sri Bhadrabahu Muni breathed his last quietly at the end of four days. The dead body was taken in procession which was attended by about 25 thousand people.* 5
A few comments on some of the volumes of Epigraphia Carnāțică are essential to know that Jainism was popular in Karnatak
Coorga is a District in the Karnataka State. B. Lewis Rice published 22 inscriptions in 1886 in the series of Epigraphia Carnāțică. The Institute of Kannada Studies, University of Mysore has published in 1972 a revised edition* including some more inscriptions. Jainism seems to have spread early in this District as many monks seem to have moved to the villages
44. Sanmati, Oct., 1973.
45. Sanmati, Oct., 1973. The references in this book for inscriptions are to this latest edition of 1972.