Introduction to Jainism and its Culture

SR No.: 001605
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Balbhadra Jain
Publisher: Kundkund Gyanpith Indore
Publication Year: 2002
Total Pages: 334
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Religion, & Culture
File Size: 21 MB

Page 242

The evidences of how much the common masses were influenced by Bhagavāna Parávanātha can be found in the lifestyle of millions of aborigines of Sarāka, Sadgopa, and Rangiyā castes, spread around in regions of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. Although they have drifted away from the mainstream of Jainism, they still believe Parsvanātha to be their original family deity. The traces of sentiments of Parśvanātha's Jainism are still imbedded deep in their psyche. They still believe in ahimsā, they are vegetarians, avoid eating after sunset, drink filtered water, visit Jain pilgrimage centers, worship Ariştanemi, Parsvanātha, and Mahāvīra, and fast on eighth and fourteenth day of every fortnight. The Bhīla aborigines living around Sammeda śikhara hills are staunch devotees of Parsvanātha. As an expression of their reverence for Bhagavāna Parávanātha they have changed the name of Sammeda Sikhara pilgrimage to Parasanātha Hills, which has become more popular now.
Besides the masses, Parsvanātha wielded great influence over the ruling class as well. He initiated King Svayambhu of Gajapur, King Aśvasena and queen Vāmādevī of Kāśī as ascetics. King Durmukha of Pañcāla, King Bhima of Vidarbha, king Nāgajit of Gāndhāra, king Priyabandhu of the Ganga dynasty of Ahicchatra, and many other contemporary rulers became his followers. In the later period the followers of the Parśva-sect included king Karakaņdu of Kalinga; the eight royal families of the Vajji Union including the Licchavīs; king Cetaka, the president of the Vajji Union; and king Siddhārtha, Bhagavāna Mahāvīra's father. During that period Jainism was called Parsvapatya dharma or the religion of Parśvanātha.
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