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

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work is Tattvārtha Sūtra, on which numerous Digamabara and Śwetāmbara Ācāryas have written commentaries (in various styles, such as tīkā, bhāsya, and vrtti). His period as said to be the second century of the Christian era. He is also popularly known as Umāsvāti.
Ācārya Llangovādigala - He was the brother of Sengottavana, a king belonging to the Ceravamsa clan. The king was a Saiva but he was a Jain and became an ascetic. His famous work is the Tamil epic silappadikāram.
Ācārya Samantabhadra -His father was the king of Uragapura that was a part of Faņimandala. He renounced the kingdom with all its grandeur and became a Jain ascetic. While faultlessly following the ascetic conduct he contracted a disease called bhasmaka (a disease in which whatever is eaten is digested fast). A man suffering from this ailment is advised cooling, soothing, cold and sweet food in good quantity. But as an ascetic such food is proscribed, and only drab and limited food is allowed. In such condition the disease consumes flash and blood from the body. Samantabhadra one day asked his guru – “Bhagavāna! In my ailing condition it has become impossible for me to follow a faultless ascetic conduct. Kindly permit me to embrace meditational death. His Guru was a great scholar as well as an expert of augury. He knew that his disciple would accomplish great popularity and spread of the religion. After due deliberation he said, "Son, You need not embrace meditational death. I order you to leave the ascetic way and get proper treatment for your ailment. When you are cured of the disease do necessary penance and get reinitiated. You are to give valuable contribution towards promotion of Jain religion.
Samantabhadra reluctantly accepted the command of his guru and left the ascetic way. He dressed in the yellows of Buddhist monk but got no respite from his ailment. He then rubbed ash all over his body and went to Kanjivaram. He met and blessed king Sivakoti. The king was highly impressed with his electrifying personality. He requested Samantabhadra to stay in the Siva temple. In this temple everyday large quantities of rich food offerings were made. This helped Samantabhadra get well soon. But one day his disguise was revealed on the king. The peeved king came and ordered Samantabhadra to worship the Śivalinga (the phallus shaped idol of lord Siva). He accepted the command and sat down in meditative posture and started reciting a
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