History of Jaina Monachism

SR No.: 001727
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: S B Deo
Publisher: Deccan College Research Institute
Publication Year: 1956
Total Pages: 616
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Principle, & History
File Size: 12 MB

Page 554

HISTORY OF JAINA MONACHISM
549
It was also called 'Nippicchika' as the followers of this sect did not use any broom, either of peacock feathers or of cow's tail.281
MULA SANGHA :
The Sravana Belgola inscription No. 254 of 1398 A.D., has the followlowing account about the nature of this important sangha:
"Arahadbalin... made the Mula Sangha consisting of the Kondakondanvaya into four Sanghas in order to minimise hatred and other (evils) that might arise owing to the nature of the times. Let one make a difference in the case of all heterodox Sanghas such as the Sitambara and others which are of a form contrary to rule; but he who thinks of such a thing in the case of Sena, Nandi, Deva and Simha Sangha is a heretic."
Several inscriptions refer to this Sangha, from c. 700 A.D. which is sufficient to prove its importance.
Besides in South India, epigraphs point out to the existence of this Sangha even in North India, in provinces like Rajputana, N. Gujarat, U. P., Bengal and Bihar.
The following subdivisions of this Sangha are to be met with in epigraphs:
(a) Amnayas:
(1) Candrakirti 283
(2) Digambara (?) 284
(3) Kakopala 285 (4) Kundakundädi286
(5) Nandi287
(6) Sad (?) 288
(b) Anvayas:
(1) Candrakavāta 289 (2) Citrakuta20
281. JSB., VIII, i, pp. 29-30.
282. E.C., Vol. II; also No. 105: See Satkhanḍagama, Vol. 1, Intr., p. 15 as quoted
in support of this by K. P. JAIN in JSB., X, ii, p. 88.
NAHAR. II, 1132.
283. 284. JSB., XIV, ii, pp. 56-61.
285. GUERINOT, op. cit., 106; I.A., VII, p. 209; JRAS, (1839), pp. 343-48.
286. JSB., XIV, ii, pp. 56-61.
287. Ibid.; also VII, i, p. 13.
288.
NAHAR, I, 325.
289. E.I., XVI, p. 53.
290. JA., IX, ii, pp. 65-66. KI., I, 111, 113.