Comprehensive History of Jainism Volume II

SR No.: 002003
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Aseem Kumar Chaterjee
Publisher: Firma KLM Pvt Ltd
Publication Year: 1984
Total Pages: 414
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, History, & Religion
File Size: 19 MB

Page 115

JAINISM IN SOUTH INDIA
105
of that area (Puligere etc.), he repaired it, and at that time, gave some grant to muni Tribhuvanacandra. Lakshmarasa has been described in the epigraph, as a dedicated Jain. At the time of this grant (Saka 993) Someśvara II was stationed at a place, called Kakkaragonda, on the Tungabhadra. The second part of the grant is dated Saka 994 and refers to another chief called Kāšarasa, who is described as the worshipper of Jvälipi (i.e. Jvālāmālini, the Yakshini of Candraprabha). The recipient here also is Tribhuvanacandra. The 3rd part mentions Sakalacandra, the disciple of Udayacandra, the superintendent of the temple and the fourth part mentions another Jina temple of Battakere (a nearby place).
An epigraph1, from Lakshmesvar, dated Śaka 996, corresponding to 1074 A.D., refers to Permāļi.basadi of Purigere and also to Tribhuvanacandra, who is mentioned in the earlier epigraph, just discussed. This particular place i.e. Purikara or Purigere, as noticed in the earlier volume of the present work 149, was known as a holy Jain tirtha from much earlier times. As noticed by Desai1**, there were several temples at this place, named after the Western Ganga kings, who were great patrons of Jainism.
Next, we must refer to the well-known Guļigere epigraph 145, dated Saka 998, corresponding to 1076 A.D. It mentions a great Jain monk Srinandi and his female disciple Ashfopavāsakanti (meaning 'the nun of eight fasts”) and also refers to a Pārsva temple of that place. We are also told of Anesejjaya basadi of Purigere, which according to this epigraph, was constructed by Kumkumamabädevī; the sister of Cālukya Vijayāditya. This information has now been confirmed by a copper plate charteris, of that king, dated 718 A.D. There is also reference to Bhuvanaikamalla śāntināthadeva temple, which was apparently built by Someśvara II, who had that title. It also proves that this powerful Călukya king, took personal interest, in the propagation of this religious system.