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PARSVANATH AS SEEN IN MAHA
PURANA AND CAVUNDARAYA PURANA: A COMPARATIVE STUDY
- Dr. S.P. Patil*
Jinasenacarya's Purva Purana has a unique place in the tradition of Jaina Puranas. His plan was to compose complete Mahapurana, but could complete only 42 parvas and breathed his last. His disciple Gunabhadracarya completed the remaining portion of the Purva purana and also 'Uttara-Purana'. According to some scholars Jinasenacarya is supposed to be the first to write Jaina-Purana. But we have the references of Kavi-Parameswara in Jinasena as the author of Jaina Purana in prose-style. Jinasena was a disciple of Virasena. Acarya Dasaratha and Acarya Vinayasena were also the disciples of Virasena with Jinasena. Jinasena was a Royal-teacher-'Rajaguru' in the court of Amoghavarsa Nrapatunga of Rastrakuta dynasty. The PurvaPurana is known for its rich scriptural knowledge, first hand experience of worldly affairs and highest poetic diction. Dr. Siddheshwara Bhattacharya has rightly said that it is an encyclopedia of Indian life. Social, political economic and cultural life of that period is very vividly described in Purva Purana.
Cavundaraya is said to be a `Samyaktva-Cudamani' embodied with the ideals of the 10th century's heroic qualities. He was great warrior, a general, a minister and above all a pious man of religion, upholding ethical values by his practice. He could translate his sublime thought into action, through erecting the statue of Gommata Babhubali at Sravanabelgol. His thorough study of scriptures under the guidance of Nemi-candracarya and Professor and Chairman, Department of Jainology, Karnatak University, Dharwad
