Unknown Pilgrims

SR No.: 007014
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: N Shanta
Publisher: Sri Satguru Publications Delhi
Publication Year: 1997
Total Pages: 820
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 19 MB

Page 263

The Followers of the Ever Growing One
243
Finally, certain inscriptions quote names without furnishing any further explanations. 309
It is important to consider these inscriptions in their proper context, i.e., as belonging to a totality which includes many other inscriptions of the same epoch; they are the visible signs of a contemporary saṁgha that was both well-organised and of fervent faith.310 These epigraphs record not only the erection of images by various members of the samgha, but the presentation of many other gifts connected with the worship and with the upkeep of the ascetics. Mention is sometimes made of palliccandams, gifts of land to a temple, a monastic institution or a sage;311 gists of kalañjus, gold pieces to help meet the food-expenses of the ascetics; gifts of sheep, with a view to clarified butter being extracted from the ewes' milk for the maintenance of the temple lamps. Furthermore, a rich person gives money for the repair of a temple or monastery or for the building of a new sanctuary or the installation of a large bell.312 Certain epigraphs record the Great Departure of an ascetic after a prolonged fast.313
Other recorded facts indicate that some kurattiyārs and certain śrăvikās were scholarly: the celebrated commentator Naccinārkkiniyar (XIVth-XVth century), in his commentary upon the Jivaka-cintamani,
309 Ibid., e.g. inscr. 62; pp. 185-186.
310 Chakravarti, App., gives 85 epigraphs. These inscrs. are written either in vatteluttu characters, an ancient Tamil script, or in Tamil, or in grantha, a script with characters very close to the Tamil ones, which is used in writing Sanskrit.
311 Ibid., inscrs. 5; 12; 13; 82; pp. 143-146; 151-153; 154; 199-200.
312 Ibid., inscrs. 7; 11; 14; pp. 147; 150-151; 154-155. Gists in gold coins to assure the ascetics' food were frequent, which confirms the belief that canteens existed to which men and women ascetics could go to ask for alms.
313 Ibid. inscrs. 6; 45; pp. 146; 177-178.