Jainism in North India

SR No.: 011067
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Chimanlal J Shah
Publisher: Longmans Green and Compny London
Publication Year: 1932
Total Pages: 66
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 3 MB

Page 149

JAINISM IN NORTH INDIA interpreted by Dr Hoernle to mean" properly the name of a Jaina temple or sacred shrine, but commonly apphed to the whole sacred enclosure containing a garden, grove or park (Ungaana, Vana-Sanda or Vana-Khanda), a shrine and attendants' houses 'I This interpretation of the term Ceiya is quite appropriate, since, of course, the Jnatrikas as the follorers of the religion of Parsva ought to keep up a religious establishment for the accommodation of Mahavira on his periodical visits, with his disciples, to Kundapura or Vesali. This becomes more of a certainty when we are informed that after Mahavira's assuming the vocation of a monk he used this Ceiya for his accommodation whenever he visited the place of his birth 2 This much about the Joatrikas and their attitude towards the religion propounded by one who was an ornament of their clan "We may, however, mention the fact," observes Dr Law, "that it was he who brought the Jitatrikas into intimate touch with the neighbouring communities of Eastern India and developed a religion which is still professed by millions of Indians. Another celebrity of the Jnatrka clan was Ananda, a staunch follower of Mahavira The Jaina work, Uvasaga-Dasao, mentions that he had with him a treasure of four Kror measures of gold deposited in a safe place Again he is represented as a person whom many kings, princes and their dignitaries down to merchants found it necessary to consult on many matters requiring advice. He had a devoted wife, named Sivananda." 3 Taking next the Vajjis we find it very difficult to differentiate between them and the Licchavis. They " are often associated with the city of Vesali, which was not only the capital of the Licchiavi clan, but also the metropolis of the entire confederacy."" According to Dr Lav "the Licchavis, or, to call them by their wider designation, the Vajjians, appear to have been imbued with a strong religious spint and deep devotion. After Mahavira developed his doctrines and preached his faith of unbounded charity to all living beings in the Vayi land and in Magadha, the number of his followers among the Licchavis appears to lave been large, 1 Hocmle, op cit, 11, 2, 4 ? cr bid, 1, p 6; 11, 0. In the Kalpa-Sitra we do not get the Celya nanied Dipolis, but the park of the Sandarana of the Naya clan-Kalpa Sitta, Subodhra Tiha, sut 115, P 03 CJ Jacobi, S.B.E, 20, 257, Hoernlc, op al PP Stevenson (Mrs). op oil, p 31 . LAT (BC), op cil, p 223 C Hoernle, op al, pp 7-9 Raychaudhuri, op al, pp 7+73 106