Medieval Jainism

SR No.: 011082
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Bhasker Anand Saletore
Publisher: Karnataka Publishing House
Total Pages: 448
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 27 MB

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PRINCELY PATRONAGE The reason why the Nemīśvara basadi in Ekkasambuge in the Kūņdi province was constructed is explained in the epigraph. General Kāļana (descent stated) was leading a happy life with his wife, children, and friends. One day it occurred to him that the only thing that conduced to one's welfare here and hereafter was dharma, and he, therefore, built the Nemiśvara basadi, and endowing it (with lands), made it over to the Mahāmaņdalācārya Vijayakīrti of the Punnāgavřkşamūla gana, and disciple of Kāļana's own guru Kumārakīrti Traividya. The donee is described as one who was proficient in all sacred lore, including the Jaina doctrine characterized by the seven modes of argument, existence, nonexistence, etc., and adorned with the five mahā-kalyānas, eight mahā-pratihāryas, and the thirty-four atiśayas. The basadi attained celebrity for the regular conduct of service, incessant gifts of food, and shelter given to ascetics and pious men.
Hearing its fame, king Kārtavīrya of the Ratta family of Saundatti, visited it. The epigraph relates that the basadi was adorned with a lofty gopura, elegant female figures and other sculptures, and finials set with jewels. On the specified date (A.D. 1165) this Ratta king made a grant of land and dues to Vijayakīrti to provide for worship, music, food for ascetics, and temple repairs. The protectors of this charity will figure in a later context. The fact that a Ratta king granted lands to a basadi constructed by a Silahāra general and situated in the Silahāra country is, indeed, worthy of notice.
Nobles in Nāgarakhanda were also responsible for the flourishing condition of Jainism in Karnāțaka. Of these mention may be made of the Nād-prabhu of Tevarateppa,
1. M. A. R. for 1916, pp. 48-49.