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History of Jainism in Orissa
Gopinatha Mohanty 10s referring to an account in the Sarala Mahabharata (Oriya) assumes that Janughanţa was probably a very powerful king of Kalinga who lived. through begging alms, remained naked (Digambara) and followed the principle of nonviolence. These practices are quite in common with Jaina religious faith.
The followers of this king are known as Jänughanția in rural Orissa. They have. their mathas in Baramba, Narasinghpur and Khandapara areas of Cuttack and Puri districts. They move in the main street of the villages without asking for doles. The villagers, hearing the tinkling sound of the bell tied to their thighs, offer them rice not in hand but in tiny baskets. But the followers of this sect wear tulasi garlands and fix tulasi sticks in their cars. They consider themselves as followers of Parasurama who after defeat in the hands of Rama retired to the life of Yogic practices.
108. L.N. Sahu, Odiśäre Jaina Dharma (Oriya) Appendix No. 4 pp. 218-19.
