Jain Journal 2001 10

SR No.: 520144
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publication Year: 2001
Total Pages: 49
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, India_Jain Journal, & India
File Size: 3 MB

Page 14

JAINISM : RELIGIOUS PRACTICE AND FESTIVALS IN
VIJAYANAGARA EMPIRE
JAGADEESH G. KIVUDANAVAR* The establishment of Vijayanagara Empire was opened a new chapter in the religious history of India and as well as in the south. The 14th and 15th centuries of Vijayanagara is called as the age of the 'the religious toleration'. The rulers were champions in the religious toleration and honoured non-Hindu religions like Jaina, Baudha, Islam and Christianity. So, people of all classes observed their festivals, ceremonies, worship and offerings in their traditional forms. The religious practices of Jaina community were continued as ever before.
The Vijayanagara rulers extended great patronage to Jainism, contributing to its rise and popularity. As a result of the patronage extended to Jainism, a number of basadis and caityas were built. The rulers found religious toleration as their political necessity, and not only offered protection but also gave unstinted patronage to Jainism and its institutions. The record dated A.D. 1368 shows how a dispute arose between the Jainas and Vaishnavas in regard to their rights and how the king, Bukka I, effected an amicable settlement and brought about reconciliation between them. It is stated that he summoned the leaders of the Jainas of all the Nadus including Anegondi, Hospeţ, Penugonda, and Kallēha, and the Sri Vaishnavas of the eighteen Nädus including the Ācāryas of Srirangam, Tirupati, Kāñchi and Mēlukāțe. He entrusted the Jainas to the care and protection of the Śrivaishnavas and declared that there was no difference between the Vaishnava Dharma and the Jaina Dharma. He also confirmed the rights of the Jainas to enjoy the Pancha Mahā Śabhā (the five great musical instruments) and the Kalasa (holy water pot) on all ceremonial occasions. Tātayya of Tirumala, a Srivaishnava leader, was empowered to collect one haņa a year from every Jaina household throughout the kingdom for the maintenance of the body-guard to be appointed by the Vaishnavas at Śravanabelgola for the protection of the god and for whitewashing of the dilapidated Jaina temples.!
Research Scholar, Dept. of History & Archaeology, Karnatak University, Dharwad - 580003, Karnataka, India. E.C. Vol. II, Sb. 344.
1.