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 44

AN OUTLINE OF TAMILWORKS ON BHAGAVĀN
MAHĀVĪRA, THE 24TH TĪRTHANKARA
PROF.S. THANYAKUMAR The antiquity of Jainism in Tamil Country is known and supported by the literary and inscriptional evidences. Though the historians assign 3rd century B.C. as the earliest period, the Jains believe that their cult of Ahimsa is much older than the available evidences show.
Jaina contribution to the Tamil literature is inestimable. They have enriched the Tamil with their various works on grammar, ethics, Kāvyas, lexicons, arts and architecture.
In most of the Jaina Tamil works one can observe the obeisance offered to Tirthankaras by name or by their qualities (Gūņa Stuti) Jaina literature has a unique feature. It is universal and uniform in different languages and dialects. In Tamil works the Tirthankaras are hailed and prayed with district names.
There are a number of works where the references to Lord Vardhamana Mahāvira are found. An attempt is made here to present a selected list of works that speak about teachings of Lord Mahāvīra and sing the glory of the Bhagavān.
'Śrīpurāņam' is the main source on the Life history of Bhagavān Mahāvīra in Tamil. It is a prose work in manipravāla style (Tamil and Sanskrit in Grantha script). This work is considered as the Tamil adaptation of Mahāpurāņa or Adipurāņa.
There are a number of Tamil Kavyas and other minor works wherein the teachings of Lord Mahāvīra are elaborately dealt with. They explain the teachings in a narrative form through the characters in the Kārvas. There are separate secular works on Jinas' teachings without any direct or indirect reference to the Tirthańkaras and are the common Tamil works on ethics.
In many of the Jaina Tamil works the Samavasarana of Bhagavān Mahāvira, the celestial audience hall is referred to and given an