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 45

THANYAKUMAR: TAMILWORKS ON BHAGAVĀN MAHĀVĪRA
elaborate description. While reading these stanzas one can easily visualize the samavasarana.
A selected list of Tamil works that speak about Lord Mahāvīra and sing his glory is presented.
Jivaka Cintamaņi
Acarya Tiruthakka Devar, who was the pioneer in the field of Kavya composition in Tamil has taken a theme of one prince Jivangan and explains in detail the philosopy and religion as preached by Lord Mahavira. It is considered a masterpiece and given an exalted place among the Pañcakavyas of Tamil.
97
Tiruthakka Devar in a lucid style and with appropriate examples explains the important philosophical and religious teachings of Lord Mahavira. Jivangan after fulfilling his household duties visits the Samavasaraṇa of Bhagavan Mahavira and seeks his advice for the further course of action. It is explained in detail that Bhagavan indicated that Jivangan may "renounce". Thereafter Jivangan took to ascetic life.
Jivaka Cintamani is one of the foremost Jaina Tamil works that has direct reference to Bhagavān Mahāvīra.
1. Tirunathar Kundra Pathigam
Tirunathar Kundru is a holy place near Gingee in South Arcot district. There is a big boulder on a hillock. In the eastern face of the boulder the images of the 24 Tirthankaras are carved in two rows. It is a place where one Aramba Nandi had observed Sallekhana for 47 days. The Tamil word Nathan refer to a religious leader- and here it refer to the Tirthankaras-with the prefix TIRU. It means a hillock devoted to 24 Tirthankaras. This work with 30 pathigams, the name of the author not known, is familier with Tamil śrāvakas. The 24th pathigam is devoted to Bhagavān Mahāvīra which speaks about the parents of Lord Mahavira and his teachings and Nayavāda.
2. Perunthogai
It is an anthology of ancient Tamil poems, some of the works from which the poems were collected have been lost. Many of these poems speak about the Tirthankaras in general. One of the poems in this collection (132) speaks about Tirthankara's preaching in the Māgadhi language for both ascetics and householders.