All India Jain Temples and Tourist Places

Author(s): B C Nagraj
Publisher: ITI Jains Association, Bangalore

Page 10

he started writing commentary on Kashaya Prabrutha known as Jaya Dhavala', but could not complete it. It was completed by Acharya ‘Jina sena'.
Later in first century A.D., the great Acharya Sri Kunda Kunda wrote Samayasara, Pravachanasara and Panchasthikaya which are the jewels for a follower. All the Thirthankaras were born in North India where as many of the Acharyas were from the South particularly from Karnataka. Salutations to these great Acharyas who have left us the knowledge of Angas and Purvas, which otherwise would have been lost forever. Most of the scriptures are in Prakrit and Sanskrit languages. Scriptures were written in other Indian languages also. The literary activities in South in Kannada and Tamil languages were started by the Jaina Acharyas. The galaxy of Acharyas have made Jainsim all the great and World religion. Though today the Jaina community has been reduced to a minority, its architectural splendour, stand as a testimony to its glorious culture and tradition. The Jain Darshana stands as a light to the upliftment of the mankind.
Many places in India are associated with the five Kalyanakas of Thirthankaras, some places are associated with Acharyas. Some are famous for the miracle idols and these places have become places of worship.All of them refered as "Tirthas'.
‘Sidda Kshetras' are the places where Thirthankars, Acharyas, Munis have attianed mukti or salvation. Kalyanakshetras those where four Kalyanakas-Garbha, Janma, Diksha and Gnana have taken place. ‘Athishaya Kshetras' are those associated with miracles.