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The Jaina Antiquary
[Vol. XIV
From the above discussion it is clear that as Pataliputra was under complete destruction, it cannot be a seat of learning and of importance in religious activities. Secondly why should Acharya go to Pataliputra at such length from the place in Tamilnadu when there were other more important places of learning, namely Kanchanpuram-Kanchi-Canjeeveram, Madura, etc, 90 near from place from which Acharya came in Tamil land, the ancient Thondayamandalam. In the time of Acharya, Urayur, Kanchi, Madura, Bhadalpur, and others were big centres of learning to fulfill his object and all were in South India, full of Jain Mathas-monastaries, temple Basties and Pallies, schools, etc of the Jain religion. It is also presumed that Acharya might have taken Dikshya and became MUNI at Kanchipuram or near about it as it appears from the later part of the said inscription". (C) Was Acharya in a position to undertake such a long and hazardous travel, when he was suffering from a deadly disease "Bhasmakavyadhi" and hence can not be said to have undertaken such a risky travel at the cost of life, a good for nothing. From the sequence of the text of the inscription it appears probable that Acharya might have visited Pataliputra of Sourthern India-Tamilnadu, which was very near to his birth place and Dikshyasthanam etc. This will be clear from following posibilities.
5. Pataliputra in Tamilnadu is made out as follows:-(A) In South India Kanchipuram or Kanchanapuram the present Canjeeveram, Madura, Urayur, Bhaddalpur, Pataliputra, Uragapur, etc were the great centres of learning, religion, activities and debates used to take place amongst Jains, Buddhists, Saivaits, and Vaisnwaits on religious subjects. "Bhaddalpur" refered in other inscriptions and "Swami Samatbhadra" page No. 12. by Pandit Jugal Kisor Muktiyar. Sravanabelgola inscription No 54 old and 67 new as thus :aisai azazdicé aaufmangeirgà vigfts: 1
38
5
6.
पुण्ड़ी शाक्यभिक्षुर्दशपुरनगरे मृष्टभोजी परिवाद् ॥ वाराणस्यामभूवं शशिधरधवलः पांडुरंगस्तपस्वी ॥
राजन् यस्यास्ति शक्तिः सवदतु पुरतो जैन निर्मन्थवादी ॥
7. Studies in South Indian Jainism page No 30.
Prof: A. F. Rudolf Hearnle-Indian Antiquity Vol XXI. There fathe.
i alt: valis of the Diga, bars pages 60 and 61.
