Brief Account of Jain Tamil Literature

Author(s): Krishnachand Choradia
Publisher: Z_Sumanmuni_Padmamaharshi_Granth_012027.pdf

Page 3

Glory of Jain Culture
commentator like Naccinarkkiniyâr and others. Of the same author, the other book is called 'Elādi'.
Elādi : "Cardamom and others" refers to the mixture of the perfumes of Ela (cardamom), Karpuram (Camphor), Erikarasu (the oderous wood), Candanam (Sandal), and Tên (honey). The name is given to this work because each quatrain is supposed to contain 5 or 6 such fragrant topics.
is having its place among the ancient Tamil Literature. Its impact of Tamil Society is vast and wide. From top most scholars to a man of lowest, it is known to all. 'Kannagi' happens to be centre figure of this great work and happens to be "Sita" of Dravidian culture. She is deitified and worshipped.
(7) Nãnmanikkadigai: "The Solver of the
four gems" by the Jaina author by name "Vilanbināthar". This is also in the Venbã metre, well known in the other works. Each stanza deals with 4 important moral principles like jewels.
The sentiment of pathas is well known throughout the work. In addition to this Sambhoga Shringāra, Vipralambha Shringāra and also the other Rasas are well brought up in the extraordinary prose Kavya. Not only this much, it potentially depects what exactly is the Grhastha Dharma, but also presents a valuable material on all arts such as vastu, music, dance, folk dance music, global trade and economics. In fact, it is a store house of every thing that human life requires.
So far we have spoken of Jaina Ethical Poetries and next the Kõvyas shall be dealt with.
II. Kãvyas are classified into 2 main
heads :
The work is having its own message and the same can be brought in three important valuable truths :
(a) Mahã kãvyas :- Silappadikāram,
Jeevaka Cintamani and Valaiyãpathi.
(1) If a king deviates from the path of
righteousness even to a slight extent, he will go down and his kingdom meets with catastrophe. In this context, the couplet in Tirukkural is worth noting.
(b) Laghu Kavyas :- Yašodhara Kõvyam,
Cúdamani, Perum kathai, Nãga Kumãra-Kãvyam and Nilakesi.
"Seiyāmai Setrărkum innādha seidhapin Viya Vijuman tharum.
313
Silappadikāram : The author of this great work is a Chera prince, who became a Jaina ascetic by name "Elango Adigal". It is considered to be composed by about 2nd century A.D. and hence it
"Even in the case of a person, who causes injury without any provocation, retaliation by doing evil for evil is sure
A Brief Account of Jaina Tamil Literature