Brief Account of Jain Tamil Literature

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

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means one should obstain from killing animals or in other words to avoid injury to any living beings. So, in this regard the Ahimsa is looked upon mainly in two forms :
(a) Dravya Himsã
(b) Bhava Himsã
Even though a person does not kill actually an animal, in other words, does not commit dravya himsã and in his mind, out of Raga or Dvesa thinks of killing, then there is Bhava Himsã. For the fulfilment of Ahimsa Vrata, both Dravya Himsã and Bhava Himsã should be avoided. Even with Bhava Himsã, one commits as much of sin as with Dravya Himsã.
In earlier days in yãga and yagnãs there were offering of animals as bali. But, later on because of the influence of Jainism, a modification in offering animal sacrifice came up. As a result, animals made of flours were offered in the yaga and yagnãs. But Jainism did not accept this as Ahimsã, as there was Bhava Himsa in it.
This Yasodhara Kavyam is centres around this thought and presents in a picturesque way, the sin how shall fractifies even with the Bhava Himsã.
2. Cûlamani: It is composed by the Jaina author and poet Tholamolithevar. Cûlamani resembles Cintamani in
A Brief Account of Jaina Tamil Literature
Glory of Jain Culture
poetic excellence. It contains 12 sargas and 2131 stanzas on the whole. According to Sri Damodaran Pillai, it must be earlier than some of the major Kavyas.
3. Perunkathai : This work was named after the Brhat Kathã of Gunadhya written in what is known as paisacabhāṣã, a prakrit dialect. The author is known as Konguvelira prince of the Kongudesa. The portions relating to the life of Prince Udayana, has taken by the author.
The story consists of 6 main chapters:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
Unjaik Kandam;
Lavanak Kandam;
Magadak Kandam;
Vattavak Kandam;
Naravahana Kandam; and
Turuvuk Kandam, all relating to the rich life of Udayana.
4. Nilakesi: It is a controversial work dealing with the systems of Indian philosophy and it has an excellent commentary called, "Samayadivakara" by Vamana Muni. Nilakesi which is one of the five laghu kavyas in Tamil, is evidently an answer to Kundalakesi, the Buddistic work.
It contains 10 chapters namely: (1) Dharma-Urai Carukkam; (2) Kundalakesi Väda Carukkam;
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