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The tolerant Tamil society entertained all faiths and this led to demoralisation and loss of self confidence among Tamils. The Bhakti movement which gained upperhand under the leadership of saint Gnansambandar led to prosecution of Jains. Jainism which was once the predominant religion throughout the Tamil country by 9th century A.D. becomes restricted to a few pockets especially in the present districts of South Arcot, North Arcot, Chingleput, and Tanjore,. Even now there are monuments and inscriptions in other districts.
It is claimed that Saint Gnanasambandar sang away Jainism out of Tamil Nadu. It is not his songs, but prosecution with the help of members of Royal family that led to disappearance of Jaina Saints and conversion of Sravakas into the Saiva fold. This is further aggravated by the anti-Jaina propagation of Alwars -Champions of Vaishnavism.
JAINA INFLUENCE:
Inspite of prosecution and conversions the Jaina principles have not been eradicated from Tamil country. Even now one can easily find them among the Tamils which clearly indicate the Jaina influence on Tamils.
The extent of Jains' influence in this part of the land-Tamil country is inestimables. Tamil literature and habits of Tamils echo the depth and width of Jaina influence. Udichi Devar, author of a Jaina Tamil work Thirukalambagam, while describing who Jains are, says:
"They like the Dharma Preached by one who moves on Lotus ;
Scorn killing; never utter falsehood;
Don't steal, never develop liking on wives of othermen ;
Don't loose temper out of anger,
Neither take meat nor honey
Don't eat after sunset;
Never decry the elders"
This exposition may suit any common man who wished to be a member of a civilized society. VEGETARIANISM :
One of the fore-most Jaina principles that has rooted deeply in Tamil Society is Vegetarianism. Meat eating was uniformly condemned by all. The sobriety of the mind is influenced by the purity of the food. One of the famous poets of the 19th Century Thiru. V. Ka. has pointed out "The highest stage of not eating meat is Jainism"
The vegetarian food, which is presently called "Saiva food" in olden days referred to as Aarugatha food the food of Jains. Even now in Ceylon it is called by this old name. The Tamils who acquired meat eating as a secondary habit, avoid it on the important religious festival days. Generally the original customs and practices of a society are reflected in the festivals. Most of the customs and practices not observed by the people in their day to day life are observed atleast on festival days. This points out the fact that Tamils influenced by the religion of Ahimsa were all vegetarians.
ANIMAL SACRIFICE :
In ancient Tamil nadu even the hunters offered only millets and honey to their deities. But later on due to misguidance animals were sacrificed to appease minor deities. This cruel act of Tamils was condemned by the Jains from the beginning. Ancient Tamil literature contains Kavyas that are composed on this subject (Nilakesi, Yasotharakavyam, Jeevasambothanai).
Jainism condemned it from pre-historic days. This fact is further supported by the fact that in Tamil nadu the "South Indian Humanitarian League" a society formed by Jains and other spearheaded the move to bring in legislation banning animal sacrifices in temples. Late C.S. Mallinath Jain and Late T.S. Sreepal, both Tamil Jains carried out wide publicity condemning the animal sacrifice. Late T.S. Sreepal was called
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