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Jainism In Jammu And Kashmir State (J & K State)
Dr. Renuka Porwal Former Editor : Jain Jagat Mumbai
Kashmir is rightly described as a paradise on earth by everyone since olden time. The earlier kings and afterwards Mogul emperor Akbar and Jahangir have constructed remarkable forts, buildings, shrines, lakes, gardens, etc. to enhance the charm of the valley. Mogul architecture and paintings on Shalimar garden is worth mentioning. The shrines at Chasme Sahi and Martanda constructed on natural streams are very ancient. Among all these antiquities the most remarkable temple is the abode of MOTHER SARDA the divine PITHICA. Here many rsis, sadhus, kings and laymen have adored the deity to receive her blessings. This abode of Sarasvati Mahasakti is locally known as Sarika and deity Hari- The presiding deity of Kasmir valley.
The history of Kasmir is available from Ramayan and Mahabharat period. These most valuable past, known to us by Jaina Poet named Kalhana in his work Raj-tarangini. At that time Kasmir was under king Harsa's rule and there were many Jaina families in the state of Kasmir. In his time Jainas, Bauddhas and Hindus were living in harmony without any cast discrimination. Therefore Kalhana the great poet composed the most historical valued Kavya 'Raj-tarangini' not pertaining to any religion but to present true and authentic information for future generation. He started composing the same in the year 1148-49 A.D. in Sanskrit language and in Kasmirian script Sarada and completed in the year i.e. 1150-51 A.D. Here Raja stands for kings and Taranga for sea waves. In eight Tarangas he has given the total history of Kasmir kings from Morya kings onwards as well as the chief kingdoms of India like Avanti, Gujarat, Saurastra, Lanka, etc. His Kavya becomes marvellous as he narrated all the important incidences of kings, subjects, commerce, crop, agriculture religions, shrines etc. Even one finds perfect local geographical features of various chief sites of Kasmir state very useful for travellers.
Kalhana's Kavya begins with the auspicious Mangal wordsAum Swasti// Sri Ganeshaya Namah//
After that the first ten slokes contain the adoration prayer describing various Gunas of Sarsvati and asked her blessings to compose the kavya for completing the same without any obstacle.
The Jainism in Kasmir is available from the Morya period onwards. Before accepting Buddhism King Asoka was Jaina as per detail provided by Kalhan -
....Athavahada Asokakhyah satyasandho vasundharam 1/101// Yah santavrijino raja prapanno Jinasasanam/ SuskaletraVitastatrau tastara Stupamandalaihi//102// DharmaranayaViharanta virtastatrapure bhavet/ Yatkrutam Caitya-mutsedhavadhipraptasyaksame-ksanam//103//
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