Gommateshvara Commemoration Volume

Author(s): T G Kalghatgi
Publisher: Parshwanath Shodhpith Varanasi

Page 79

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Gommatesvara Commemoration Volume the summit of Katavapra. He burnt his Karmas by meditation and attained the celestial happiness (No. 75-650). There are brief references to ascetics Soucadarya (No. 79-750) and Mahāvdeva who performed the great penance and entered the heaven (No. 80-700 A.D.).
Candradevārya was an ascetic free from any weaknesses. He had distinguished himself for his modesty and purity of character. He had attained high reputation for his austerities. He ascended the hill Kaļbappu, abandoned the body and his soul ascended to the heaven in a happy condition and was being praised by gods (No. 84-700 A.D.). Nandisena was an Ācārya amongst ascetics. He was of strong will and had become convinced that beauty, wealth and pleasures were as transient as a rainbow, disappearing in a moment like the dew. This, according to him, was the supreme truth. He adopted Sanyasana and went to the world of gods (No. 88-700 A.D.). Indranandi Ācārya was very noble and self-controlled. He conquered all his passions and achieved victory over the delusions of life. He achieved Samadhi on the Katavapra hill and attained immortal splendour in the Kingdom of Indra (No. 95-700 A.D.).
Gugakirti was perhaps an ascetic of lofty devotion. He abandoned his body on the peak of the beautiful golden mountain (No. 105-700 A.D.). Vrşhabhanandi was the disciple of Ācārya Muni belonging to the Navilūr Sangha. He was an ascetic of stainless character and of great austerities. He realised that worldly existence was of transient nature and followed the path of Jainism with unstinted devotion. He accomplished the vow of Samādhi and achieved the happy state in the heavenly abode (No. 106-700 A.D.). There is a short inscription (No. 111-- 700 A.D.) about Nandi Muni who was renowned for his austerities. He observed the vow and attained immortality.
Devasena was a great ascetic. He came to know that death was near at hand. He was renowned for his learning and humility. He was adorned with numerous virtues. He observed the vow and ascended to heaven (No. 113700 A. D.).
Inscription No. 140 (1145 A. D.) records a number of instances of Sallekhanā. It refers to one nun by name Demitamati of Mayuragrāma Sarigha. She stayed in the midst of Katavapra mountain and accepted Samadhi. Indra Rāja was popular with his subjects. He observed the vow with immense peace of mind and acquired the great power of the Indra. Prabhācandra Siddhānta Deva was the senior disciple of Meghacandratraividya Deva, belonging to the Pustaka Gaccha of Desiga Gaña. He observed the vow and went to the world of gods on the appointed day.
Ajitakirti Deva was a disciple of Sāntikirti Deva. He fasted for one month and attained godhood with ease (No. 167-1809). This is the most recent