Gyandhara

Author(s): Gunvant Barvalia
Publisher: Saurashtra Kesari Pranguru Jain Philosophical and Literary Research Centre

Page 301

or the bathing rituals, which is held in high esteem among the Karnatak Jains, is also referred in the Jain texts. In order to make the worship effective in public life, the Kdamb king declared 8 days festival to be celebrated every year from the full moon of the month of Kartik. The Mahamastakabhishek of Sravanblgoda, which is performed after every twelve years, is a very big celebration even today. The first Abhishek was performed in 1398 and the last was in 1993. The colossal statue of Gomtes were Bhhubali in sravan Belgoda in Karnataka is one of the wonders of the world. It should be noted that practice of idol worship and temple constructing. was spread and strengthen in Karnataka through royal efforts. The reason behind advocating image worshiping was to compete with the Brahmans and also to get rid of the dry asceticism. The objects fo the worship were Jains, their associated deities sacred things and symbols.
The Jains of Karnataka : The Jains were instructed to earn their livelihood by proper means and to practice the six essential jaina duties i.e. the worship of the Jina, study of the spiritual lore, control of passions, charity etc. The purpose behind the Jaina domestic rituals were manifold like material profit, cultural and spiritual gains etc. The Jains were asked to feed the Jains monks according to the ninefold method of hospitality etc. Like the Hindus, the Jains believed that by performing certain rites, they might avert the evil influence which overtake pregnant women & children. The fire worsiop just as Brahmans was very popular. By following the rules of good conduct, they make themselves able to withstand the Jaina austerities and finally develop
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