Gyandhara

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

Page 305

religion was established in U.P. and Bihar. During Mahavira's period Jainism became one of the major religions of Eastern India. Mathura became one of the biggest centres of Jaina religion in Northern India. It seems likely that extensive spread of Jainism began after the Nirvana of lord Mahavira the last and twenty fourth Tirthankars of Jainas. Also the extent of its influence can be observed after his enlightenment. During the life time of Mahavira the spread of Jainism was limited and it did not seem generally to have crossed the boundaries of Magdha. On the basis of data available it can be said that from an early period Jainism shifted from north to different parts undoubtedly, the region where Mahvira preached, that is Bihar always remained in prominence as a sacred spot. Mahavira's teaching was confined to the Ganges valley though in later centuries, Jainism moved to western India, parts of Northern India and to the south.3 In the past Jainas have contributed substantially to the cultural life of India. The history of Jaina religion is bright, after Mahavira, it received patronage from kings like Srenika, Bimbisar, Chandragupta Khaaranvela etc. and gradually it began to spread in the south and Gujarat. The Jaina faith received not only great patronage from ruling class but some kings became jainas. It seems that Jain religion was extremely influential in Magadha during the time of and the Nandas. According to the inscriptions of Kharavela of Kalinga Nandas were Jainas. During Mahavira's period Jainism became one of the Major religions of easterm India/ Probably, before Mahavira, the Nirgrantha religion founded by parsva was eastablished in U.P. and Bihar.
The contributions of Jainism can be studied from different aspects (1) Royal patronage received by the Jain
જ્ઞાનધારા
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જૈનસાહિત્ય જ્ઞાનસત્ર-૨
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