History of Early Ganga Monarchy and Jainism

Author(s): Nagarajaiah Hampa
Publisher: Ankita Pustak

Page 52

A Gangas : Jaina Dynasty / 9
lar. However, it had branched off from the main stalk and gradually developing its roots. The Yāpaniyas under the dynamic leadership of simhanandi could not only steer the sangha ably but also could command liberal endowments to their monasteries in Gangavāời. With added vigour they entered the areas of Banavāsi Kadambas, who treated them on par with the other two established sanghas There were two ācāryas having the same name Simhanandi , one in the
third century and the other in fourth century. A Gangas : Jaina Dynasty 3.1 Though kings were duty bound to support all religions,
their active patronage of a particular religion could also be marked. The Gangas had equal respect for other religious sects, but basically they were Jainas. Under their protection and patronage, Jainism flourished in Karnataka without any let. They had openly declared their devotion to Nirgrantha Church from the very beginning and accordingly assumed the role of saviours. These bulls of kings promoted the anekantamata, gave a distinct elevated status to Sramaņa culture, and made Gangavādi the land of Jainism. Consequently that was the period of Jaina ascendancy, and it became a dominant creed in the state in all walks of life. This monograph is an attempt to give an aerial view of the signal contribution of the Gangas to the theory and practice of
Jainism, based purely on inscriptional evidences. 3.2 The Ganga charters usually commence with a salutation
to god Padmanābha, a popular personal name in Jaina tradition. Even to this day, both Padmanābha and its variant Kamalanābha, are popular personal names in Karnataka Digambara Jaina community. Padmanābha
is also one of the 1008 names of the Tirthankara. 3.3 Just because a king performed a yāga, he need not be