________________
Kannada Literature / 127
that Bhrājiṣṇu and Śricandra have followed a common Prakrit comm. of Ārādhanā text, which is not extant. It should be said to the credit of Bhrājiṣṇu, Sricandra and of course Harisena that they have elaborated the stories in their own way, keeping the outline and the motive, as envisaged by the original author, in tact.
5.4.6.1. The depth and dimension of the AKT has a wide range which includes religious, social, cultural, political, historical and literary aspects, only the three stories of Bhadrabahu, Cilataputra and Caṇakya are quasi-historical, containing historical allusions to the period of the Maurya dynasty. Rest of the stories are purely legendary, studded with folk motifs and socio-cultural elements. Bhrājiṣṇu's insight and knowledge of his contemporary life, the animal world, the royal house, the merchant community, and above all the Jaina monachism is remarkable. The author is so meticulous that he vividly portrays the minor characters also with appropriate details. The wisdom and timely action of womankind is personified even in minor characters like Birdi, Gambire and Sumati.
5.4.7. Though the title of the comm. cum gloss of the work is Ārādhana-Karṇāṭa-Tikā, it is more popular and familiar in Karnataka as Vaddārädhane. Vodḍārādhane, a nomen derived from or equivalent to Sanskrit Bṛhadārādhana. The etymology of the word Vadḍārādhane is worth pondering, because it has the connotation and denotation of Nirgrantha tradition. Vaḍḍārādhane is a compound word consisting of Vaḍda+arādhane, two noun forms. Vadda-, the first part of the word is a cognate of Prakrit Vadda, meaning 'great'. Aradhane, the second part of the compound, is the nomen of Mulārādhana of the adept Śivakoți alias Šivarya, as suggeted in the beginning. Therefore, literal meaning of the compound word Vaddārādhane is - 'the great Aradhana text', highly respected
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
