Book Title: Introduction to Jainism and its Culture
Author(s): Balbhadra Jain
Publisher: Kundkund Gyanpith Indore

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Page 208
________________ Bharâraka's place. In 1988 V. another calamity struck this area on Bhādrapada Kļşņa 9 (9th day of the dark half of the month of Bhādrapada). There was a landslide that destroyed the temple and the Māna-stambha both. But miraculously the images remained unscathed. At present these images are placed in a room on the hill. There is also a rest-house (dharmaśālā) and a well in a compound at the foothill, but in dilapidated condition. Above the rest-house there is a small temple where ancient images are installed. Some damaged and intact images found in nearby farms are also stored in a room in the rest-house. Much higher than the temple on the hill there is a rock on which four standing images are carved. These are called images of Siddhas (liberated souls). Still above, on the right, can be seen a cave. In ancient times, Digambara ascetics used this cave for their meditation and austerities. Some inscriptions have also been found in the cave. Besides these an ayāgapatta (slab carved with sacred Jain figures and symbols) with inscriptions was also found here. The inscription reads - 'On the inspiration of Sthaviră Baladāsā, the female disciple of Sivanandī, this ayāgapatta was installed by King Sivamitra in 12 V. for the worship of Arhantas.' The inscription found outside the cave informs that in the 10th year of the Kāśyapa Tīrthankara this cave was constructed by Āşādhasena who was the son of Gopālī and Vaihidari. Gopālī's son was the maternal uncle of King Vahasati Mitra. Bhagavāna Mahāvīra belonged to this Kāśyapa gotra. There is another inscription inside the cave, which informs that it was made by Āsādhasena, who was the son of Vaihidari who was the wife of Bhārāvata who was the son of queen Triveni who was the wife of Vangapāla who was the son of Sauparāyaṇa the king of Ahicchatra. This king ruled the north Pāñcāla area at the beginning of the Christian calendar. BHAGAVĀNA SUPĀRSVA NĀTHA -- Supārśva Nātha was born to queen Prithvīveņā, the wife of King Supratiştha of Varanasi. Ever changing nature of seasons made him realize the transient nature of things in this world. He crowned his son and went to Sahetuka jungle to take the vow of ascetic discipline. He became a sky-clad ascetic. Next morning he came to Somakheta city to seek alms. He was offered food by King Mahendra. After this he went into deep meditation and attained omniscience two days later. His attending diaties were Vijaya Yakşi and Purusadatta Yakşiņi. Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

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