Jain Journal 1969 04

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 93

198
JAIN JOURNAL
The Jaina temple in Said Mitha Bazar and the Tharhiyan Bhabrian (lately renamed Jain Street) were founded with Akbar's permission. Karam Chand built a shrine in his residential village near the present Guru Mangat about 7 miles south of Lahore. The village came to be known as Bhabra after the common word for the Jainas of the Punjab.
It is related that Akbar took some of the monks with him to Kashmir. One of them was allowed to learn Persian along with Salim. Another monk composed a stotra, the Süryasahasranāma, containing a thousand names of the sun which was recited before Akbar on every Sunday. On the birth of a daughter to Salim under unlucky stars, Akbar ordered a pājā to be performed in the Jaina temple and Salim graced the occasion with his presence.
Other Jainas having access to Akbar were Than Simha and Durjan
Sala.
Several grand functions connected with Jainism were held under royal patronage such as were never celebrated at Lahore afterwards. A number of appropriate titles were conferred on the monks. One was called Khush Faham on account of his sharp memory and ready wit.
Lahore was not without literary activity. The Süryasahasranāma was specially composed for Akbar. The Astalakși containing eight lakh interpretations of rājāno dadate saukhyam was presented to Akbar. Several other works also were written besides the copying of numerous manuscripts.
About this time a large number of Jaina families from Marwar came into the Punjab and settled in important cities and towns. Whereever there were a few families, Jaina priests or yatis established their upāśrayas or derās.