Jain Journal 1972 04

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

Page 46

APRIL, 1972
185
On the evidence of this inscription, we may say that image worship —which has been referred to in one of the Argas (Nāyādhamma) regarding the worship of Jiņapadimā by Dovai-was prevalent in Kalinga as well as in Magadha right from the Nandas who were the predecessors of the Mauryas. It means, therefore, that Jainism must have been in a flourishing condition in Kalinga in pre-Mauryan times, and was possibly introduced there by Mahavira himself, as the Jaina texts refer to his visits to Tosali.
Kharavela's defeat of Bahasati-mitra (Pusyamitra) tends to suggest that Kharavela tried to check the reviving Brahmanical influences in Magadha. It is also likely that at the time of invading Magadha, Kharavela might have conquered Bengal and eastern Bihar as well. The existence of Jaina monuments in these parts of our country tend to suggest a strong Jaina influence in this region.
That the members of the family of Kharavela were also influenced by the king's devotion to Jainism is clear from the erection of a Jina temple and the building of some caves by Kharavela's chief queen for the sake of Kalinga śramaņas.
The Jaina literary tradition is, however, markedly silent about their great patron Kharavela. It is difficult to explain why the Jaina traditions which mention without fail even rival kings, should have made Kharavela insignificant by complete absence of any reference to him.
The effects of Kharavela's zeal for Jainism paved the way for the maintenance of the faith for a long time. This has been corroborated by an inscription in the Navamuni cave in the Udayagiri-Khandagiri hills which is dated the eighteenth year of the reign of Udyotkesari. It mentions a certain Subhacandra, a disciple of Kulacandra, an Acarya of Desi gana, Graha kula of the Arya sangha. Scholars attribute it a date round about the 10th century A.D.
Another inscription in the Lalatendu Kesari's cave refers to the fifth year of the reign of Udyotakesari. It is named after the king of the same name belonging to the Kesari dynasty (c. 7-12 century A.D.). It contains a group of Jina images. Besides this, "decayed tanks and decayed temples were caused to shine”.
This patronage to Jainism in general seems to have lasted even upto the 16th century A.D., as Prataparudra Deva of the Surya Dynasty had a great leaning towards Jainism.