Jain Journal 1972 04

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

Page 64

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position of the Jainas in the Sangam period (c. 2nd century A.D.) on the authority of works like Kural, Silappadikāram and Maṇimekhalai, it can be said that the "fervent manner in which Jaina beliefs and morals are depicted, the copious references to Jaina centres of learning and the description of the society in general, leave no doubt in the minds of the readers of the epics, the impression, that the religion of the Arhats was embraced by large and even increasing numbers of the Dravidians." The comparative simplicity of Jaina worship, the exclusive character of Brahmanical rites and the perfect organisation of the Jaina community are the causes that must have led to the Jaina hold over the country in that period.
The creation of Ganga kingdom (2nd-11th century A.D.) through the active agency of Simhanandi who gave refuge to two forlorn princes from the North, in about 2nd century A.D., laid a firm foundation for the prosperous career of Jainism under the Gangas. It became a state religion due to which the Jaina monks giving up their traditional seclusion from the political affairs, came out in the role of king-makers and royal advisers.
JAIN JOURNAL
Simhanandi was not satisfied simply giving them a kingdom, but he guided the princes regarding the principles of policy inasmuch as he wanted them that 'if they did not approve of the Jina Sāsana, if they seized the wives of others, if they ate honey or flesh, if they formed relationship with the low if they fled from the battlefield, then their race would go to ruin.' Thus the great ascetic set within proper limits the principle of ahimsa in conformity with kingly duties.
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The marvellous feat of cutting asunder a stone pillar by a single stroke of the sword given by Simhanandi to Kongunivarman, has been interpreted as the removal or doing away with the Buddhist influence in Karnataka symbolised in the existence of the Buddhist monuments near the place of the meeting of Simhanandi and Kongunivarman. "Kongunivarman's demonstration of physical strength brought about it, indeed 'sovereignty' to the Jainas: and the reward which he secured for this remarkable feat was a kingdom."
Besides Kongunivarman, his successors were also Jaina patrons. For instance, Avinita had his preceptor in Vijayakirti at whose instance the king gave grants of land to the Jina temples. The same king has been described as one "in whose heart the Supreme Jina footprints are fixed."