Jain Journal 1972 04

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

Page 67

APRIL, 1972
205
Another dynasty that helped the cause of Jainism more vigorously was that of the Hoysalas. According to epigraphical evidence the very creation of this dynasty was the work of a Jaina monk. It was in the fitness of things, therefore, that the Hoyasalas should have given a wholehearted support to Jainism. This is corroborated by several epigraphs of this dynasty. For instance; Vinayaditya was under the influence of the Sudatta Vardhamana. Another sage Santideva was the guru of Vinayadittya II due to whose blessings the king could expand the glory of his kingdom, and after whose death the king erected a memorial in his honour. The king was also under the influence of Abhayacandra to whom he granted land. The religious zeal of the king, therefore, resulted in the erection of several temples and basadis for the Jainas.
The successor of Vinayaditya was Ereyanga who was also a disciple of Gopanandi, a great debator and logician. To him the king granted a village. It is said in one of the epigraphs that Gopanandi "caused the Jaina religion which had for a long time been at a stand still, to attain the prosperity and fame of the time of the Ganga kings.
During the short rule of Ballala I also, Jaina monks were respected. It is said that this king was cured of his illness by Carukirtimuni.
The next king Visnuvardhana was also devoted to Jainism as he named his son Vijaya Narasimha after the god Vijaya Parsvanatha whose temple was built by one of his generals.
The successor of Visnuvardhana was Narasimha I. A reference to his visit to Sravana Belgola occurs in one of the inscriptions.
His son Vira Ballala I proved to be a worthy king and he increased his realm as well as his patronage to Jainism. His preceptor was Vasupujyadeva of the Nandi sangha under whose influence the king granted villages for Jaina purposes.
Out of the remaining kings of this dynasty, Narasimha III was a devout Jaina and his guru was Maghanandi.
Further South :
We have already seen that the Tamil literature of the early centuries of the Christian era shows great influence of Jaina ideas and principles. Yet, Jainism could not fare better under the rule of the