Book Title: Jain Journal 1978 01
Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

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Page 20
________________ 96 'Kunda', in Tamil and in Malayalam ‘Kunram', Hence this explanation sounds rather reasonable, but how to accept it as the birth place of KK? Incidentally we may discuss the name of Kunda Kunda. At least there are five forms of it: (There is also another form Kaunda kunda) Konda Konda, Konda Kunda, Kunda Kunda, Kunda Kunda Kunda Kunda Now about the meaning of the Sanskrit word Kunda and Kunda. Kunda means a pit as in yajñakuṇḍa or a drinking pot as in kuṇḍapāyi. But Jainism does not uphold drinking or offering in fire. So I am rather reluctant to accept it though Kundapura is the birth place of Bhagavan Mahavira. Kunda means a kind of jasmine flower, which also does not fit in. But Konda or Kunda can be convincingly explained in Dravidian language if I say Konda of Telegu and Kunda of Kannada are combined. Both these forms are from proto-Dravidian 'Kunram' meaning a hill. Thus KKA means an Acarya or learned Teacher who comes from a hill. JAIN JOURNAL Biographical details about KK are still very vague. KKA has shown divine silence in furnishing his bio-data. Thus in absence of internal data we have to rely on external ones. But these external ones also are not dependable as they contain exaggeration. Of contemporary records-there are none. Other documents are of later date and scholars are cautious to accept them. Popular stories are more concerned with miracles and his divine power than the man. Here I give five such incidents to show their worth. a. KKA once saw a magician converting a pot full of water into toddy. Acarya wanted to impress on the people that no importance should be given to such acts turning that toddy into a jasmine flower. b. Acarya once saw some disbelievers to worship a pot full of water. After the ceremony they used to take that water as fish. KK felt sorry for them and he converted the pot into a jasmine flower. He personally visited Purva Videha to pay homage to Simandhara Svami where he also received enlightenment. C. d. e. He used to move in the air four fingers above the ground. Once he disputed with the Svetambaras on Mt. Girnar and forced Brahmi to accept Digambara creed.. These stories can be discounted. As some of these feats are attributed to Umasvati and Pujyapada. Camundaraya (10th centrury A.D.) of the earliest of Kannada writers who has mentioned that Pujyapada Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only one www.jainelibrary.org

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