Jain Journal 1986 10

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

Page 26

JAIN JOURNAL
and a builder of the numerous Jaina temples, 42 but unfortunately no remains are extant today. 43 In the case of Bhagalpur, the ancient Angadesa (some portions of which definitely formed parts of ancient Mithila) we have a few Jaina antiquities. Mandara Hill is supposed to be one of the sacred places of the Jainas, It was here that Vasupujyanatha, the 12th Tirthankara, attained his nirvana. The top of this hill is a great object of veneration for the Jaina community. The structure is said to have belonged to Sravakas or Jainas and one of the rooms still contain a carana. A few other Jaina relics were also found on the top of the hill. 44 Karnagarh hill near Bhagalpur also contains numerous ancient Jaina relics. We have a reference to a Jaina vihāra to the north of the ancient fort.
Thus in the light of the above stated facts we can say beyond doubt that the torch of Jainism which was lit up in Mithila was kept burning in the state of Bihar as well as in other parts of the country.
13 Brhat Kalpa Bhasya Vol. III, gathas 3285-89 ff, 917-21. " U. P. Shah, op. cit., p. 6. 14 Beglar, Archaeological Survey of India, Vol. III; Qureshi, Ancient Monuments of
Bihar and Orissa (section on Bhagalpur).