Jain Journal 1991 04

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

Page 39

APRIL, 1991
183
These are the seven hells according to Gangarāja. He was the crest jewel of perfect faith in Jainism. Many Jaina temples were renovated, new ones were built, unbounded gifts were made. Enclosure was built around Gommața statue at Śravanabelagola.
Hulla, was another general who gained distinction of having served three successive Hoysāla rulers, Vişnuvardhana, Narasimha and Ballala-II. He took delight in restoring Jaina temples, holding assemblies for Jaina worship, making gifts and listening to the reading of the sacred purāņas. He was bestowed with the title SamyaktvaCūdamaņi.
Similar religious policies were followed by the other generals. However it should be noted that, more than the rulers, the generals and the elite class of the Jaina society in Karnataka during this period were more actively involved in the religious movements and they proved themselves to be the true believers and followers of Jaina faith.
Throughout the history of religious thought, in India and so much so in Karnataka, Jaina school has always upheld the doctrines of ahimsā predominantly. It is Jainism that had upheld unbounded compassion for the struggling humanity as a means to attain peace and tranquility.
The Jaina monuments in Karnataka which have survived the ravages of time are very few in number. But still, the monolithic statue of Gommațeśvara, group of temples at Śravaņabelagola, and other places, abundant literature and inpumerable epigraphs are the proud records to cherish the great memory of Jaina heritage in Karnataka. It was in this part of India that "Pichadvaja' enjoyed the highest reputation of political honour for many centuries. No wonder Karnataka is rightly considered the second-birth place of Jainism.
References
1 Mysore Gazetteer, Vol. I and II. 2 Sharma, Jainism and Karnataka Culture. 3 R. R. Diwakar, Karnataka through the Ages