Jain Journal 1992 01

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

Page 25

The Relevance of Nompies in Karnataka
Jainism
Vasantha Kumari
The prominent role of religion in shaping the life of mankind has always been upheld for, religion is considered as a means to attain peace and tranquility. The worship of the divinities, the observance of rituals, the visit to the temples-basically form the inherent human instincts and this has much to do with the ways and life of the community. Thus, devotion and worship form the integral structure of religion.
Jainism does not believe in the God as creator. Hence the noncreator omniscient Jina does not favour his followers with divine grace. But essentially the Jainas have lived as a devotional creed and they have been worshipping the images of Tirthakaras and other lesser gods and goddesses like Yakşas, Yakşis, Kșetrapālas etc and their favours are sought.
The term 'nompy' and 'vrata' are synonymous! but the term nompy is commonly used by the Jainas of Karnataka. It refers to the ritualistic and ceremonial religious observances.
The different forms of nompies performed by the affluents of the Jaina community of Karnataka are found in a number of lithical and literary records. It is imperative that, the nompies formed a significant socio-religious activity of Karnataka Jainism during the 12th Century A.D. and its unbroken tradition is maintained even to this day. Consequently this religious activity has always been upheld as a virtue.
1 Hampa Nagarajaiah, Nompiya Kathegalu, (Nom. Ka-HPN). 2 EC, Vol. II. 3 Ranna, Ajitanatha Purana. 4 Descriptive Lists of Stone Copper Plate Inscriptions, 1940-41 and 1942-43,
K.R.I., Dharwar, 1961.