Jain Journal 1992 01

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

Page 34

JANUARY, 1992
179
The use of Jaina shrines for prostitution, throwing of dead bodies inside the garbhagudi, ridiculing nudity of the Tirthankara images and the ascetics ; the concept of non creativity, non-creator God Jina and forcing the ascetics to vacate the temple vicinities, etc., has been depicted very effectively.48
The calamities of such severe persecutions were not fictitious. Many historical evidences in support of this unpleasant rivalries have been found. But the Jainas of Karnataka, have proved themselves to be excellent protectors of socio-religious norms of peaceful existence and toleration. The doctrinal depth provided them with enough moral strength to bear such impended humiliation. Obviously, these socioreligious developments caused the rise and growth of communal organisation. But it has to be noted that the Jainas of Karnataka did not develop any antagonistic attitude towards the Non-Jainas. Instead, many nompy stories were written, illustrating retribution for intolerant religious crimes which were considered to be evil. In Vāstu-kalyāṇada nompy49 it is depicted that one Nandimitra suffered from leprosy on account of his involment in a heinous crime. In his subsequent birth, he was born as a tiger and was killed by a hunter. He was reborn as pig, dog, buffalo, etc., such narrative stories and supporting stories upheld, not merely the Jaioa theory of karma, they also aimed to mould the life pattern of people by inculcating in them the spirit of co-existence, harmony and peaceful life.50
Nompies were observed for consecutive years like 3, 5, 7, 9, 12 and so on. A festival atmosphere of sanctity and splendour marked the beginning and the concluding ceremonies of the nompies, Mangala signs and other decorative rangolis were usually drawn or painted with powdered rice mixed in water. The kalasa, darpana, svastika, etc., are considered as signs of goodluck and therefore they were exhibited to ensure success to an undertaking. 51
The gift of metal images of Tirthankara, Nandiśvara, Pañcaparameştis, Yakşas and Yakşis were made to the temples during the udyā pana
48 Nom Ka-BSK. 49 Ibid. 50 Pandit Kailash Chandra Shastri, Jainism (Jivaraja Jaina Granthamala, Kannada
Grantha-2). 51 Nom, Ka-HPN,