Jain Journal 1992 10

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

Page 60

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JAIN JOURNAL
earlier texts. He refers to the four wives of Dasaratha, namely, Kausalya, Sumitra, Kaikeyi and Lakşmaņā Mahadevi, the last being the mother of Satrugna.
The Impact of the Ramayana Culture on the Socio-Religious
Beliefs of the People :
Bahubali Colossal : Its Association with Rāma :
A few scholars have tried to refer to the antiquity of the image of Bahubali to the Epic Rāmāyana period, by associating the colossal statue with that of legendary Rāma. The Munivarnsābhyudaya of Cidnaända-Kavi, an incomplete work composed in the seventeenth century throws light on the fact that Rāma and Sita were responsible for not only bringing the image of Gommața from Sri Lankā, but also for worshipping it on the larger hill.89
In Rājāvali-Kathā, Devacandra mentions that the image of Belgola was formerly worshipped by Råma and Rāvana and also by the latter's wife Mandodari. It is said that in ancient times there was a selfformed image at this place which was in the shape of Gommatesvara Svāmi which Rävaņa, the monarch of the Rakşasas, worshipped to obtain happiness.86 Ananta Kavi, in Gommatesvara-Carite, tells us that the shooting of an arrow by Camuñdarāya resulted in the revelation of the image of Gommata, 81 These observances throw light on the natural tendency prevailing amongst the people who have always been valuing the sanctity of the legendary personages, than the truth of the historical accomplishments of the human beings.
Humcha Padmāvati Basti. Its Association with Rama :
An inscription on the outdoor of Padmavati basti states that the basti was created by Lord Rama and Lord Brahma.32
If such dogmatic beliefs are retold, generation after generation,
29 Cidananda Kavi, Munivams ābhyudaya, Ch. IV. St, 17 to 24. Unpublished, I K.S.,
Mysore. 30 Devacandra, Rājāvali Kathe, p. 149, ed. B. S. Sanniah. 31 Ananta Kavi, Gommatesvara Carite, p. 12, ed. Dr. B. V. Sirura. 32 E. C., Vol. VII, No 56 Nagar)