Jain Journal 1997 07

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

Page 17

JAIN JOURNAL: Vol-XXXII, No. 1. July 1997
at Arikutara. A few of them also entered into service under the Hoysala King, Ballala. Arikutara is an ancient town of historical significance near Mysore. It was renamed Chamarajanagar by Mummadi Krishnaraja (1799-1831 A.D) Wodeyar in memory of his father Chamarajawodeyar (1776-96 A.D.). This was a town having considerable Jaina influence. Hastimalla is generally believed to have flourished in the 13th century A.D.
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We also learn that the title Hastimalla was conferred on this famous ācārya for having combated single-handed against an elephant, thereby saving the life of the Pandya king under whom he was serving as a minister.37 The Pandya King, however, remains unidentified. But being unwilling to oblige his master, who wanted him to embrace the Saiva faith, Hastimalli Senācārya, accompanied by his son Parsva Pandita and others, is reported to have migrated to the Mysore region and settled at different parts of it. Brahmasuri' Pratista Tilaka also corroborates the details referred to in the Rājāvalikathāsāra. Brahmasuri Pandita was a reputed scholar of his time, belonging to the family of Hastimalli Senācārya. These immigrants from the Tamil Nadu led by Hastimalli Senācārya, formed, in course of time, a separate group of their own,38 when their number increased; subsequently, they established themselves around Mysore. This group eventually emerged very strong in the royal court of the Wodeyar of Mysore, under whom they served in various capacities. A member of this group Vishalaksha Pandita even served the great Chikkadevaraja Wodeyar as Prime Minister in the 17th century A.D.39
Jaina Mathas of Karnataka and Jurisdiction over the Jaina Centres in Tamil Nadu
Singanagadde Jaina Matha
A copper plate record of Belluru in the Nagamangala Taluk of Mandya District in southern Karnataka throws light on the prasasti of the pontiff Laksmisena Bhaṭṭāraka of Singanagadde Jaina Matha. The pontiff of this Matha was regarded as the head of the Penugonda, Delhi, Kolhapur and Jinakañci, i.e., Tirupparuttikunrum, referred to above. Singanagadde Matha, according to the existing tradition, is believed to have been a branch of Penugonda Jaina Matha of Andhra Pradesh. But we do not have any source, throwing light as to how the pontiff of this Matha of Karnataka exercised his jurisdiction over the Jaina shrines and adherents of Tamil Nadu.40
The pontifical name, Lakṣmisena Bhaṭṭāraka of Singanagadde Matha of Karnataka has been born by the pontiffs of Jina Kāñci Matha.