Jain Journal 1997 07

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

Page 20

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KUMARI : KARNATAKA-TAMIL NADU JAINA RELATIONS chief donors are Sattanna, Sresthi of Kumbhakonam, Appasami of Senniyambakkam in Tamil Nadu; Gopala and Adinatha of Tanjore, Perumal Sravaka of Tanjore, Padmavatiyammal wife of Sinnu Mudaliyar of Mannar Kovil, Sittiram Appauu and the Sravakas of Tanjore etc.45
The Chittamur Jaina Matha is stated to have been a branch of Sravana Belgola Matha. Reference is also made in a record dated 1865 A.D. to one Abhinava Adisena Bhattāraka of Chittamur Matha.46 However, it is noteworthy that most of the pontiffs of Sri Jaina Matha of Sravana Belgola hailed from Tamil Nadu.47
Ascetic Relations
Jaina ācāryas who upheld the tenents of Jainism in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu
Kundakundācārya : The most prolific Jaina ācārya whose importance is recognised by the Jaina community of India, irrespective of Svetambara and Digambara division is Kundakundācārya. His importance was so great that different regions of the south claim his nativity. However, the tradition that he belonged to the Kannada country is persistent and strong. Moreover, his activity appears to have been extended to Tamil Nadu also. Dr. A.N. Upadhye after a careful examination of all available evidence has come to the conclusion that Kundakundācārya lived in the beginning of the Christian era.
Kundakunda was a prolific writer. He fulfilled the need to prepare the reliable works on Jaina religion and philosophy. This was a great achievement that marked the beginning of the intense literary activity of Jaina teachers in South India. 48 It is also significant that Kundakunda's name is associated with the organisation of a South Indian community, Dravida Samgha which later on was revived by Vajranandi ācārya in the middle of 5th century A.D.49*
Samanta Bhadrācārya
A legend current in the Karnataka holds that Samanta Bhadrācārya was a native of a village called Utkalika, and he performed austerities in Manuvakahalli.50 From the epigraphical sources we find his name connected with the Pallava Principality of Kāñci. Different stories have came down to us about Samanta Bhadra's visit to Kāñcīpura and the events that followed thereafter.51
Kundakunda is also known by other aliases like. Vattakerācārya, Eläcärya, Vakragriva, and Gridhapinccha.