Jain Journal 1998 01

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

Page 6

Vol. XXXII
JAIN JOURNAL
JAIN MONUMENTS IN ANANTAPUR DISTRICT, ANDHRA PRADESH
DR G.B. RANGANATH
No. 3 January
1. Konakondla
And
T. SURYA PRAKASH
The history of Jainism in Andhra Pradesh is one of the forgotten chapters of religious and cultural history of Andhra. Jainism had more ancient association and extensive existence in several parts of Andhra Pradesh than in anywhere else.
The present paper is on Jain monuments in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh. Anantapur district is replete with the rich historical archaeological evidence, besides the availability of considerable epigraphical and literary data and Jain antiquities useful for systematic study.
1998
There are numerous places of Jaina pilgrimage, ancient monuments and sites, scattered all over Anantapur district. Even now Jaina images and Jaina basadis are found in places where neither a Jaina is seen nor is Jainism heard. The Jaina images in sitting posture, are still being adored by the villagers of Anantapur district, not as Jains devas but as Sanyasidevullu (recluse gods) for begetting children and to get
rain.
The present Konakondla, a small village about 8 Kms away from the Guntakal Railway Station, is situated on the road that leads to Uravakonda in Anantapur District. Literary and epigraphical sources inform us that Kundakundacharya lived on the hill near Konakondla. Now, scholars are agreed in identifying Konakondla, where Kundakundacharya lived, with the modern village Konakondla, Uravakonda taluka, Anantapur district. We are told in the Srutavatara of Indranandin that the great preceptor Padmanandin hailed from Kundakundapura. A damaged inscription' from Konakondla itself 1. SII, IX, Pt. I, No. 150.