Jain Journal 2000 01

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

Page 15

KUMARI : JAINISM DURING THE WODEYARS OF MYSORE
127
the Mahamastakabhisheka ceremony performed by Santavarni in 1614.79 Raja Wodeyar, the king of Mysore is stated to have sent his minister Dodda Santaiah to assist the Battaraka Santavarni alias Charukeerti Panditacharya to conduct the ceremony and to maintain peace and order. 80 However, no further details are available. Ananta kavi refers to the Mahamastakabhisheka ceremony performed by Vishalaksha pandita, the Jaina minister of Chikkadeveraja Wodeyar, at his expenses in 1678 A.D.81 Another was caused by one Santaiah in 1767 A.D. the ruler in power at this time was Nanjaraja Wodeyar. 82 The ceremony was also performed during the reign of Krishnaraja Wodeyar III in 1827 A.D.83, Similar ceremonies were also were performed in 185784, 187185, 188786, 190087, 192588, 194089, and 195390. The Pontiff Kolhapur Jaina Matta met the expenses of Mahamastakabhisheka ceremony in 1857 and he is reported to have spent about 30,000 rupees for that purpose.91
The freedom struggle in 1940 in the kingdom of Mysore had become vigorous due to the wide spread activities of the Mysore Congress. Nevertheless, Charukeerti Panditacharya performed the Head anointing ceremony successfully on account of the support extended by His Highness Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV.
The Wodeyar rulers have spared no pains either in the excellent upkeep of the glorious Jaina antiquities at Sravanabelagola or in providing all facilities to the lacks of pilgrims who throng to that place at the time of Mahamastakabhisheka ceremony. The intimate relations between Jains and the rulers of Mysore was well-expressed by His Highness the Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV of Mysore in his inaugural speech on 14th March 1925 while welcoming the all India
79. Sravanabelagola-Rajakiya Sahitya and Samskritika Mahatva, p. 327. 80. Bujabali Charita. Ch 8, Sts 66-68. 81. Gom cha. Ch; 6 Sts; 21-26. 82. Sravanabelagola 'Rajakiya Sahitya Samskritika Mahatva, p. 327. 83. EC. Vol. ii. No. 223. (Sb) 84. A Report in the Harvest Field of May, 1887. 85. EC. Vol. ii. Intro. (1923); Sravanabelagola Rajakiya Sahitya Samskritika
Mahatva p. 328. 86. Ibid. 87. Ibid., p. 328; EC. Vol. ii. Intro. 88. Sravanabelagola-Rajakiya Sahitya Samskritika Mahatva, p. 328. 89. Ibid. 90. Ibid. 91. EC. Vol. II, Intro. (1923).