Jain Journal 2000 01

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

Page 16

JAIN JOURNAL: Vol-XXXIV, No. 3 January 2000 gathering of the Jainas to the land of Mysore. I cannot forget that this land is to them a land of pilgrimage, consecrated by some of the holiest traditions and tenders memories of their faith. This is also the holy spot sacred to the Muniswara Gommata, whom tradition represents to have been the younger brother of Bharata, the eponymous emperor of Bharatavarsha. The land of Mysore, therefore, symbolizes Gommata's spiritual empire, as Bharatavarsha stands for the empire of his brother Bharata. Jainism not only found a second birth-place and home in Mysore, but the Jainas have also contributed to Kannada literature, inspired some of the noblest masterpieces of that literature in its early history; and Jaina learned men have ever since continued to render signal service to it. What is unique in Jainism among Indian religious and philosophical systems is that it has sought emancipation in an upward movement of the spirit towards the realm of infinitude and transcendence. Jainism has sought a harmony of all religious in its Sarvadharma and its Anekantavada.92
128
His Highness Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar kept up the precedent of sending the palace honours on the occasion of the Mahamastakabhisheka ceremony. The palace honours were sent on the occasions in 190993, 192594, and in 194095. His signature on the Chandragiri marks the visit of His Highness Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV to Sri Ksetra Sravanabelagola.9 96
The practice of causing the Samgha puja by the Jaina inhabitants of various towns and cities became an integral part of the Mahamastakabhisheka ceremony. Some times Samgha pujas were also performed by the pontiffs of other Jaina Mattas on behalf of the Jaina community residing in the area of their jurisdiction. Ananta Kavi in Gommateswara Charita refers to the samgha puja caused by Lakshmisena Bhattaraka of Kollapur97, Charukeerti of Modabidre, 98 Lakshmisena of Singhanagadde99 and Devendrakeerti of Humcha.100
Obviously, Charukeerti Panditadevas are also responsible for popularizing the Bahubali cult in Karnataka. The smaller Bahubali 92. Speechs of His Highness Krishnaraja Wodeyar Bahadur. 93. Archiveal Report-Mysore.
94. Ibid.
95. Ibid.
96. EC. Vol. II. Intro. (1923).
97. Gomcha. Ch, Sts 151-152.
98. Ibid., Ch 4,Sts 151-152. 99. Ibid.
100. Ibid.