Jain Journal 2000 01

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

Page 17

KUMARI JAINISM DURING THE WODEYARS OF MYSORE
Colossus at Venur in South Canara was installed at the instance of Charukeerti Panditadeva in 1664 A.D. 191 Near Mysore at Basadi Hosakote and Bilikere exist Bahubali Colossus of 18 and 20 feet respectively. 102
The erection of the free standing Colossus and icons enshrined in the basadis project the religious feelings and popular Bahubali cult in the region of Mysore. It is apparent that the Bahubali cult became a potent factor in the Socio-religious life of the Jaina Community in the region of Mysore. This is further evidenced by a number of Stotras and Astakas composed in adoration of Bahubali. Even a great number of folk songs composed during this period in praise of Bahubali and adoring the sanctity of Sri Ksetra further substantiate the above fact. Interestingly, Charukeerti Panditacharya of Sri Matta of Sravanabelagola as the chief functionary of the Mahamastakabhisheka ceremony specially commanded high respect from the Jaina laity of India.
Apprehensions on Sri Ksetra
Charukeerti Panditacharya had to vacate the pontifical seat and take shelter elsewhere due to the repeated apprehensions caused by the local administrative chieftains. One such event occurred during the reign of Chamaraja Wodeyar IV and this has been discussed earlier in this paper. The most significant outcome of this event was that both the pontiff and pontifical seat received special attention of the Wodeyar ruler who in fact considered it his primary duty to offer protection to the Sri Ksetra the great Jaina religious center. The benevolent king Chamaraja Wodeyar IV decided to call back the Panditacharya from Ballakipura with an assurance to protect the interest of the holy center and the same was entrusted to him. 103
129
Munivamsabhyudaya refers to one Vimalacharya alias Charukeerti Panditacharya, who faced apprehensions by the non-Jaina sectarian groups. 104 He, in utter distress, had to vacate Sri Ksetra and establish himself at Somawarpet. 105 When Vimalacharya died Chikkadevaraja Wodeyar conferred the pontifical seat to Chidananda kavi. 106 He as
101. EI. Vol. vii.
102. Jainism and Karnataka Culture, pp. 159-167. 103. EC. Vol. II. No. 352. (Sb); Muni. Ch. II Sts 19-21.
104. Ibid., Ch. II. Sts 58-66.
105. Ibid., St 89.
106. Ibid., Sts. 91-92.