Jain Journal 2000 01

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

Page 25

KUMARI JAINISM DURING THE WODEYARS OF MYSORE
Hosavrata. It is stated that they did not even interline with the other Banajigas. 151
Among the Arasu community especially those who resided at Bilikere, Halebeedu Satyamangala and Hosakote were called Jaina Arasu. The Bilikere Arasu family is stated to have caused the erection of the colossus Bahubali at Gommatagiri near Mysore.153 The descendents of the Changalva ruler, Mangarasa who ruled from Kallhalli, also belonged to the Jaina Arasu sect. 154 It is interesting to note that until the beginning of this century, the Jaina influence obviously prevailed in the family of Devaraja Arasu, the former Chief Minister of Karnataka. 155
152
It is important to note that many Gowda families in the Shimoga region are still in possession of the images of Tirthankaras. In the annual Paksha ceremony which is widely practised in that region, the custom of keeping the Jaina Yade is still in vogue. The Jaina Gowdas and Jaina Chippigas who were completely eliminated from the Jaina social groups have been now initiated into Jainism.
137
The Jaina Kommatis are called so on account of their devotion to Gommatadeva. The Jaina Kommatis claim their descent to a mythological hero Kubera. 156
It should also be noted that among the Panchamas of Saligrama a few are identified as Hastantaras. Among them a group is stated to have been the descendants of the Jains who migrated from Sri Rangapattana along with Kallaiah Setty, a royal merchant to whom reference has been made earlier while the others are those who migrated during the time of Tippu Sultan from Ganjam. As the members of this group in general were engaged in high level mercantile activities, they appeared to have kept themselves at a distance from the other Jaina residents who mostly formed the Chaturtha sect.
The Jaina Brahmanas of Mysore are said to have been the immigrants from Tamil Nadu to Karnataka. It was during the Wodeyar's
151. Mackenzie's collection. Local Records, No. 24.
152. Socio-religious life of the Jains under the Wodeyars of Mysore. 153. Ibid.
154. Ibid.
155. Jaina Sahitya Sammelana Patrike. ed. P. Nagarajaiah.
156. Jainism in South India and Jaina Epigraphs, p. 14.
157. Socio-religious life of the Jainas under the Wodeyar's of Mysore. 158. Rajavali. pp. 316-367.