Jain Journal 2001 07

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

Page 30

INFLUENCE OF BHAGAVĀN MAHĀVĪRA'S
TEACHINGS ON TAMILS
PROF. S. THANYA KUMAR
Jainism, the religion of Ahimsā, flourished in Tamilnadu as early as 3rd B.C. The antiquity of Jainism is established with literary and epigraphical evidences. But the Jains believe that their religion in this part is much older than the available evidences show. There is a reference to the highest religious ideal of Jainism in the earliest Tamil work THOLKAPPIAM. It speaks about the annihilation of Karmas and attainment of omniscience, “Lord is one who liberates his soul from the shackles of karma and becomes the omniscient self."
This is the religious ideal of the religion of Ahimsā.
The migration of Jainism under the leadership of Ācārya Bhadrabāhu gave an additional vigour to the non-violence cult which was the prominent and the dominent faith with the people in the south. The Jaina Preachers enriched the Tamil language and culture. The tolerant Tamil society entertained all faiths. The Bhakti movement which gained upperhand had led to the prosecution of the Jains. Jainism which was once the predominant faith in Tamil country by 9th cent became restricted to a few pockets in the districts of North Arcot, South Arcot, Chinglepet, and Tanjore. There are monuments and inscriptions in the southern and western districts of Tamilnadu. It is generally claimed that Saint Jnānasambanadar sang away Jainism out of Tamilnadu. It is not his songs but prosecution with the help of members of Royal family that led to disappearance of Jaina saints and conversion of srāvakas into the Saiva fold. This is further aggravated by the anti-Jaina propagation of Alwars-the champions of Vaisnavism.
Influence of Mahāvira's Teachings
The meticulous and militant efforts of Champions of Bhakti movement had not eradicated the principles of Ahimsa championed by the Bhagavān Mahävira and his disciples. The principles of Ahimsä and the correlated ethical conduct have percolated the Tamil society. Even now one can easily find them among the Tamils which indicate the influence of Bhagavān Mahāvira.