Jain Journal 2005 07

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

Page 14

S.P. PADMAPRASAD: JAIN FOLK SONGSANDLEGENDS OF KARNATAKA
Some such legends can now be examined. | Legends related to places
There are many legends related to Jaina places of pilgrimage like-Humcha (Hombuja), Shravanabelagola etc. These legends mainly tell us about the establishment of that place as the seat of the god/ goddess, erection of a temple/ statue which later became most revered, or an incident which leads to a change in place, etc.
1. Legends related to Humcha (Hombuja)
Hombuja is an important place in Karnataka. It is a small town in Shimoga district with less than 10,000 population. But 12 centuries ago it was the capital of a Jaina kingdom ruled by Shanthara dynasty. Now this small town is full of sculptures, temples and epigraphs.
But even now the Jains visit this village like place to offer their devotions to the main deity 'Padmāvatī' whose temple is in the centre of this town. There are stories about the establishment of this kingdom, ruin of this capital, the big pond here and the particular tree (vitex nirgundi) present just behind the Padmāvati temple, about the Padmāvatī statue present in the temple etc.
Legend on the establishment of the kingdom narrates the story that the founder king of this capital Jinadatta, unfortunately fell into the fury of his own father Sakara mahārāja who had deviated from the Jaina religious path and had become a cannibal. His father ordered his assasination. Then he left his father's capital north Madhura and rode to south along with the idol of his home goddess-Padmāvati. His father's army chased him, but it could not catch him because of the grace of goddess Padmāvati. When he came to the present place, he was very much tired and wanted to take some rest. He tied the idol to the vitex tree and slept. Then in his dream the goddess appeared and said that she would stay there alone and suggested him to establish a kingdom there which she would protect. She also said that the water