Jain Journal 2007 01

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

Page 18

Chitta Ranjan Pal:Alessknowncauseofprosperityofthe Jainasinthe Palakingdom
131
were, on one hand, devotees of Brāhmical gods and goddesses and on the other hand, were patrons of Jainism". So during the temporary collapse of the Pāla power the followers of the Brāhmanical sects and Jaina religion had enough opportunity to expand their activities in Bengal.
The Rāştrakūta King who invaded Anga, Vanga and Magadha was Amoghavarşa who, in religious persuasion was more a Jaina than a Brāhmanical Hindu. It is true that he was a worshipper of the family goddess Mahālakṣmī but he revered Mahāvīra profoundly, Jinasena, the author of the Adipurāṇa was the preceptor of Amoghavarşa. It is also said about him that he accepted the Jaina Dīkņā and patronised many Jaina Ācāryas. It is also said of him that he followed the theory of Syādvāda in his day to day life and abdicated the throne more than once to observe the vow of akiñcanatval?. His son Krişņa II was also a patron of Jainism.
Regarding the Pratīhāra kings, it is to be stated that Vatsarāja, Nägabhatta II, Bhoja and Mahendra Pāla who measured swords with Dharmapāla, Devapāla and Nārāyaṇa Pāla in successive periods were, on one hand, devotees of Hindu gods and goddesses, on the other hand, were great patrons of Jaina religion.
Vatsarāja is said to be an admirer of Bappabhatti Sūri and it is also said that the King had extended all help to Bappabhatti in furtherance of his missionary activities and on his advice Vatsarāja had set up many Jaina temples and upāšrayas in his Kingdom. His son Nāgabhatta II is said to be a convert to Jainism. He was also a great patron of Jaina Ācāryas.' King Mihira Bhoja and his son Mahendrapāla were also patrons of Jaina religion. In spite of their religious catholicity, the Pratīhāra Kings did not hesitate to support the Saindhava Śrāvakas to create troubles for their rivals, the Pāla Kings.
11. 12. 13.
Ibid p. 257 Ibid p. 294 Ibid p. 290
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