Jain Legend Vol 3

Author(s): Hastimal Maharaj, Shuganchand Jain, P S Surana
Publisher: Hastimal Maharaj Shugan C Jain P S Surana

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to all. In these fundamental scriptures, Jain doctrine and beliefs are considered undisputable beliefs. There we do not find any mention of building Jina temples or Jina idol worship. All these go to prove that Lord Mah v ra, from his first sermons till his last sermons never talked or propagated building, consecrating and worshipping Jina idols and temples. While establishing the four fold congregation, if it was considered essential for the auspicious beings to worship idols or build and consecrate them, then the same would have been mentioned in clear words as essential duty to build and worship Jina idols and temples like other essential duties for householders and monks alike.
Another fact which comes to light is that from the first writing of scriptures around V.N. 160 to the 4th writing of scriptures in V.N. 980, the right conduct of monks orlaity as per the scriptures in Jain congregation had no place for idol worship or temple construction etc was not prevalent.
All these facts make one infer that the idol worship and temple building started after the coming into prominence of Y pan ya and Temple dweller congregations. It also seems that the worshippers of the three jewels of the path of spiritual purification Y pan yas started first by worshipping the foot prints and then idol worship and temple building activities.
Ancient centres of Y pan ya congregation
1.
In the second century AD, Y pan ya congregation was dominant in Tamilnadu up to Kanyakumari.
In the 4" - 5th century Ad and thereafter, Y pan ya congregation became a dominant and active religious order in the northern Karnataka.
In the fifth and sixth centuries? AD, Plasik which is village Halas gr ma in Belg ma today was the seat of power of Y pan ya congregation.
4.
In 7th century AD, village A hola in B j pura district was the centre of power of Y pan yas.
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