Jain Legend Vol 3

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

Page 63

extended their patronage and support to Jainism in a significant manner and established its influence and supremacy again.
During the reign of King Sundara P dya Jainism was one of the most dominating religions of majority of people in south and Tamilnadu in particular. However due to the defeat of Jain monks in debates with Jnasambandhara in Madurai, Sumdara P dya left Jainism and adopted aiva religion. According to the terms of the debate, he ordered 5000 Jain monks to be hanged to death.
After the conversion of P dya dynasty to aiva religion, even the Cola dynasty converted to aiva religion. They also started to inflict heavy casualties and severe hardships on Jain monks and followers alike. After them, dynasties of Basav , Ek danta, Ramaiy and the growing influence of crya R m nujama of aiva religion in propagating aiva and Vai ava religions in south, they started inflicting heavy looting, arson and mass conversion of Jains to their fold made Jainism almost extinct in the once majority of population of Andhra Prade a practicing Jainism.
We shall now briefly review those dynasties and their works that supported and patronized Jainism to retain its identity and even become a major religion during this testing and extremely difficult period.
63