Jain Legend Vol 3

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

Page 64

Gamga dynasty (2nd to 11th century AD)
During medieval period in southern India, Gamga dynasty has a very important and significant place amongst the believers, supporters and promoters of Jainism.
Gamga dynasty ruled there from 103 till about 1600AD. During their rule, Kings, queens, ministers and chief of armed forces etc all supported, practiced and contributed their might to make Jainism prosper as a popular religion in southern India.
Their immortal contribution to Jainism
Twenty first King of this dynasty, King R ya Malla-II Satyav kya (974984AD) ruled the region. His commander in chief, the great C mu da R ya got a colossal 56 feet high standing idol from a single solid rock on Vimdhyagiri in rava abelagol village built in 980AD. This magnificent and colossal single rock cut 56 feet idol from the tip of toe to head is as on date also considered as one of the wonders of the world.
C mu da R ya also built a huge and magnificent temple of Lord Nemin tha built on Candragiri which is located just behind Vimdhyagiri.
All kings, from beginning till the end of Gamga dynasty were firm believers of Jainism. These kings built a number of Jain idols, temples and caves from time to time and gifted them to Jain c ryas.
The ancestors of Gamga dynasty
Dadiga and M dhava were the founders of Gamga dynasty. Their guru, crya M dhava established the Gamga dynasty. While founding the Gamga dynasty, c rya Simha Nandi (anointed as c rya by c rya M dhava) had both Dadiga and M dhava cautioned them about the following seven conditions to keep Gamga dynasty alive and prosper.
1. The day you stop observing these vows
2.
3.
4.
If you do not observe Jain doctrine in your life
If you snatch others women or indulge in their enjoyment If you consume honey or wine
64