Jain Legend Vol 4

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

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The third part discusses the date of origin of Bha raka (administrator monks) sect of Digambar tradition, the soul-stirring story related to its origin and its growth. While doing so, the most significant facts are also brought into light, of which all the contemporary Jain congregations, the scholars of those congregations and even the research scholars are unaware of.
The details provided in this part about the founders of Bharaka tradition - c rya M ghanandi, Ga dar ditya, the King of il h ra dynasty of Kolhapur, and Nimbadeva, his Commander-in-Chief are based on the information given in the five rock inscriptions obtained from the archaeological department of Kolhapur.
This part particularly brings into light the marvelling brilliance of M ghanandi, the founder of Bha raka tradition. He firmly resolved to restore Jainism to its original glory which went into oblivion due to lack of pure monks and followers. For this purpose he followed the propagation policy of diamkar c rya and established 25 Jain seats (p tha) at crucial centres places of India. Thus he brought in a new awakening, zeal and stream of consciousness in Jain world.
Even the Y pan ya congregation of Lord Mah v ra, which involved in the preaching and propagation of Jain doctrines and wielded its power and influence from early 7th century V.N. to 20th century V.N. and which has lost its existence in time, has been detailed in this part.
c rya Simhanand of Y pan ya Congregation established Gamga dynasty in Kolhapur and paved the way for the growth of Jain religion. The Gamga dynasty patronised the Jain religion faithfully for about 900 years and contributed actively towards its enrichment. The most unique and significant feature of this dynasty, founded by an c rya of Y pan ya Congregation is that, right from the first king Dadiga and M dhava to the last and 28" king Satyav kya, most of its kings were followers of Jainism.
The reasons that led to the decline of Jain religion are also discussed succinctly and clearly so that the monks and followers of contemporary Jain Congregations and of future generations will firmly resolve not to
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