Jain Vidya Ke Vividh Aayam

Author(s): Fulchandra Jain
Publisher: Gommateshwar Bahubali Swami Mahamastakabhishek Mahotsav Samiti

Page 121

(A.D. 676), Harivamshapurana of Jinasena (A.D. 783), the Adipurana of Jinasena (after A.D. 837), the Trisastshalakapurusacaritra of Hemachandra (c. mid 12th century A.D.) and the Caturvimshati-Jina Carita of Amarchandra Suri (13th century A.D.) are the most important ones. During the courseof my study I came across some such images of Bahubali, which had so far not been properly studied and which reveal some very significant iconographic features which led me to believe that in Jaina tradition and art particularly in Digambara Jaina tradition both of North and Sluth India, a gradual process of elevating the position of Bahubali started as early as late 6th or early 7th century A.D. at Badami and Aihole. The process culminated in bringing Bahubali almost at par with the Jinas who were highest in Jaina worship. Through the concept and ikmages of Gommateshvara Bahubali virtually a model was introduced in Jainism to suggest that even a common man through the observance of aparigraha and sadhana can attain such an exalted position to become an object of highest veneration. It was not merely a coincidence that the tallest image in Jaina context was carved of Gommateshvara Bahubali at Shravanbe!go! who was not a Jina. The final result of the process of this elevation of Gommateshvara Bahubali was that in Karkal (Karnataka) inscription of A.D. 1432 he is referred to as Gommata Jinapati and in the sculptures (c. 9th - 12th century A.D.) from Deogarh (U.P.) and Ellora (Maharashtra) the symbol of highest world power and royalty Bharata is shown sitting in the attitude of supplication at the feet of Gommateshvara Bahubali. This combination of Bharata-Bahubali represents the very essence and soul of Indian culture wherein aparigraha and ahimsa are always at the top. Even today one may find highest political dignitary sitting at the feet of the spiritual preachers. The images of Gommateshvara Bahubali thus carries very important and relevant socio-culturalmessage of India. -997 -