Jaina Archaeological Heritage of Tamilnadu

Author(s): A Ekambarnathan
Publisher: Bharat Varshiya Digambar Jain Mahasabha

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JAINA SCULPTURAL ART of
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such changes in the sphere of religion in medieval times.
BHAKTI MOVEMENT AND ITS IMPACT:
In the religious history of Tamilnadu, the 7th century A.D. marks the rapid growth of brahmanical religion on the one side and the decline of Bauddha and Jaina sects on the other. The bhakti movement spear-headed by the Nayanmars and Alvars coupled with the brahmanical temple-building activities of the Pallavas and early Pandyas gave a fillip to the growth of Saivism and Vaishnavism. In their attempts at popularizing brahmanical religion, the bhakti saints undertook extensive pilgrimage to almost all the temples, sang in praise of the principal deities with soul-stirring hymns, performed miracles, roused the religious feelings of the common man and admitted all sections of society into their fold. At the same time, they also condemned vehemently the customs and practices of the Jainas as well as Buddhists.
The Saiva and Vaishnava temples of the Pallavas and Pandyas become pivotal centers containing elegant sculptural forms of gods and goddesses. Ritualistic worship of these deities in temples formed an integral part of brahmanical religion. All these temple oriented activities fulfilled the aspiration of the common man and attracted more people into the fold of brahmanism. Besides, the numerous land grants and other donations made to these temples provided economic strength and man-power. Thus, the concerted efforts of bhakti-saints and royal support to Brahmanism affected the growth of Jainism in the 7th century A.D. However, soon it recovered from adversities and came to possess a fresh lease of life by adjusting itself to the circumstances and accommodating some elements from brahmanismo.