Jaina Art and Architecture Vol 01

Author(s): A Ghosh
Publisher: Bharatiya Gyanpith

Page 40

CHAPTER 3
THE EXPANSION OF JAINISM
MAHAVIRA
NO DETAILS ARE AVAILABLE REGARDING THE SPREAD OR OTHERWISE OF Jainism within the long period of two hundred and fifty years that elapsed between the nirvana of Pārsva and the rise of Mahāvira. It appears, however, from the Sūtrakrtängal that during this period as many as three hundred and sixty-three schools and sects arose. What relation they had with Jainism is not clear. It it quite likely that after the nirvana of Pārsvanatha there was no outstanding figure who could re-organize and spread the Jaina faith.
The situation, however, changed with Mahavira, who, by dint of his character, foresight and dynamic force, spread and organized Jainism. Born at Kundagrāma, a suburb of Vaiśāll, now called Basukund, his mother hailed from the famous city of Vaiśáli (Basarh in Vaishali District in north Bihar). Mahavira's nirvana took place at Pāvå, which is equated with Pavāpuri in Patna District. Thus, he was associated very closely with Bihar.
The details of his life are well-known. At the age of thirty he renounced the world. For the next twelve years he underwent penance, and after that, for thirty years, led the life of a wandering missionary. The date of his nirvana, as traditionally accepted, is 527 B.c. However, some scholars are in favour of 467 B.C.
During the span of his thirty years' missionary activity he moved from place to place. The following places said to have been visited by him give an idea of the sphere of his influence: Alavi or Alambhika between Sråvasti and Rājagrha), Asthikagrama (on the road from Vaiśäli to Påvā), Bhadrika (modern Monghyr), Bhogapura (between Păvă and Vaisalı), Campā (Champanagar or Champapur near Bhagalpur), Coragasarniveśa (Choreya in Bengal), Dadhabhomi (Dalbhum in Singhbhum District). Jambusanda (near Pivapurl), Kajangala (Kankjor in Santhal Parganas), Kauśambi (Kosam near Allahabad),
"Jaina Sütras, Sūtrakpianga Sürra, part II, trans. Hermann Jacobi, The Sacred Books of the East, XLV, Oxford, 1895, p. 315; Tikd, pp. 208 ff.