Jaina Monuments of Andhra

Author(s): G Jawaharlal
Publisher: Sharada Publishing House Delhi

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Jaina Monuments of Andhra
The last great member of the family was Baddega, who had strong leanings towards Jainism. An inscription on the pedestal of a Jaina image found in the compound of the Rajarajesvari temple at Vemulavada51 in the Karimnagar district informs that king Baddega II built a Jaina temple named Subhadhama Jinalaya in the capital Lembulavatika (modern Vemulavada) for his teacher Somadevasuri of Gauda-Sangha. His son Arikesari III (966 A.D. - 973 A.D.) was also a Jain. In his Parbhani plates52 dated S.888, Arikesari III is said to have given a gift of the village, Vanikatupulu situated in the midest of Repaka-12 in Sabbi-1000 to Somadeva-suri (who was the pontiff of the Subhadhama Jinalaya. Somadevasuri, was indeed a reputed scholar and author of numerous Sanskrit works like Yasastilaka-Champu, Nitivakyamrita and Syadvadopanishad. He bore the titles, TarkikaChakravartin and Kavikularaja.
Thus Jainism in Andhra enjoyed a long and glorious career, under the benevolance and liberal encouragement of the Chalukyas of Vemulvada. Great Jaina scholars (viz. Pampa, his brother Jinavallabha and Somadevasuri flourished in their court under their patronage. No doubt, several Jaina monasteries became important seats of learning. Since the Vemulvada Chalukyas, extended royal patronage to all sects of Jainism we are, at a loss to ascertain the personal faith of the rulers precisely. Though they did not make Jainism a state religion, Jainism was encouraged liberally which spread throughout their kingdom. Jainism under the Later Chalukyas of Kalyana
They succeeded erstwhile masters i.e. Rashtrakutas in Telangana and Rayalasima regions. They were also great patrons of Jainism. A large number of inscriptions discovered at various places all over in Andhra Pradesh bear testimony to their patronage and their rich contribution to the glorious carrer of Jainism in Andhra. During this period, the doctrine of Lord Jina, encouraged by the royal princes, had its powerful sway. During their rule, Jainism played a prominent role in shaping the political and religious life of the country. Jagadekamalla ((i.e. Tayasimha II) patronised Jainism. His capital, Pottlakere (modern Patancheruvu in Medak district) became a very important Jaina centre,