________________
7
Spread of Jainism
There is a common faith among Jaina laymen, that one who creates Tirthankara images and sets up temples, gets more benefits/Punya in life. This is one of the reasons behind the establishment of numerous new images and temples in spite of several already existing. Most of the images, pillars, Āyāgapatas, toranas etc. obtained from Kankali Tilā and surrounding areas comprise of inscriptions of donors in Brahmi and old Devanagari script. They are equipped with the data of establishing year, place, donor as well as the name of Guru who induced the lay persons along with his genealogy showing Jaina Sangha's methodical workmanship to preserve the account.
7.1 The Spread of Jainism:
Jainas, the apostles of culture and knowledge have played in vital role in the civilisation of India. Jainism originated in Magadha (Bihāra) and spread in India and its neighbouring states. A torso of a Jina having Mauryan polish and few other images available from the plinth of ancient Jaina shrine at Lohanipur (Patna) shows its deep roots since Mauryan period. Later on due to prediction of famine by great Acāryas as well as un favourable political conditions they were forced to leave Magadha.
7.2 The journey in Two Groups:
Jaina Sangha left Magadha in two groups, the first opted the journey towards Bengal in about 3rd to 2nd B.C. while second advanced to North-west nearly after hundred years.
7.3 The First Group:
At Bengal Bhadrabahu-I's four disciples had introduced four Śākhās for propagation, even the donation of land for the maintenance of a Jaina shrine as referred in Paharpura copper plate of Gupta Samvat 159 also indicates the Jainas' influence in Bengal. Moreover the early Jaina shrines in districts- Mānabhuma, Virbhuma, Sihabhuma, Baradhamāna, Puralia, 24 Paraganās etc. also support the prevalence of Jainism. At Kalinga / Andhra Pradesa :
The journey continued and the first group reached Kalinga (present Orissa) where the religion was in practice since Nanda period onwards as narrated in the victory inscription of King Kharvela. On this
