Book Title: Jainism The Cosmic Vision
Author(s): Kumarpal Desai
Publisher: UK Mahavir Foundation London

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Page 203
________________ Jainism : The Cosmic Vision in writing his monumental work of Amarkosh. So also women like Shreedevi and Anupamadevi provided inspiration to their husbands to spend their wealth for religious purposes. Even in this century, there have been numerous Sadhvis and Shravikas who have earned high reputation in various fields. Impressed by the personality of Mahasati Ujjavalkumari, Gandhiji himself went to visit her. Harkunvar Shethani constructed the Hathisinh temples of immense grandeur and sponsored a huge procession of pilgrims and thereby exhibited her skill in management. Mahattara Mrigavatishriji constructed the Vallabhsmarak at New Delhi. Shardabai Mahasatiji, Sadhvi Pramukha Kanakprabhashriji and many other Sadhvijis have provided fruitful guidance and leadership to the society. It is because of this emphatic and positive role of Sadhvis and Shravikas that the Jain religion, committed as it was to nonviolence, did not approve the Sati system which was prevalent in the Middle Ages. So also it has strongly resisted the dasi system-women slavery - and the practice of the trading of women. Dasi system was regarded as a symbol of affluence and prestige. Many dasi's were bought from various countries for the pleasure of Meghkumar. But Bhagwan Mahavira protested strongly against the practice. Sadhvi Yakshakunvarji struggled incessantly to end the practice of sacrificing animals. As Jain religion is fundamentally opposed the seven vices, like polygamy, adultery, addiction to alcoholic drinks, harlotry and gambling, women from this religion are saved from the torture that results from these evils. In gnata dharmakatha King Drupad asks Draupadi to select husband for herself. As mentioned in Upasak Dashang, Mahashatak does not compel his wife Revati in any way as regards her religious faith, food habits and other 186 Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

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