Jainism and Karnataka Culture

Author(s): S R Sharma
Publisher: Karnataka Historical Research Society Dharwar

Page 40

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JAINISM AND KARNATAKA CULTURE
Badhovara-Kśetra, mentioned above. This would seem to indicate that the General Srutakirti belonged to the priestly class or combined in himself the offices of the high-priest with that of a military commander. Dāmakirti's son Jayakirti is described as " the door-keeper whose family had been well established in the world owing to the Ācārya called Bandhuśena." 37 But more than anything else this grant of Ravivarma is valuable for its revelation of the royal faith and the inculcation of its practice upon all his countrymen and citizens. It states :
"The lord Ravi established the ordinance at the mighty city of Palasika that the glory of Jinendra ( the festival of ) which lasts for eight days, should be celebrated regularly every year on the full-moon of (the month ) Kärtika from the revenues of that (village ); that ascetics should be supported during the four months of the rainy season; that the learned men, the chief of whom was Kumāradatta, whose intellects had been wearied by ( excessive study of) many scriptures and collections of precepts; who were renowned in the world; who abounded in good penances; and whose sect was his auhority for what he did ; -should according to justice enjoy all the material substance of that greatness; and that the worship of Jinendra should be Perpetually performed by the pious countrymen and citizens.
“Wheresoever the worship of Jinendra is kept up there is increase of the country, and the cities are free from fear, and the lords of those countries acquire strength!
Reverence, reverence !” 38 Another grant of Ravivarma 'to the God Jinendra' describes him as the 'the mighty king, the sun of the sky of the mighty family of the Kadambas.' He is also stated in the same grant
!
86 Ibid., Bhojaka or Bhoja is explained by Fleet meaning " officiating priest,” Ibid., p. 25.
37 Ibid., p. 27. 38 Ibid.