Jainism and Karnataka Culture

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

Page 66

JAINISM AND KARNATAKA CULTURE
Basava, born of Madirāja and his wife Madalambikå at Ingaleswara Bagewadi ( now in Bijapur district ). Śiva himself had initiated him when he was in his mother's womb. Though born in a Brāhmin family Basava refused to be invested with a sacred thread, on the ground that he had already been intitiated into the Vira-Saiva dikṣā. He then left his home with his sister Nāgalāmbikā and was looked after by Saiva devotees of the place. Baladeva, Basava's maternal uncle and treasurer ( Bhandari ) at the Court of Bijja!a in Kalyāņa, who had come for the ceremony, was struck by the singular wisdom and piety of Basava and gave him his daughter Gangādevi in marriage.159 After this Basava went to Kappaļi Sangameswara where, as he was devoutly praying, Sangameswara revealed himself to him and said, "We have heard of thy devotion. Persevere in the steady observance of the true religion, consider those that wear the symbol of Śiva as Śiva incarnate.. Though they abuse and beat thee, prostrate thyself before them. Treat as friends even thy enemies, if they are Vira-śaivas. Punish them who abuse the followers of Siva.. Thou shalt not desire another man's wife, nor his property. The organs of sense shall not obey the lusts of the heart. Know that the Jangama is I. ” 164
Sometime after, Baladeva died and Bijjaļa, was advised that Basava would be a worthy successor, appointed him in Baladeva's place. When he was in Bijjala's Court, a scroll is said to have fallen from the sky, which no one in Bijjaļa's Court was able to decipher. Basava deciphered it and said that it contained a message that a large treasure would be found underneath Bijjaļa's throne. The treasure was accordingly found, and thereon Bijjaļa bestowed great honours on Basava.155
While in office Basava greatly honoured the Jangamas who came to Kalyāņa in great numbers. Bijja!a received informa
153 Basava Purāna, Sandhis 1-3; Würth, Basava Purana op.cit, pp. 66.67 154 Basava Purana Sandhi 4 Verges 61-67, Worth, op. cit. p. 68. 155 Basava Purāna Sandhi 5-; Würth, op. cit. p. 60.