Jainism in Ealy Medieval Karnataka

Author(s): Ram Bhushan Prasad Singh
Publisher: Motilal Banarasidas

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Jainism in Early Medieval Karnataka special ritualistic formalism in their private worship. But it seems to be difficult to subscribe to his view. Although epigraphic sources are silent on this point, several literary texts of the Digambaras contain instructions for installation of the Jina image in private houses and speak of the household shrines. Ilarisena in his Padmapurāņa statesl that the people should install Jina image in their houscs and worship it. The absence of Jina icons in any Jaina house is said to have brought minsay to the devotee. On the other hand, the house which contains thc Jina image is thought to be free from the influence of evil spirits. He further states the story of a Jaina woman, who had to suffer the separation of her husband for a long time in her next life, because she had dishonoured the Jina in her private house."
Jinasena in his Adipurāna advises the Jainas not to worship the deities of the other faiths in their private homes. It Proves beyond doubt that the Jainas in Karnataka keep the Jina image for personal adoration. He also informs us that the
Jainas used to hang a bell, containing the Jina image, at the main entrance to their houses so that they may always offer salutation to him." At another place, he speaks of the household shrines which seem to have been situated within the compound of the palaces of kings, where worship was probably performed for the whole family. There is nothing to show that the neighbouring Jainas were not permitted to visit such temples for worship. All this proves the prevalence of private temple worship among the Jainas in Karnataka. It also sccms reasonablc to assume that the Jaina idols were worshipped on communal, family and individual basis during the carly medieval age. Daily worship of the Jina in Jaina temples
An important custom of the Jainas was their daily attendance in the Jaina tempics for the worship of the Jinas, It 1. Padmapurana, pt, iii, ch.92, v. 73ff.. p. 131, 2. Ibid. pt. i, ctr. 17, v. 105ff, pp. 382-3. 3. Adipurīna, pt. ii,ch, 39, v. 45ff, p. 273. 4. Ibid. pt. ii, ch. 41, v. 876, p. 324. 5. Ibid. pt. i, ch. 5, v. 227ff, p. 113.