Jainism in India

Author(s): Ganesh Lalwani
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy

Page 18

JAINISM IN INDIA
Dharmanatha Santinatha Kunthunatha Aranatha Mallinatha Munisuvrata Naminatha Parsvanatha
fifteenth sixteenth seventeenth eighteenth nineteenth twentieth twentyfirst twentythird
Besides this, Vasupujya (the twelfth Tirthankara) attained his nirvāna at Campapuri (Mandara hill in Bhagalpur district). It has been mentioned before that the last and twentyfourth Tirthankara, Mahavira, had obtained his nirvāņa at Pawapuri in Patna district. There can be no doubt that Bihar is naturally the most sacred place for the Jainas all over India.
The role of Bihar in the history of Jainism has, in a way, been summed up by Dr. B. C. Law in the following words.
"Anga-Magadha, the territories of the Vrji-Licchavis, and Mallas, and the kingdom of Kasi-Kosala are mentioned as the places which became the scene of wanderings of Mahavira and activities of his Nirgrantha followers in the Buddha's life-time. The Buddhist texts specifically mention Rajagrha, Nalanda, Vesali (Vaisali), Pava, and Savatthi (Sravasti) as places where the activities of Mahavira and his immediate followers were concentrated. These texts clearly mention Vesali as the place where the religion of Mahavira found its staunch supporters among the Licchavis.”
At another place while discussing the places where Mahavira spent the rainy seasons since he had renounced the life of a house-holder Dr. Law refers to the list in the Kalpa Sutra and mentions as below:
“Taken in order, the places stand in the list as follows:
1. Asthigrama first rainy season 2. Campa and Prsthacampa next three rainy seasons 3. Vaisali and Vanijyagrama next twelve rainy seasons 4. Rajagrha and Nalanda next fourteen rainy seasons 5. Mithila next six rainy seasons 6. Bhadrika next two rainy seasons 7. Alabhika next one rainy season 8. Panitabhumi next one rainy season 9. Sravasti next one rainy season 10. Papa last rainy season.