Jainism in India

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

Page 59

38
JAINISM IN INDIA
Kausambi-Kosam, the site of the ancient city of Kausambi situated about 34 miles to the south-west of Allahabad on the bank of the river Yamuna, was one of the most celebrated cities of ancient India. In the historic period, however, its earliest and most famous king was Udayan of the Vatsya dynasty. Since then the city remained a centre of great political and commercial activities and was in very flourishing state till about the 10th century A.D. when it was destroyed and so fell into oblivion.
In 1862-63 Sir Alexander Cunningham to whom goes the credit of identifying and bringing to light the importance of most of the ancient sites of Northern India excavated for the first time this site and revived its lost glories. The first scientific excavations, however, were carried on in 1921-22 here by the Department of Archaeology under the guidance of Mr. Sahni and subsequently in 1937-38 by the late Mr. N. G. Majumdar. A vast treasure of sculptures, terracottas, coins, seals and sealings were unearthed. Of these special mention may be made of the figures of Jaina Tirthankaras and coins bearing the symbols of Jaina aştamangalas like svastika, taurine, ujjain, elephant, bull, etc. Kausambi was the birth-place of 6th Jaina Tirthankara Padamprabha.
At Pabhosa, near Kosam are two caves bearing inscriptions, in characters of the Sunga age, recording their dedication by Asadhasena from Ahichatra for the use of kāšyapa arhats. Mahavira belonged to the Kasyapa gotra.
Varanasi-Varanasi was the birth-place of the 7th and 23rd Tirthankaras Suparsvanatha and Parsvanatha. Temples have been built at the places of their birth. Suparsva's temple is at Bhadaini and that of Parsva in Bhelupura.
Simhapura--Simhapura is now known as Sarnath and is 6 miles from Varanasi. The 11th Tirthankara Sreyamsanatha was born at this place. A temple has been built here in his name.
Candrapuri-Candrapuri is 9 miles from Sarnath. It is the birthplace of the 8th Tirthankara Candraprabha. There are temples on the bank of the Ganges.
Kampila–Kampila is in Faizabad district of U.P. It was the birthplace of the 13th Tirthankara Vimalanatha.
The 15th Tirthankara
Ratnapura-It is also in Faizabad district. Dharmanatha was born here. Jain Education International