Jainism in India

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

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JAINISM IN INDIA
Once upon a time the Jainas of Sindhudesa sought the Suri's advice as to how they could become wealthy. He suggested to them to fetch from Bhatner the idol of the yakşa Manibhadra who, when propitiated by worship, would grant their wish. Pretending as traders, some of the Jainas of Sindhudesa went to Bhatner and stealing the idol fled from there. The people of Bhatner known as the Baharis, i.e., outsiders or non-Sindhis gave a hot chase. Both the parties met at Ripri near Ucca on the Pancanadi. The Sindhis jumped into the river and crossed it leaving the idol under water. The Baharis made a search but could not find it and returned in despair.
On hearing this Jinadatta invoked Manibhadra to come out of waters but he did not. Upon this a mutual agreement took place by which Jinadatta was to worship the yakșa under water every year whereas the yakşa undertook to make the Jainas of Sindhudesa a wealthy people.
It is even more interesting to know how Jinadatta started worship of the Muslim pirs or saints. When Jinadatta met the pirs he received them very kindly and at times helped them with money and food. When the pirs were slain in a battle, their departed souls asked the Suri for a place to live in. The Suri pointed to the Pancanadi and advised them to make their abode in its waters. Similarly the soul of a Rajput warrior was allotted the Pancanadi. In this manner the Pancanadi Fair became a regular festival for all the communities.
Besides Multan which remained a Jaina centre upto the time of partition, there were several other places, that once enjoyed Jaina prominence. Malikavahanapura, Mammanapura, Maruktta (Kotta Marotta ?), Drohadotta, Faridpura (Pak Pattan), Devapalapura (Dipalpur) have been mentioned in the Vijnaptitriveni. Besides these Bhera, Dera Gazi Khan, Kohat, Bannu and Mianwali had an influential population of the Jainas.
7. Lahore--Lahore is an ancient city having been the capital of the Punjab for several centuries. Its foundation is popularly ascribed to Lava, as that of Kasur to Kusa, sons of Sita and Rama, but there is no historical evidence for it. However, it may have been founded by king Loh of the Rajput chronicles where it is called Lohgadh. This conjecture is supported by the shrine of Loh in the Lahore fort and by the Lohgarh gate at Amritsar.
But Lahore (locally pronounced Lahaur or L'haur) is not the old name of the city. Amir Khurau (d. 1325) calls it Lahanur. This name