Jainism in Tamilnadu

Author(s): S Gajpathi
Publisher: Z_Rajendrasuri_Janma_Sardh_Shatabdi_Granth_012039.pdf

Page 12

after area, year after year and completely eradicated it all over Tamil Nad. By his effort the Government of Tamil Nad enacted laws prohibiting animal sacrifice in the temples of Tamil Nad. In recognition of the humane services of Sri T.S. Sripal the Tamil public honoured him with the title Jeera Bandu. This was followed by the title Jaina Samaya Kavalar (Protector of Jainism) conferred upon him by the Tamil Nad Jains in recognition of his services to the community. Few years back the Delhi Jains conferred on him the honour Samaja Ratna. Finally the President of Indian Union awarded him the title 'Prani Mitra'. The visit of the great Acharya Tulsi Maharaj few years ago is a land mark in the history of Tamil Nad.. The credit goes to Shri Rikhabdassji lovingly called as Swami to have developed the ancient Jain temple at Red Hills ten miles from Madras city. It is the very same gentleman who brought about close tie between the Tamil Nad Jains and the North Indian Jains. Of late there are cases of taking and giving their girls in marriage among these two. Sri Rikhabdossji is no more and it is difficult to replace him. In spite of it let the tie between these two grow stronger. I offer my humble homage to the revered Shri Rajendra Suri Maharaj. (Jainism in South India : Contd. from page 11) Books Referred to : and architecture; there are statues which have thrilled and inspired the society by their artistics grandeur and religious composure; there are numerous inscriptions unfolding the history of the land and glorifying the saints who instilled humanitarian values into the society and those great men lived for the benefit of others; above all, the Jainas enriched the languages of the people with literary compositions replete with great moral lessons for the erring humanity...." Dr. A.N. Upadhye. (1) Mediaeval Jainism by Dr. B.A. Saletore, Karnatak Publishing House, Bombay. (2) The Religion of Tirthankaras, by Dr. Kamta Prasad Jain, The World Jain Mission, Aliganj (U.P.). (3) Jainism and Karnatak Culture, by Prof, S.R. Sharma, Karnatak Printing Works, Dharwar. (4) Jainism in South India and Some Jaina Epi graphs by Dr. P.B. Desai, Jaina Samskrti Samrakshaka Sangha, Sholapur. DETACHMENT Deeds, good and sinful, are chains of gold and iron, Both are hindrances to seeking salvation. The wise man learns to detach himself from both through experience. COMPASSION To make other creatures happy is greatest happiness; but to give them pain, or to remain callously indifferent to their suffering is the greatest misery. - Rajendra Suri V. N. S. 2503 : 23