Jinamanjari 1999 09 No 20

Author(s): Jinamanjari
Publisher: Canada Bramhi Jain Society Publication

Page 34

religion and culture existed before the introduction of Vedic culture to Indias. If one is to accept the evidence of the Jain texts on the prevalence of a common Dravidian socio-religious tradition in the sub-continental ancient India, we can now focus on the nature and identification of these Dravidians.
According to Maj. Gen. Furlong, North-Western India was ruled by the Nuranis or Dravids during the period of 1500 to 800 B.C.E. During this time, protohistoric peoples like Nabhi and his queen, Marudevi of the Kulakārakas lineage, had an impact on the Dravidian socio-religious landscape. Rşabha, the first Jina, was their son. He was said to have laid the foundation for a structural religion, incorporating prevalent thoughts and practices. He renounced the hoseholder life, and became an ascetic who founded the Sramaņa civilization and culture. According to Jaina textual references, Rşabha became the first Tirthankara of the Jainas in present cycle of time, and this was the early Jain religious tradition prevalent in India ( particularly the Datia region of Central India).
Sacredness of Sonāgiri
During the times of Lord Candraprabhu, Yodeha was an important region of ancient India with its capital in Sripur. The king was Ariyai, and he had two sons, Nagakumara and Anangakumar. In the same period, there was King Dhananjaya ruling from Ariyapur (Arishtapur) in Malwa region, and King Amitavijaya of Tilangdesh (they were two old enemies vying for power over the other).
According to tradition, Amitavijaya attacked Arishtapur, and immediately, Yodeha sought help from Ariyai to repel the enemy. When Yoheda prepared to lead the army onto the battle ground in support of Dhananjaya, his two sons requested that their father dispatch the army under their command. The two brothers fought valiently against the enemy, and Amitavijaya was installed in submission at the feet of king Dhananjaya. Saddened and humiliated, Amitavijaya contemplated on the meaning of the Self in the face of total defeat. He wanted nothing more of the material world, but only to conquer desires and wage a war against them.
During this time, the samosarana of Jina Candraprabhu was being organized at Sramanagiri. Thus, the entorage of King Dhananjaya, along with Nanga and Anangakumars and the prisoner, Amitavijaya, reached the samosarana. Soon after, the whole entourage of Dhananjaya, inspired by the teachings of Jina Candraprabhu, followed the Lord as ascetics.
29