Jinamanjari 2000 04 No 21

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

Page 26

and might. Vinayāditya (C. E. 1050) - one of the earliest Hoysļa rulers - laid strong foundation for the sustenance of Jainism.
Of course, there were many more Jaina luminaries, both men and women, who perpetuated the cause of Jaina church. Jainism reached its apogee in the epoch making era of Bittideva alias Vişnuvardhana. Pleased by Gangarāja's accomplishments, Bițțivardhana granted the village Parama which was in turn made over to the Jaina temple. Boppa, Ēcirāja, Põcikabbe, Lakşmi and others - all of Gangarāja's house - made very many grants and gifts to the subsistence and sway of Jainism.
A careful study of the epigraphic and literary sources divulge that Hoysaļas followed the traditions of the early Karnataka monarchs who had set the precedent of selecting their royal teachers from famous Jain centers. A distinct and distinguished factor of this eon is that many of the ministers, generals, treasurers and other officials at the helm of the state affairs were devout Jains. Bharata, Boppa, Gangarāja, Mariyāne, Puņisimayya, Vişņu - etc were famous generals who actively advanced the cause of Jainism by either founding or repairing Jain temples. Undisputedly the greatest of all the generals was Gangarāja, who was equal only to Mārasimha, Būtuga and Cämuņdarāya and second to none. His victories on the battle field were many. His endowments to the cause of his faith were numerous. Myriads of ruined Jaina temples were built again. Many ways in which Gangarāja made his unbounded gifts caused the Gangavāļi region shine once again like Jinavāļi of golden days.
Hullarāja, the Hoysaļa minister - treasurer, heralded a golden chapter for the sustenance of Jainism which continued to prosper for centuries. He commissioned the huge Bhaņdāra basadi at Sravanabelgoļa. He continued his work of rebuilding dilapidated basadis at Kellengere, Bankāpura, Koppaļa and other places which had passed into political limbo. Thus he enhanced the status of Jainism.
A conspicuous characteristic factor of this complex age is followers of different faiths and creeds living under a common roof. Members of one and the same family following separate religion but yet living under the same ceiling was common in this period. Husband and wife belonging to diverse caste or sect did not divorce but made a happy couple and a harmonious living. The royal couple with divergent faiths, Višņu and queen Sāntaladevi, had set a model to the kingdom in this respect. Her mother was a staunch Jaina and father was a Saiva.
Vişnuvardhana had several queen consorts, but foremost of them being śāntaladēvi - samyaktva-cūdāmaņi ('crest jewel of perfect faith in the teachings of the Jina).. Being an ardent follower of Jinadharma, she contributed to the flourishing state of sāadvādamata. She founded Jaina shrines at Sravanabeļgoļa and other places. Epigraphs of her times have eulogized her commitment to Jainism and acclaimed her many acts of merit. Prabhācandra Siddhāntadēva, scholar teacher and patriarch of Jaina diocese, was her preceptor. This crowning glory of the Hoysaļa kingdom undertook sallekhanā at Sivagange - a Jaina place of pilgrim - in the year C. E. 1131. On hearing the sad news of the death of her daughter, her mother Mācikabbe was greatly disturbed, and immediately rushed to Sravaṇabelgoļa, to be initiated to sallekhanā. Mārasingayya, her husband and father of Santale, who had embraced by this time the Jaina faith of his wife also
undertook sallekhanā. Jain Education International For Private 23ersonal Use Only