Kevalaodhi Buddhist And Jaina History Of Deccan Vol 2

Author(s): Aloka Parasher Sen, B Subrahmanyam, E Siva Nagi Reddy
Publisher: Bharatiya Kala Prakashan

Page 119

Śakti-cult in Jainism with special reference to Deccan
Yakshi, Padmavathi is carved on the right of the Tirthankara, which is contrary to the Jaina cannon according to which Yakshi should be on the left of the Tirthankara. It appears that the depiction of Yaks his were neither uniform nor universal. Padmavathi with two or four arms is found in Andhra. The cult of Siddhayika, though less popular may be traced back to the 10th-11th century AD. Independent ritual worship of Siddhayika is prevalent in Ramatirtham in Viziangaram district. In the Jaina cave popularly known as the Durgapancha Cave, Siddhāyika is depicted as riding a lion with four hands. Somadeva-Süri also refers to the prevalence of the cult of this Yakshi in the 10th century AD.
Thus, originally, the Jainas were very rigid in their customs. Probably, under the influence of their counterparts, the Jainas also adopted the Yakshi-cult and Tantricism. The ceremonies were also compiled as part of Tantric theology and encouraged the cults of Tantric deities, only to win over the people. Generally, religious worship in India depends upon those powers, benevolent as well as malefic which are beyond man's control. The worship of deities lies in the fear of and reverence for natural phenomena like diseases, and happenings around men and affecting them either good or evil. In this respect Jainism was not an exception. Therefore, it had to absorb Sakti worship into its fold as other religions had done.
NOTES AND REFERENCES
1. Bhadrabahu-Charitra, (Kolhapur Edition) 1921, Chapter, IV.
2. Epigraphia Indica, Vol. IX, 47-56.
3. P. B. Desai, Jainism in South India, p. 169, foot note.
321
4. D. L. Snellgrove, (ed.) Padmavajra's Hevajra Tantra, London, 1959.
5. Jvälini Kalpa, Chapter, IV, verse-1
6. Harivamsa Purana, 66. 43-45.
7. R. N. Nandi, Religious Institutions and Cults in the Deccan, Chapter IX, pp. 147 ff.
8. U. P. Shah, 'Introduction to Sasanandevatas in Jain worship', Proceeding and Translations of Oriental Conference, 20th Session, Bhubaneswar October 1959, Poona, 1961.
9. M. N. P. Tiwari, Ambika in Jaina Art and Literature, New Delhi, 1989, p.1
10. Jvälini-Kalpa, Chapters 1 and VIII
11. Bhairavapadmavati-Kalpa of Mallisenasuri, (ed.) Abhayankara, Ahmedabad, 1937
12. G. Jawaharlal, 'Sirur Jain Inscription of Bhuvanaikamalla', Prof. R. Subrahmanyam's Commemoration Volume (in Press)
13. Ng.43, Kannada Inscriptions of Andhra Pradesh; see also Jainism in Andhra, Hyderabad, 1994, p. 329 ff.
14. Kalapradipa of Jinaprabha-Suri, (ed), Jinavijaya, Singhot, Jaina Series No. 10, Santiniketan, 1934
15. M. N. P. Tiwari, Op. Cit., p.18ff
16. C. Sivaramamurty, Panorama of Jaina Art, New Delhi, 1983.
17. Kalpapradipa, Chapter, 61, pp. 107-152
18. R. N. Nandi Op. Cit., pp. 152-152