Mahavira and his Teaching

Author(s): C C Shah, Rishabhdas Ranka, Dalsukh Malvania
Publisher: Bhagwan Mahavir 2500th Nirvan Mahotsava Samiti

Page 374

ANTIQUITY OF JAINISM IN TAMILNAD
363
Jainas of Tamilnād and Karņātaka claim the saint as their own. An ancient Karşātaka ballad sung by Kannadikas states that the Padma Prabha temple near the village of the writer at Palghat was built by Kunda Kunda. Valluvar is associated with Tamilnād and also Kerala. He was a Tamilian and hailed from the lowest of the low or the Pañcamas.
The first century A.D. was a turning point in the history of South Indian Jainism. Prior to the Christian era, many South Indian kings were Jainas. But with the advent of the 1st century A.D. Brāhminism, Saivaism, Vaišnavism and also Animism became the popular religious faiths of the people. Many kings,the Pāņdyas, the Coļas and the Cheras—turned to Hinduism. They performed animal sacrifices like the Aśvamedham and Gomedham and honoured the Brāhmin sacerdotal community. There was a setback in the progress of Jainism at the time. Dharma declined and Purāņic Hinduism began to show its head in society. Varna Dharma ruled the people. At this critical period appeared Valluvar, the Jainas bard of the Universal Man. One tradition tells that Valluvar was a resident of Mylapore and he was a weaver by profession. Another tradition has it that he was a resident of Madurai and died there. A third tradition is that he was born in Valluvanad in Keraļa. A locality near Madurai city points out the place where he lived. If the latter view is correct Valluvar might have studied Jainism under some notable ascetics who lived in one of the caves of Madurai hills. According to Sesha Iyangar, author of "Dravidian India,” the "study of the Vedas in the 4th century B.C. was prohibited to the Vellalars or agriculturists". Tiruvalluvar who belonged to the lowest community would have never been taken as a disciple or student in any institution or Aśramam run by Vedic Acāryas of his day. Vedic studies were strictly prohibited to Sūdras. The Smrtis support these prohibitory laws. This law was in force for many centuries in India. The violation of this laws is punishable with death. Tiruvalluvar has extolled agriculturists. Agriculture is the noblest of profession according to Valluvar and also Tolkapyar. In view of all these facts, Valluvar must