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MEDIEVAL JAINISM: CULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT
consecrated the famous temple of Neminath on Mt. Abu in 1031 A.D. In V.S. 1473 Vardhman Suri installed the image of Jina at Jaisalmer. In V.E. 1505 Jinsen Suri performed the consecration ceremony of Sringarchavari of Chitor along with other Jaina pontiffs like Jivaraja, Jinvardhan, Jinachandra, Jinsagar, Jina Sunder Suri and Udaishilagani. The names of renowned monks have been associated with the consecration ceremony of the temples and images of Vasantgarh, Dhulev, Ranakpur, Ajmer, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, etc. These religious teachers exercised great influence over the laity through their teachings and writings. These preceptors also recognised religious congregations called Samghas either to move from one place to another to visit holy places or to hold meetings at one place in the interest of Jainism. The construction works of temples, halls, balconies and organizing Sanghas was fostered by the desire of attainment of spiritual merit by the devotees, their parents, sons, daughters, and their relations. The diffusion of erections of charitable institutions and upasaras, and fasts and festivals were the living testimony to the vigour and popularity of Jaina faith in Rajasthan.
The production of literature is in itself worthy contribution to society and culture. But in its early medieval stage it remained to be conservative as it did not encourage writing beyond Purans, Charitras, Dhals, etc. pertaining to the life of Jinas or prayers to them to a great extent. However, it is interesting to note that Jaina saints like Shyamsunder, Jinchandra Suri, Jinahansa Suri and others of the 16th century brought out their works which had the merit of explaining the fundamental principles of Jainism in a very lucid and effective manner. They also wrote out poems on rational approach to Jaina cosmography, logic and ethics. These
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