Prakrit In Karnataka

Author(s): M D Vasantharaja
Publisher: Z_Jain_Vidya_evam_Prakrit_014026_HR.pdf

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जैन विद्या एवं प्राकृत : अन्तरशास्त्रीय अध्ययन
several countries with high veneration. His name is mentioned as a 'Mangala' in association with the names of Bhagayan Vira Tirthankara and Gautama Ganin. It is true that his commentary on Satkhandigama, like those of his many successors, has not come down to us. But his twelve or thirteen Pahudas, which have come down to us, are the gems of the Adhyatmika sacred works which are in Prāksta language. Mülacāra which is in the name of Vațţakera also has been attributed to Kundakunda. It is true that this question of authorship of this work is yet to be decided conclusively, and therefore it cannot be claimed for definite as the contribution of Karnāțaka.
Next to Kundakunda Shyamakunda is mentioned to have written commentary in Prāksta, Samsksta and also in Kannada. Here is an important record in relation to the writing in Kannada language as this comnientary of Shyāmakunda happens to be the earliest Kannada piece of writing. Further again the commentary Cūdāmani of the extent of 84000 granthas and the Panjikā of the extent of 7000 grathas by Tumbulurācārya are to find a merited place of recognition in the history of both Prāksta and Kannada languages. It is true that these commentaries have not come down to us. But the traditional account, maintained in Srutāvatāra, is accepted by scholars as authentic. The next commentator to write commentary in Prākpta is Bappadevaguru. Finally the series of Commentaries came to a close with the famous commentary ‘Dhavala' by name in Mani Pravāla style on Şatkhandā gama by Virasenācārya and Jaya Dhavalā on Kasaya pähuda by Virasena and his disciple Jinasena. Thus the history of the composition of Satkhandāgama and of its commentary and also of the commentary on Kaşāyapähuda forms the main part of the contribution of Karnataka to Prāksta literature.
It is a well established fact that Karnātaka was the main centre of the activities of Yãpaniya sect of the Jaina monks. Contribution to literature from this sect of the Jaina monks has been applauded even by early Ācāryās of high reputation. Sivakoti is one such name which has been respectfully mentioned by Jinasenācārya in his purva purana Mülārēdhana is his work which it is needless to say, is in Praksta.
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Sitibhūtam Jagadyasya Vācārādhya Catusţayam/ Mokşamargam sa Päyānnah Sivakotīrmunisvaraḥ || 49 //
Pūrva Purana-Parva-1
परिसंवाद-४