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Sallekhana in Practice
Nachchikavve seems to have been a member of the royal family. Since the inscription is incomplete, it is impossible either to trace her family or the names of her parents. She is described as kumarike which has been interpreted by Dr. Rice as (( daughter of". It may as well mean that she was unmarried. She attained the wealth of the world of Gods (sura-loka vibhuti aididar).20
It is impossible to find out the name of the Muni who is said to have risen to the position of a siddha. He is said to have been lofty in his virtues and the descendent of a great religious teacher. There appears to be a group of sadhavīs or nuns (sādhvi-gana) with him, all residing on the top of a mountain.21
There is another inscription dated 700 A. D. narrating the death by Sallekhana of one Akṣayakīrti who came from Madhura in the South. He had been bitten by a snake due to some curse. Those who were acquainted with the symptoms were doubtful as to how he would fare. So he took the vow with great devotion on the holy mountain and attained liberation" to the happiness of the world of gods." The inscription was written by Pallavachari.99 The next inscription does not give the name of the ascetic. The only detail that is available is that the great guru accomplished samadhi and attained perfection having observed the vow."
23
93
Gunadeva Sūri was well-versed in the sciences. He ascended the mountain Kalvap and practised twelve kinds of pena. nce. He fulfilled the vow in all aspects and reached the abode of gods (700 A. D. )9*
20. Ibid., Vol. II, Ins. 20 (26).
22. Ibid., Vol. II, Ins, 21.
24. Ibid., Vol. II, Ins. 23.
There is a similar brief epitaph about Masena, a sage of supreme glory. He observed the vow on the mountain in Kalvappu, in consequence with the rules of the siddhas enunciated by the sanghas and ascended the high heaven (700
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21. lbid., Vol. II, Ins. 21 (29). 23. lbid., Vol. II, Ins. 22.
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