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Sallekhana in Practice
27
was renowned as a hero in battles. He conquered many battles and won fame in many lands. The inscription ( 974 A. D.) which is engarved on the pillar of Kūge Brahma Deva describes him as “the sole hero of the world.” He reigned from 961 A. D. to 974 A. D. He is said to have promoted works of merit. He adopted the vow of Sallekhanā in the presence of his Guru Shri Ajitasena Bhattāraka of Bankāpur (Dt. Dharwar ) like a faithful worshipper and departed to the dwelling of the gods ( Bankäpurado! Ajitasena-bhatjārakara sripādasannidhiyo! ārādhanavidhiyo!...samadhiyam sädhisidam.)*8 Referring to this event, Prof. S. R. Sharma says: “ Hence it was no morbid sentimentalist who exhibited this classical example of singular devotion to his faith, and fully evoked the admiration of his contemporaries. The result is seen in the erection of the great statue of Gommata by his general Cāuņdarāya at Śravaņa Belgoļa, which is in itself a monument to the zeal of the Jainas during that great age.” 44
The name of the Srāvakî who attained salvation is Savi. yabbe. She is described as the “incarnation of wisdom” and renowned for her religious faith. This royal princess is said to have attained greater fame than Sītā and she was unequalled in her practice of the Jaina religion ( frävaka-dharma ). She had a noble birth like Sītā, beauty like Devaki, fame like Arundhats and faith in Jinendra like Saviyabbe. She impressed every one as if she was Jina-sāsana-devatā. She shone with all these qualities and died in samādhi (61-139). 4 5 Dr. Rice has mentioned the date of the inscription as 974 A. D. while R. Narasimhachar mentions 950 A. D. 46
There is an inscription (982 A. D-133 ) in verse on the four sides of a pillar in front of the Gandha-vāraņa Basti ( temple). It records the death by Sallekhanā of king Indra
43. Ibid., Vol. II, Ins. 38. 44. Jainism and Karnātaka Culture, p. 19. 45. Epigraphia Carnäțica, Vol. II, Ins. 61 ( 139 ). 46. Ibid., Vol. II, Introduction, p. 43.
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