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Studies in Jainology, Prakrit
19
KUNDAKUNDĀCĀRYA : THE
LITERARY DOYEN OF
KARNATAK
There are no two opinions about the fact that Kundakundacārya was one of the great exponents of Jaina Religion and Philosophy and leader of the Jaina Sangha; and among the Digambaras he was such supreme exponent and leader who flourished in South India. Therefore in the benedictory part of almost every literary composition or of auspicious occasion of the Jaina community in this part of the country, he is respected next to Lord Mahavira and the Ganadharas as seen in the following well-known verse:
Mangalam Bhagavan Vīro mangalam
Gautamo ganih,
Jain Education International
Mangalam Kundakundaryo Jainadharmostu Mangalam.
I would render it as follows: Propitious is Lord Mahavira; And so is Gautama ganadhara; Propitious is Teacher Kundakunda; And let so be the Jaina Religion!
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