Studies in South Indian Jainism

Author(s): M S Ramaswami Ayyangar, B Seshagiri Rao
Publisher: M S Ramaswami Ayyangar

Page 57

KURAL.
...
41
Ilangõvadigal; he was the brother of Senguttuvan whose date is said to fall in the second century A.D. It is contended by some that the Was Valluvar Kural must have been written at least a century before Manimēkalai and Silap padikāram, that is in the beginning of the I century A.D. It is astonishing that the author of Kural, who is undoubtedly recognised as one of the great geniuses pf the world, should have remained without a name. Almost every religionist has, claimed the author as belonging to his faith. Tamil literary tradition attributes the authorship of Kural to Valluvar; but there are strong reasons for believing that the author was a Jain. The late Prof. Seshagiri Sastriari held that Valluvar was a follower of Arhat.
Certain references in Kural to Malarmisai Evidence in yēginān. (novi Ame Guar) and Yengunathān Jain origin
i of Kurul. for over pour des erreir) are held to be sufficient evidence to prove that the author was à® Jain. Hindu scholars have pointed out, however, that these expressions are equally applicable to Vishnu. But one who has read or is acquainted in the least, with Jain canonical scripture will have, no hesitation in agreeing with Mr. Seshagiri Sastri. The expression Malarmisai yēginān, i.e., 'He who walked on lotus' is a very common epithet applied to Lord Arhat. According to the Jain scriptures, when the Tirthankara attains omniscience there gather around him a vast crowd of men, animals, birds and
favour of the
1 Seshagiri Sastriar, Esray on Tamil Literature, p. 43.