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Bihar and Lord Mahavira
Dr. Raja Ram Jain
Bihar, the seat of ancient Magadha and Videha has been famous for its golden and rich heritage. The healthy traditions of its culture, its emphasis on secularism, religion and on philosophy have remained the main centres of attraction. There is no exaggcration to say that Bihar has contributed much to the glory and pride of India. It has witnessed the rise of democratic and parliamentary traditions in Vaisali. Here thc Universities of Nalanda and Vikramasila and Vidyapithas of Viswamitra Asrama and Mahasalavana have flourished. It is famous for the literary, philosophical and religious activities of pataliputra (modern patna). It is known for the political and commercial relations of Anga-Campa, Magadha and Videha with those of Malwa and Saursena and Percian-Gulf countries.
Amongst the centres of Jain culture, Bihar occupies a very significant place. It has been the salvation-place of twenty two Tirthamkaras. Twenty Tirthamkaras attained salvation from Parasanatha (Dist. Hazaribag) hills only, while the 12th Tirthamkara Vasupujya from Campapura (Dist. Bhagalpur) and the last one, Lord Mahavira, attained his salvation from Pavapuri (Dist. Nalanda). Besides, the 19th Tirthamkara Mallinatha and the 21st Tirthamkara Neminatha were born in Mithila (North Bihar), while the 20th Tirthamkara Munisuvrata and 24th Tirthamkara Mahavira were born in Girivjra (Rajagrha) and Kundalagrama (Vaisali) respectively.
The renowned Jain saint-philosopher Umaswati composcd his work Tattvarthasutra" at pataliputra. This work on Jaina philosophy, cosmology and ethics is so importaut that eight commentaries have been written on it in different styles and in different periods. This work is as valuable in Jainism as Gita, Bible, Kuran and Guru-Grantha Sahib in other faiths.
The last Srutakevalin Bhadrabahu also belonged to Pataliputra. According to the historian, emperor Chandragupta Maurya (First) adopted Jainism after
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