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Propagation of Jainism In Northern India

By Mr. Helmuth Von

 

The monuments found in Mathura, which has been famous today as a center of Krishna cult, present the oldest authentic records of the spread of Jain faith in the western direction, starting from Bihar, originating from 2nt century B.C. to 5th century A.D. These monuments are the source of precious information on the history of Jainism itself in many respects. The inscriptions belonging to 1st and 2nd century A.D. reveal that the break-up of the community into Digambar and Swetambar sects had already taken place and the latter had even disintegrated into a series of sub-sects, known as ganas, kulas and sakhas.

The head quarter of Jainism was later set in the region of Malwa, with its capital at Ujjaini (now called Ujjain). The emperor Samprath of Malwa was a great patron of Jainism. Ujjaini was connected most closely with the legendary history of Jaina faith and its mention is found in very many Jain mythological stories, taken from the Agamas. Later, King Vikramaditya, ruled over the land. He followed Jain religion and encouraged Jaina culture whole-heartedly. He founded the so-called "Vikrama era", which begins in the 57th or 58th year B.C. This era is used even now by the business community in Northern part of India, particularly by all the Jains. King Vikramaditya was defeated by Shalivahana, who became the king of the entire empire. Shalivahana was also a pious worshipper of Jaina Tirthankaras.This glorious period of Jaina fame came to an end in around 480 A.D. when the Gupta emperors were defeated by the Huns.

In the 7th century, King Harsha Vardhana established a huge empire, covering almost the whole of North India, with its capital at Kannauj (606 - 647 A.D.) He practiced all cults and gave full respect to all religions and their sects, lending support to their priests and monks. He used to organise congregation of various religions prevalent at that time in prayag every five years and reward all the holy men belonging to all faiths. Due to his liberal and supportive attitude, the religion of Tirthankaras could experience dissemination and reach bloom in the regime of the tolerant kings, even if they themselves did not belong to it. Therefore, the traces of Jaina settlements are found in almost all parts of Northern, western and Central India. Jains during this period were highly respected and they held important positions almost everywhere and exerted influence, particularly in Rajputana and Central India. Thanks to their education and wealth, they played a great role in the cities and court yards of the kings.

The imposing temple layouts are the testimony of the power and glory the Jains enjoyed in the past. These complexes are still now found in various parts of the country, like Kampil, Kosam and Lalitpur in United provinces, Gohana, Katas and Lahore in Punjab, Jaisalmer, Kalinjara, Osia, Mewanagar and Mount Abu in Rajputana, and Ajaygarh, Bhojpur, Baro, Kundalpur, Khandawa, Khajuraho and Gwalior in Central India. Jaina faith did not ever in any region of India, such a great significance as in Gujarat. One of the Tirthankaras, Arishta Nemi (22nd Tirthankara), exerted his influence and finally obtained his nirvana here. Many other pious men, followers of Neminath ji also got their salvation on the holy mountains of Girnar and Shatrunjaya in this very region. This shows that Jaina faith was prevalent in this region from much earlier period, than Mahavira's era.

Rulers and those in power from various aristocratic houses in Gujarat, acted as the patrons of Jainism. Kings from the Chalukya (Solanki) dynasty were great followers of Jainism and built Jaina temples all over the region. The pious layman, Vimala built in the year 1032 the famous Jaina temples on the splendid peak of mount Abu during the reign of King Bhima (1022 -1064)Jaina faith in Gujarat experienced a boom in the following period due to the dedicated spirit of the famous Hemchandra, the most significant writer brought to the fore by the Swetambaras. He was initiated to the holy order at the age of eight years by the monk, Devachandra Suri. After mastering all the branches of Jainism and learning its philosophy, he became the Acharya at the age of 21. His knowledge and his ready wit brought him close to the king Jayasimha Siddharaja and eventually influenced him so much so that he made him build Jain temple for Mahavira in Siddhapura and elsewhere.

On the death of the king Jayasimha, his son, Kumarapala succeeded him to the throne of Gujarat. Hemchandra got important position in his regime also. Due to his influence, Kumarapala became the follower of jaina religion and forebade in his entire emoire the slaughtering of animals, eating of meat, enjoyment of alcoholic drinks and gambling. These measures, carried out strictly transformed Gujarat into a Jaina- model- state. It is said that he got 32 temples built as an atonement for the enjoyment of meat in which his 32 teeth had indulged before he was converted to Jainism. Hemchandra took up extensive literary activity under the patronage of his royal master.

He wrote the doctrine of salvation of Jainas, the famous 'Yoga shastra', the 'History of 36 Great Men (Trisastisalaka-purusacharita), Kumarapala-charita and many other epics, relevant to the need of the time, like the text on the art of Government from the point of view of Jainas, history of Chalukya dynasty etc.

Hemcahndra at the age of 84, ended his life in the year 1172 by fasting. Kumarapala also died soon after. His nephew, Ajaypala, who succeeded him was a fanatic follower of Saivism and Jainas were persecuted in his regime. Later, Jainism again experienced a great bloom in the regime of Vaghelas, who came to power in the place of Chalukyas at the beginning of 13th century. Vastupala and Tejapala, two brothers, were ministers in the Vaghela regime, who excelled in an outstanding manner. They invested their great wealth in such a manner that every one could see it but no one could rob it. They built imposing temples on the mountains of Abu, Shatrunjaya and Girnar. Even today, these monuments are keeping their memory alive.


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