Relic with traces of Jainism discovered

Relic with traces of Jainism discovered

MYSORE: Archaeologists involved with excavations at historic Talakad village have found an inscribed stela which authenticates the existence of
Jainism in the region.

According to a press release issued by the archaeology department here, this inscribed stela with a Jain image dated to 978-79 AD was unearthed from already excavated Basadi site at Talkad. The inscription reads that sage Balachandramuni known for his unblemished character and quality attained heaven in 978 AD, the release says , adding that this "nishidige" was created by Kundana Somidevi.

Archaeology director Gopal said this relic and inscription throws open a flood of information on several facets of Jain culture. Balachandramuni was the discpline of Maladharideva of Kondakundanvaya, Desigana and Pustakamnaya, and a great scholar.

The release said the inscription reveals that Balachandramuni attained his heavenly abode after five days of fasting and Kundana Somidevi who erected this stela was the sister of King Nolamakulantaka Marasimha II (963-74 AD) . The inscription was written by scribe Immadi Perumadiachari Bahulavelenga.

The release disclosed that Kundana Somidevi is none other than the lady who had gifted a beautiful Jain bronze image now preserved in Sharavanabelagola Jain mutt and she was the daughter of Ganga King Butuna III(940-63) and wife of Rajaditya of the Chalukya dynasty.

Note said the carving of this stela is unique in the sense that it is designed and decorated like a small shrine having six essential arts of a shrine. The fagade has the relief of sage Balachandramuni in "Kayotsarga" posture between two pilasters.

The team of archaeologists included M S Krishnamurthy, R Gopal and T S Gangadhara, ephigraphist H M Nagaraj Rao deciphered the inscription .

From TOI, Mysore

Ancient Abbakkadevi Basadi resurrected

By Team Mangalorean
Photograph: Rajesh Shetty

ULLAL, March 21, 2008: The 16th century old Chowta Rani Ullal Abbakkadevi Basadi a hallowed place of worship has been renovated and is ready to be handed over the Ullal people according to the chairman of the Apex Bank of Karnataka and a prominent Jain leader M.N. Rajendra Kumar here today.

Addressing a press conference here today Mr.Kumar stated that the 500 year old Basadi was a revered praying shrine for the Jains of Dakshina Kannada. This shrine is stated to have received the queen of Ullal Abbakka Rani during her life time in 16th century.

Mr.Kumar said as a sign of completion of the renovation the ritualistic programmes including "panchakalyan mahotsav", will be held for five days starting from March 23. Mr. Kumar outlining the works taken up by the Trust of the shrine said that the shrine had artistically beautiful depiction of Parshwanath and Aadinatha carved in black granite which had however been mutilated during the last five hundred years. But the Trust had taken pains to replace the idols with the same beauty and same material. The shrine now wears the historical splendour Mr.Kumar added.

Mr.Kumar acknowledging the phenomenal interest shown by the Dharmadhikari of Dharmasthala Dr. Veerendra Heggade said that the Dharmotthana Trust of the Dharmasthala temple had taken personal interest in renovating the shrine. However the minor shrine outside the main Shrine belonging to the Kshetrapala has been renovated with the help from the people he added. Charukirthi Panditacharyavarya swamiji of the Moodbdiri Jain Math will perform the Panchakalyana ritual on that day he informed.

Politicians use marriage party to malign opposition

ATHANI: Even though the dates for Assembly elections in the State are not yet declared, political activities in Athani taluk are gearing up.

The politicians are using every platform including ceremonies like marriages for their political gains.

Former MLA Shahajahan Dongergoan and his followers of Congress, who participated in a marriage ceremony at Aigali Cross of the taluk recently, distributed newspaper cuttings of a report published against the BJP. The said style of campaign surprised everybody present there.

Congress activists of Kagwad Assembly constituency, who want to field KLES chairman Prabhakar Kore from the segment, have already started campaigning to put pressure on Congress leaders.

They have already submitted memoranda to AICC chief Sonia Gandhi and KPCC president Mallikarjun Kharge stating that the Congress could win the seat if Kore was fielded as the segment was dominated by Lingayats and Jains. Kore belongs to Lingayat community.

Raju Kage from BJP had won the seat in the last election. The BJP may give ticket again to Kage this time also. Kage is also a Lingayat.

Using the ‘caste calculations’ of Congress and BJP, former MLA Mohan Shah of JDS, who belongs to Jain community, had asked his party supremo H D Deve Gowda to give him the ticket.

He claimed that he can break the Jains and Lingayats votes to win the poll. Shah is state general secretary of JDS.