Relic with traces of Jainism discovered

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(from TOI, Mysore)

 

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 .

 

-Mahavir Sanglikar

http://jainology.blogspot.com/