The Relevance of Nompies in Karnataka Jainism

Summary

Vasantha Kumari investigates the socio‑religious significance of the ritual observances called ‘nompys’ in the Jain community of Karnataka. Nompys, synonymous with vratas, are ceremonial vows performed in honour of Tirthankaras and deities. The study traces the origin of this tradition to the pre‑Candragupta period and notes its association with the installation of monumental images such as the Gommateshvara at Śravaṇabeḷgoḷa. Drawing on epigraphic and literary sources, Kumari shows that early Jaina monarchs and affluent households funded building projects, temple maintenance and charity during nompy celebrations. The article lists different nompys observed in Karnataka — including Astāṇakṭikā pūjā, Karaṇavināra, Karmakar̥ti, Kalpa‑kuṇḍā, Kiḍuva, Kandāvarika, Nāgara‑pañcaimi, Nitya‑sukha, Jīvādṛṣṭiyati and Siddhāra — and describes their objectives, from seeking forgiveness of sins to obtaining progeny, wealth or liberation. Each nompy follows a prescribed set of rituals such as fasting, mantra recitation, lamp lighting and abhiṣeka, and is performed during auspicious months. Kumari emphasises that nompy practices strengthened the bonds between ascetics and lay Jains by encouraging alms‑giving, temple visits and scriptural study. The article notes that although Jina is not viewed as a creator god, devotion and worship form an integral part of Jain religious life in Karnataka. Over time, the popularity of the Vīraśaiva movement and interactions with Hindu communities led to the incorporation of non‑Jaina motifs into nompy narratives, such as stories of snakes and the Ananta‑Caturdaśī vrata. Nevertheless, the fundamental Jain principles of right faith, right knowledge and right conduct remained central, and nompys provided a platform for teaching ahiṃsā (non‑violence), generosity and moral discipline. Through tables of offerings and examples from inscriptions, the paper illustrates how particular foods and gifts symbolise desired fortunes, such as salt for keeping promises or rice for begetting children. Kumari argues that the nompy tradition contributed to the richness of Jain ritual culture in Karnataka and served as a bridge between orthodox Jain doctrine and the popular religious practices of the region.