Ancient Jain Shrine Kanakagiri in South India

Summary

1. Historical Significance of Kanakagiri Kanakagiri, located in southern Karnataka, has a Jain religious history spanning over 1500 years. It is closely associated with the renowned Jain ācārya Pūjyapāda, who is believed to have meditated there around 378 C.E., according to Paṭṭāvalīs and chronicler Devacandra. His nephew Nāgārjuna developed the hill into a Jain center by commissioning temples, wells, and consecrating deities like Padmāvatī, Jvālāmālinī, and Brahmadeva. 2. Rise and Decline Through Centuries i) Early Patronage: During the 7th century, Cola King Sathyendra donated villages to the shrine. In 1130 C.E., Hoysala King Ballāḷa again contributed lands, and Hastimallisenācārya renovated the temple. ii) Period of Decline: From the 12th century onwards, the shrine saw decline in patronage due to the rise of Vaiṣṇavism and Vīraśaivism. Jains were marginalized politically and socially. iii) 13th–14th Century Migration: The foundation of Maleyūr in 1293 C.E. by Jain administrator Bommarasiah provided a support base for the Kanakagiri shrine. 3. Support During Wodeyar and Vijayanagara Times i) 15th–17th Centuries: The Vijayanagara king Harihara (1422 C.E.) and later Wodeyar ministers like Śeṇṭiah and his son re-granted Maleyūr to the shrine. ii) Royal Affiliations: Queen Amṛtammaṇṇi (mother of Chikka Devarāja Wodeyar) and several ministers and poets were of Jain descent or sympathizers, aiding the shrine. iii) Adversities: King Kantirava Narasarāja (1704–1713) rescinded the land grants, which were restored only after the intervention of the Jain official Anniah Śeṭṭi. 4. Late Patronage and Shrinking Influence i) Under Tippu Sultan, Kanakagiri received an annual grant (1784). In the 19th century, Jain officers like Sūri Paṇḍita and his father-in-law Laxmipati earmarked salaries for its upkeep. ii) Several memorial stones (niṣadhis) and relics (footprints of Pūjyapāda, caves of Nāgārjuna, Kanakatīrtha pond) suggest activity continued till the 18th century. 5. Modern Revival (Post-1990s) i) In 1990, a Jain Maṭha was re-established under the leadership of Bhattāraka Bhuvankīrti, reviving Kanakagiri’s spiritual, social, and religious relevance. ii) Several institutions were set up to support the regional Jain community and reassert Kanakagiri’s place among India’s notable Jain shrines.