The Jain Matha at Kakala in South India

Summary

1. Historical Background of Kārkala Modern Kārkala, in the Mangalore district of Karnataka, was part of the historical Tulunāḍu region. It was home to numerous Jain ruling dynasties such as the Ajilas, Cāutas, Bāṅgas, Sāvantas, and Toḷas. These rulers significantly supported Jainism, and many of their descendants still live in the region. 2. Formation of Kārkala Kingdom i) The Kārkala kingdom emerged in the late 14th century when Jain King Bhairava (1390–1420 C.E.), of the Śāntara lineage, took over the Kalasa simē region from a tyrannical chieftain. With support from the people and military force from Humcha, he was declared king. ii) Bhairava's lineage established a Jain-influenced kingdom comprising six administrative centers: Mokaru, Kerevale, Paddukare, Aruru, Mūru, and Kārkala. A palace and several temples, including one for Tīrthaṅkara Neminātha, were constructed. The king’s spiritual guide was Lalitakīrti Bhaṭṭāraka of Hanasoge, and the Jain Maṭha at Kārkala was later founded around 1504 C.E., although earlier origins in the 14th century are also recorded. 3. Cultural and Religious Contributions i) King Vīra Pāṇḍya (1396–1449 C.E.), Bhairava’s son, was a scholar and patron. He composed Bhavyānanda and commissioned the colossal statue of Bāhubali, consecrated in 1432 C.E. with attendance from Vijayanagara king Devarāya. ii) The transportation of the statue involved thousands of men, elephants, and intricate pulley systems, and took nearly a month to bring it up the hill. iii) Successive rulers like Pāṇḍya II and Bhairava II–V contributed to temple-building and literary culture. The dynasty nurtured poets like Cadura Candama and Cadura Candiah, who composed Jain epics in Kannada. 4. Fall of the Dynasty and Later Developments The Bhairava dynasty ended in 1763 with the fall of the Keladi Nayakas to Hyder Ali. The final king Pāṇḍyarāja died in battle. Despite political decline, Jain cultural traditions and religious activities continued. 5. Establishment of the Jain Maṭha i) There are two scholarly views on the establishment of the Kārkala Jain Maṭha: ii) Dr. Shenoi places it in 1504 C.E. iii) Dr. K.V. Ramesh suggests it began earlier in the 14th century, citing inscriptions mentioning Bhānukīrti, succeeded by Lalitakīrti. iv) The presence of rich temples, niṣadhis (memorial stones), and manuscripts point to a legacy of over 500 years. 6. Modern Legacy i) The current Bhattāraka was installed in 1988, and has organized two mahāmastakābhiṣekas (twelve-year consecration festivals) of the Bāhubali statue, drawing national and international crowds. ii) Photographs on pages 5–6 illustrate the grand statue of Bāhubali, the mānastambha, and the installation ceremony of the pontiff.