Niṣadhi Inscription at Kundādri Hill
By G.K. Devarajaswami
Summary
This article documents a Jain nisadhi (memorial) inscription found at Kundadri Hill in Karnataka’s Western Ghats, a site associated with Ācārya Kundakunda. The inscription, carved on a granite boulder near a manastambha dedicated to Tirthankara Pārśva, is in Kannada and likely dates to the 11th century. The inscription has two parts: i) First part honors monk Diwākara-nandi, praised as a Siddhānta Cūḍāmaṇi, who attained spiritual liberation through Sallekhanā (ritual fast unto death). ii) Second part commemorates Śāntiah Pattanasvāmi, a virtuous layman who also performed Sallekhanā. His son Nāgiah and son-in-law Meniah Śeṭṭi commissioned the memorial. iii) Diwākara-nandi is also referenced in several other inscriptions and Jain literary works, and he is credited with translating Tattvārthasūtra into Kannada. His lineage is traced in the document, highlighting his high standing among Jain ascetics of Karnataka.
Conclusion
The Niṣadhi inscription at Kundādri Hill serves as a valuable testament to Jain spiritual traditions in medieval Karnataka, particularly the revered practice of Sallekhanā. It commemorates the ascetic monk Diwākara-nandi and lay devotee Śāntiah Pattanasvāmi, reflecting their piety and esteemed status. The inscription also highlights Diwākara-nandi’s scholarly legacy and the deep cultural roots of Jainism in the region.