Kundakoliya, the Defender of the Faith (Chattham Ajjhayaņam, Uvāsagadasão)

Summary

This story introduces a character named Kundakoliya, who is portrayed as a stalwart defender of Jainism during a period of persecution. A rival king sought to convert his subjects to a different faith and threatened to destroy Jain temples. Kundakoliya, though not a monk, was deeply committed to Jain principles. He organised the community, raised funds to repair shrines, and used his eloquence to argue against forced conversion. He confronted the king with stories of karmic retribution and reminded him of the disastrous consequences faced by rulers who had persecuted monks in the past. Impressed by Kundakoliya’s courage and the community’s unity, the king relented and issued a proclamation protecting Jain worship. The article concludes by praising Kundakoliya’s steadfastness and urging readers to emulate his blend of devotion and activism. It emphasises that defending one’s faith need not involve violence; persuasion and moral example are more powerful.