Prof. Dr. Nagarajaiah Hampana
[3] Stucco, Maṭha Temple Sravanabeļagoļa
Sarasvatī namaḥstubhyaṁ varade kāmarūpiṇī
vidyāraṁbham kariṣyāmi siddhirbhavatu me sadā.
As I begin my studies, let success be with me forever, O goddess of knowledge, bestower of boons and assumer of the desired form, 1 bow to you (with respect).
The Jains have a religion, culture, language, tradition and an identity of their own. And what better way to know them at a single glance than through their temples. Many ornate stone and marble temples, each a masterpiece in its own, have been the soul of Jainism that have shaped millions through centuries and created non-violent societies.
This book intends to salute the spirit of marvellous creations of Śrutadevatā, or Sarasvatī in common parlance. Śruta is the essence of Jinavāṇi. Images of Jinavāṇi-mātā are enshrined in all Jinamandiras.
Seeing the elegant illustrations of Śrutadevī allows viewers to achieve a greater understanding of the range of symbolic and aesthetic expression that the traditional artists have achieved. Similarly, significant variations between different nuances of various iconographic traditions may be noted.
The details of the Jaina concept of Śruta and Śrutadevatā is not known to the extent that it should be familiar. To redress that imbalance, Prof. Hampa. Nagarajaiah has authored this book. He is known for his scholarship in different disciplines. He has endeavoured to make it comprehensive in covering most of the salient features of Jaina Sarasvatī, with innumerable illustrations drawn from different parts of the country.
The book provides a panorama of goddess Śrutadevī. It is hoped that these details will enhance the spirit of veneration for the rich Jaina heritage providing a new impetus for taking interest in historical monuments.
We are pleased to include the scholarly Foreword by Professor Paul Dundas of the University of Edinburgh (U.K.), an erudite Jainologist in the West. Through their invaluable contributions, Dr. Paul Dundas and Dr. Hampana have carved a niche in the hall of fame. We wish and bless Hampana and Dundas a long and fruitful life.
20.02.2009
Svastishrī Karmayogi Chārukīrti
Bhaṭṭāraka Paṭṭācārya Svāmiji
Shrī Kṣhetra
Sravanabeļagoļa
573135
