Jainism in Orissa

The Orissa article traces Jainism back to Parsvanatha and even earlier Tirthankaras. Legendary accounts say that Aranatha received alms in Rayapura (identified with Rajapura), while later texts recount Parsvanatha’s visits to Tamralipta and Kopakataka in Kalinga. The Bhavadeva Suri’s Pārsvanāthacarita tells how Parsvanatha married Prabhavatī after rescuing her from the Kalinga Yavana; an abduction scene in the Rani Gumpha cave art may depict this. Other Jaina works such as Citrāsena‑Padmāvatī‑carita and Kārakanducariu mention Kalinga’s kings adopting Jainism. The Uttarādhyayana Sūtra notes that Kalinga’s rulers and other contemporary kings accepted the Jain faith after abdication. The article highlights Mahavira’s visit to Tosali and Pithunda and states that he preached in Kumāri hill; sculptures of lions at Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves support this tradition. During the Nanda period, the Kalinga Jina image was taken to Magadha as a trophy; later, Emperor Ashoka expressed remorse for causing suffering to Kalinga’s brahmanas and śramaṇas and banned animal slaughter. Ashoka’s grandson Sampriti, known as the Jaina Ashoka, actively promoted Jainism and listed Kalinga among the 25 regions suitable for Jaina preachers. The golden age of Jainism in Orissa occurred under Kharavela of the Mahameghavahana dynasty; the Hāthigumpha inscription records his achievements and the construction of monuments, though scholars disagree on his precise date.

Summary reviewed by a volunteer editor.