(from TOI, Mysore)

MYSORE: Archaeologists involved with excavations at historic Talakad village
have found an inscribed stela which authenticates the existence of
Jainism in the region.

According to a press release issued by the archaeology department here, this
inscribed stela with a Jain image dated to 978-79 AD was unearthed from already
excavated Basadi site at Talkad. The inscription reads that sage Balachandramuni
known for his unblemished character and quality attained heaven in 978 AD, the
release says , adding that this "nishidige" was created by Kundana Somidevi.

Archaeology director Gopal said this relic and inscription throws open a flood
of information on several facets of Jain culture. Balachandramuni was the
discpline of Maladharideva of Kondakundanvaya, Desigana and Pustakamnaya, and a
great scholar.

The release said the inscription reveals that Balachandramuni attained his
heavenly abode after five days of fasting and Kundana Somidevi who erected this
stela was the sister of King Nolamakulantaka Marasimha II (963-74 AD) . The
inscription was written by scribe Immadi Perumadiachari Bahulavelenga.

The release disclosed that Kundana Somidevi is none other than the lady who had
gifted a beautiful Jain bronze image now preserved in Sharavanabelagola Jain
mutt and she was the daughter of Ganga King Butuna III(940-63) and wife of
Rajaditya of the Chalukya dynasty.

Note said the carving of this stela is unique in the sense that it is designed
and decorated like a small shrine having six essential arts of a shrine. The
fagade has the relief of sage Balachandramuni in "Kayotsarga" posture between
two pilasters.

The team of archaeologists included M S Krishnamurthy, R Gopal and T S
Gangadhara, ephigraphist H M Nagaraj Rao deciphered the inscription .

-Mahavir Sanglikar
http://jainology.blogspot.com/