SHRAVANABELAGOLA: Underlining the importance of taking Jain agamas to the masses, writer Niraj Jain has said that it is necessary to sustain Jainism.

Mr. Jain was delivering the valedictory address at the five-day all-India Jain Scholars' Conference that concluded here on Sunday.

He said it is necessary to translate Jain literature into English, if the values propagated by the religion are to be imparted to the youths. He urged women to inspire their children to study Jainism. Rational thinking among the new generation of scholars will lead the youths on the right path, he said.

About the contribution of Karnataka to Jainism, he said Mysore royal family was instrumental in protecting Jainism and in preserving Shravanabelagola. The Bhattaraka tradition of South India has not only protected the Jain centres in the South, but also ensured good relations between the community members of the North and the South.

Archaeologist Iravatha Mahadevan referred to the oldest Jain inscription found in Tamil Nadu and said Jain inscriptions found inside caves that are natural formations are plain and not decorated such as the inscriptions of the Pallava period. The oldest inscription found at Mangola near Madurai belonged to the 200 BC. He expressed concern over the state of many inscriptions. He urged the scholars to educate the people about the importance of these inscriptions.

About the contribution of Jainism to Tamil literature, he said many Tamil works were influenced by Jain literature and great Jain munis. He indicated the possibilities of inscription found at Shravanabelagola having a link with the Indus Valley civilisation. The "swastika" symbol found at Shravanabelagola are similar to the symbol found at Indus Valley civilisation, he said.

Sri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji said it is unfair to differentiate spiritualism from agamas.

Shanthiraja Shastry of Shravanabelagola presided over the function. Sumathi Chandra Shastry, M.A. Subhashchndra and Poolchand Premi were present.

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