History of the Pallavas of Kanchi c11.s1.54

c11.s1.54

*Religion.*—According to tradition Mahēndravarman I was originally a Jain and was given to persecuting the votaries of other religious denominations. In the *Periyapurāṇam* account his conversion to Śaivism was brought about by Appar otherwise known as Tirunāvukkaraśu. Appar was one of those who is believed to have been thus persecuted, but his wonderfully miraculous powers, especially the manner in which he escaped the tortures to which he was subjected by the Jains, moved the Pallava king to embrace the Śaivism of Appar.