The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v2.c31.410.1

v2.c31.410.1

Kumārapāla's reign is extremely interesting in the religious history of India. The Jain chroniclers unanimously assert that as he advanced in years he gradually came under the influence of Hemacandra and at last embraced Jainism. The *Kumārapāla-carita* of Jayasiṁha (A. D. 1365) devotes six *sargas* (V-X) to describing the circumstances that led to his final conversion and the steps which he took for the advancement of that religion. We are told that on the advice of Hemacandra he first gave up eating flesh and drinking wine.² Then on the instruction of the monk the king went to Somnāth, accompanied by the sage, and worshipped Śiva. Hemacandra then caused Śiva to appear and praise the Jain religion. As a result of this Kumārapāla accepted the *Abhakṣa-niyama* and fixed his mind on Jainism (*Jaina-dharme-manasthāpana*).