3.5 Jainism · Part 5

observers of the faith wear a muslin cloth around their mouth and nose so that they would not inhale small insects even by mistake. To avoid trampling on ants and other insects, Jain monks used feathers to sweep the path before walking. Jaina Kanchi, Tiruparuthikunram XI History - Lesson - - Rise of Territorial Kingdoms and New Religious Sects Jivaka Chinthamani , Yapperunkalam Karikai , Neelakesi are some of the prominent Jaina works in Tamil. As early as c. CE a Jaina Dravida Sangha was established in Madurai by Vajranandi, a disciple of Boojya Padha. Jainism has survived in Tamil Nadu and there are several Jaina temples. One of the Jaina temples is at Tiruparuthikunram near Kanchipuram with beautiful ceiling paintings. This part of Kanchipuram was known as Jaina Kanchi. Decline of Jainism in India . Absence of royal patronage . Split amongst Jains as Digambaras and Swetambaras . Lack of missionary zeal . Factionalism . The severity of practices and . Spread of Buddhism as a rival faith led to the decline of Jainism