It commemorates a Jain ascetic

A Nishidhi stone inscription from the 12th century was found at Nandi Basaveshwara temple in Harakere village in Shivamogga taluk recently.

R. Shejeshwara, Assistant Director, Department of Archeology, Heritage and Museums, and Jagadeesh, historian, discovered the inscription during a field work undertaken in Harakere. The inscription is of 60 cm long and 15 cm wide and is chiselled from a schist rock slab.

Mr. Shejeshwara said the Nishidhi stone inscriptions are issued to commemorate Jain ascetics who perform Sallekhana vratha. According to the text of the inscription, a discipline of Nemideva, a Jain seer of Moolasangha took Sallekhana vratha here. The image of Nemideva preaching a couple on Sallekhana vratha has been carved on the inscription. The seer carried pinchi, a bunch of peacock feathers and kamandala. The umbrella, popularly known as mukkode, and the images of the sun and moon are intricately carved here.

He said that eight lines are engraved here in archaic Kannada. Based on the language used here, the historians have come to the conclusion that the inscription was issued in 12th century. The inscription found here proves that there was a strong influence of Jainism in the region. The Jain sculptures and inscriptions were also found in the past in Yalavatti, Purale and Hasudi villages in the vicinity.