The
Chalukya Kings of Gujarat
Jainism
spread specifically during the period of Chalukya king Bhima 1. His minister Vimalshah,
who belonged to Pragvata clan, built the famous Adinath temple at Mount Abu. The temple
was completed in 1031 AD The Kharataragachhba Pattayali states that the minister named
Vimala plundered the parasols of thirteen Sultans, founded the city named Chandravati and
built the temple of Rishabbadev at Arbudachal. This is clear that Vimalshah carried out
these works with the permission of his king Bhima.
Jainism
had its strong roots during the period of Chalukya king Siddharaja and his successor
Kumarpal. Kumarpal adopted Jainism on the
instruction of Jain preceptor Acharya Hemehandra. He developed the Jaina institutions of
Gujarat. As a result, Gujarat became a strong centre for the followers of Jainism and for
the flourishment of Jaina institution. Jainism flourished there amidst religious tolerance
of other faiths. Acharya Hemehandra insisted on such religious harmony by his preaching
and deeds.