________________
56
COMPENDIUM OF JAINISM
1013 A. D. after Jineśvarsuri and Buddhisagara-suri defeated the ascetics of this school in the Darbar of king Durabhadeva in the discussions on the sanction of the Sacred Books for the different schools. There after, the Caityavasis decreased in strength, and those who style themselves as "Yati" or "Śripūjya” amongst the Svetämbaras belong to that School. Those who style themselves as "Samvegi" are the followers of forestdwelling ascetics.
Sthanakavāsi
This sect was founded by Lomkashāhā who was born in about 1415 A. D. in a village by name Arahatawada of the former Sirohi State, now in Gujarat. He was born in an Oswal family. At the age of twenty five, he went to Ahmedabad where Mohamed Shah was ruling. He became acquainted with Lomkashaha during certain transactions of sale of diamond. Mohmad Shah became very pleased with Lomkashaha due to skill shown by him and appointed him as the custodian of the iron safe where he had kept all his ornaments. When Mohmed Shah died due to poisoning, he became very unhappy and left his service. He was employed by a Muni by name Jñanasri, being pleased with his handwriting, to copy the scriptures. He copied a number of scriptures and while doing so, he used to keep one copy for himself. In course of time, he found that the type of idol-worship which was then in vogue had not the the sanction scriptures. So he undertook to reform the Jaina religion and those who crowded at Ahmedabad to hear his preachings were greatly influenced by him and requested him to accept them as his followers, Lomkäshäha declined on the ground that he was still a house-holder. Jñānaśri Muni initiated him into asceticism and hence was born the Lomkagaccha. There is however another version that Lomkāshāhā left the service of the Shah when he was overcome with pain and pity on seeing a Muslim engaged in hunting. 14 The followers of this school of thought came to be known as Dhundhiyas, also called Sthānakavāsis because they carry on their religious
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org