________________
one of the brightest stars on the horizon of Indian literature and philosophy.
Not much is known about the years during which Somachandra completed his education and absorbed all available knowledge. Somchandra, through his shear brilliance, attained the highest point of the Jain church at an early age of 21 years. In the year V. 1166 (1110 A.D.) he was made Acharya and his name was changed to Hemchandra (the man with the golden glow). The ceremony was held at Nagapura (modern Nagaur in Rajasthan).
Hemchandra wanted to enhance his knowledge of grammer by going to Kashmir, the most prominent seat of grammer studies during those days. It appears that circumstances did not allow him to move out to so far a place from Gujarat. However, Hemchandra continued his studies in grammer with avialable scholars like Utsaha.
Siddharaj Jaisimba Dev
It appears that for fifteen years after becoming Acharya, he remained almost in oblivion from public life and continued maturing his knowledge. The first mention of his presence in public life is in the famous debate between Vadi Dev Suri and Kumud Chandra. It was in V. 1181 (1.25 A.D.), and appears to be his introduction to the court of Siddharaj Jaisimha Dev. Hemchandra was 36 yrs. of age at that time. Although Hemchandra was present during the
268
Yoga Shastra
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org