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## Introduction to the Thaathakaara Maharshis
**Poo.Aa.Shree. Bhuvanatunga Suri Maharaj** was initiated into the Anchalgachchha tradition in VS 1216 and attained Suri-pada in VS 1234. He was a prominent Acharya in the lineage of Poo.Aa.Shree. Dharmghosh Suri Maharaj. During his lifetime, he authored numerous texts. He was a renowned scholar, having earned many titles including "Vaad-vijeta" (winner of debates). In VS 1237, he initiated a nine-year-old boy named Mahendra Kumar, who later became **Poo.Aa.Mahendra Singh Suri Maharaj** after being conferred the Acharya-pada in VS 1293. Poo.Aa.Shree. Bhuvanatunga Suri Maharaj was a prominent disciple of Poo.Aa.Mahendra Singh Suri Maharaj.
Currently, there is limited information available about his life. However, his work can be understood through the "Anchalgachchha Digdarshan" book. He authored a vast amount of literature on various subjects. His works include:
1. **Rishimandal Vritti**
2. **Chatuh Sharan Vritti**
3. **Atur Pratyakhyan Vritti**
4. **Sita Charitra**
5. **Mallinath Charitra**
6. **Atmasambodh Kulak**
7. **Rishavdev Charitra**
8. **Sansmaarak Avasuri**
The "Anchalgachchha Digdarshan" provides a detailed introduction to all these texts.
Besides his literary contributions, this great soul converted many rulers to Jainism. He was known for his mastery of mantras and played a significant role in protecting the Sangha. He once summoned Takshnaag in Junagadh in front of King Raaul Khengaar Choutha, defeating sixteen Garudi's in a debate. He also made the king vow to never engage in catching or playing with snakes for the rest of his life. This Acharya obtained a royal decree from the king, releasing one and a half lakh fishing nets and shutting down five hundred furnaces. Folklore also suggests that he demonstrated the power of mantras by summoning the idol of Adiswar Bhagwan in front of eighty-four Jati Vaniks and eighty-four Gachchha Acharyas.
In the history of Anchalgachchha, he is revered as a powerful mantra practitioner, a prominent Acharya, a master of Agamas and other Jain scriptures, and the first commentator on various texts.
**Poo.Aa.Shree. Som Sundar Suri Maharaj** of the Tapa Gachchha was a descendant of the illustrious lineage of **Poo.Aa.Shree. Jagad Uchchandra Suri Maharaj**, the first great soul of the Tapa Gachchha. (Birth: VS 1396, Initiation: VS ...).