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ANTIQUITY OF JAIN MANTRAS: VIDYADEVIS AND OTHER VIDYADHARAS 259
by various Acharyas and laymen for the fulfilment of the objects of the Sangha. We have seen how Priyagranthisūri invoked her and succeeded in impressing the Jain doctrine of Ahimsa on the Brahmaņas intent on the sacrifice of a goat. Mandevasūri, different from the author of Laghusanti, once forgot the text of Sūrimantra and learnt the same again by invoking Ambikā. The famous Haribhadrasūri was aided by Sri Ambika when he defeated the Buddhists who were assisted by their patron-deity Tara in the debate. Bappabhaṭṭisuri was aided by Sri Ambika in his dispute with the Digambaras regarding precedence in worship at Girnar. It is unnecessary to multiply instances of worship of Sri Ambika amongst Jains in the ancient times. We may conveniently mention here that this fact is borne out by the poetic literature consisting of hymns viz. Caturvimsati Stotras and Stutis. We would specifically mention Caturvimśatika Stutis by Sri Bappabhaṭṭisūri, Sri Sobhanamuni and Nyāyavisārada Sri Yasovijayaji. All the three have verses in praise of Sarsvati, Vidyādevis and also in praise of Sri Ambika although she is not a Vidyadevi but is a Sasandevī particularly an attendant deity of Sri Neminatha. As the Stutis relate to the twenty-four Tirthankaras verses in praise of 24 Sasandevis would have been quite appropriate. But the fact that Vidyādevis are praised instead shows the ancient character of their worship and also of Mantric worship. Bappabhaṭṭisuri has twice praised Vairotya,x the chief queen of Dharanendra and Kapardiyakṣa. In his times they must have been amongst Mantric deites usually worshipped. Sobhanamuni has additionally praised Santidevata and Brahmasantiyakṣa (See also p. 7 & p. 8 Nirvāņakalikā), who must have been therefore amongst the Mantric deities commonly worshipped in his times. Sri Yasovijayaji has several
* See Śri Haribhadrasuri's commentary on Avaśyakasūtra p. 411 for mention of Amba and other deities. See also foot-note on page 204 ante.
× We have Vairotyastava of much earlier date by Aryanandila wherein both Sri Vairotya and Sri Padmavati are described as queens of Sri Dharanendra. See also p. 36 & p. 38 Nirvanakalikā.
| SR No. | 006540 |
| Book Title | Comparative and Critical Study of Mantrashastra |
| Original Sutra Author | N/A |
| Author | Mohanlal Bhagwandas Jhaveri, K V Abhayankar |
| Publisher | Sarabhai Manilal Nawab |
| Publication Year | 1944 |
| Total Pages | 635 |
| Language | English, Sanskrit |
| Classification | Book_English & Culture |
| File Size | 18 MB |