________________
CHAPTER II
41 Śree Ajit-déva Sūri
Ajit-déva Sūri succeeded Śree Munic'andra Sūri as the fortyfirst Pattadhara. Out of numerous pupils of Munic'andra Suri, this Ajit-deva Suri and Vadi Śree Déva Surt were celebrated pupils. Even the King Siddharāja Jayasingh considered Ajit deva Suri as worthy of honour, and discussing with him, he tried to derive new knowledge It is said that he has founded 'Jirāvalı-Tırtha.' Almost during his period, various Gac'chas in beliefs came into existence a to greater extent.
Kharatar Sect
It is believed that Kharatai gac'chra started from Śree Jina datta Suri. He was born at the house of the great minister Vāchhig in Dhandhuka in the year V S. 1132. His mother's name was Vahad-dèvi His name while a house holder was Somac'andra. From his very childhood, he was highly intelligent and hence he had learnt a good deal within a short period. With the increasing contact with his guru, disgust to this worldly life arose in him and with the permission of his parents he took 'Diksa' in V. S. 1141 at the age of nine.
This Diks'a guru was Vac'aka Dévabhadra Gani and he was given the name of Soma-c'andra Muni Then for further studies he was entrusted to the care of and the beachu. In due course of time he excelled in one science after another and was given one title after another till at last in V S. 1169, Āc'ârya ship was bestowed on him, and 'Jina-dattă Suri' was his name He abtained from the Book Store of c'htod the same book previously read by Divkaar who had obtained knowledge
now.
Jain Education International
For Private Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org