Shraman Bhagvana Mahavira Part 5

SR No.: 008006
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Ratnaprabhvijay, D P Thaker
Publisher: Parimal Publication
Publication Year: 1989
Total Pages: 616
Language: English, Sanskrit
Classification: Book_English, Biography, History, & Religion
File Size: 14 MB

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who was clever enough to enterpret the four Vedas and who lived in Śree Kumārapāla-Vihara situated in the market square of Khambhăta.
Then after displaying indiflerence to Vijaya Candra, Dévéndra Sūri came during the course of his travel to Pālaņapura. Eighty--four merchants attended by numerous persons and occupying palanquins with umbrallas of peacock--tails over them, used to be present at the assemblies to listen to his religious sermons. In the temple called Prahlāda-Vihara situated in the town, received to rice, to the extent of one Mutaka' (a measure called "Mundo' at present), and betelnuts to the extent of 16 maunds were received everyday as gifts to the shrines, Besides this, five hundred queens of Visaladeva lay before the shrines tasty dishes. Because of such high position and dignity of Jain religion, the Jain society requested the Guru to appoint some pupil as Ac'ārya and to fulfil their aspirations. Taking this to be the right opportunity the Guru gave the title of 'Acārya' to Viradhavala Muni in the same building-Prahlāda-Vihāra in V. S. 1323 (in 1304 accord. ing to some) and gave him the name of Vidyānanda Sûri
It is probable that his younger brother Bhimasingha was given the title of upādhyāya at the same time, and was called 'Dharma-kirti'. When the 'Sûri-ship’ was conferred, “Kaņkū' (a kind of red powder prepared out of turmeric and mercury, and used on auspicious occasions) began to rain down from the ceiling of the Mandan' of the l'rahlāda--Vihāra that had golden battlement (or golden edges at the top ). All the people were surprised to see this and they had arranged for a great festival. That Vidyān and suri has written a grammar named · Vidyanada' about which it is said as follows:
"Vidyânanad Sūri the author of the grammar calied “Vidyānada' which contains small number of definitions and extensive meanings, seems to be a very great man (seems to shine brightly.)