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tion of pride. He tied to his left foot marionettes of several dialecticians whom he defeated. According to the Mudrita kumudaehandra, his opponents included Buddhists, Bhatta Mimamsakas, followers of Sankara and Kapilas. It is difficult to say how much historical truth there is in this narration. We know, however, that Digambara Jainism was then rich in philosophers and dialecticians of a very high order, some of whose works have survived to this day. It is credible, therefore, that Kumudachandra who had come from the Deccan to win name and fame in Gujarat, may have won some logical disputes in the Deccan.35
Hearing of Devasūri's fame, Kumudachandra went to Devasuri's residence, and threw grass and water in it. Devasuri, at first, did not mind the vauntings of Kumudachandra and rather tried to control his anger. But bis co-religionists and disciples did not like to put up with the insult; so when an old man was harassed by Kumudachandra, Devasūri was roused to fight. He told Kumudachandra that he would hold a discussion with him at the Court of Jayasimha in Anahilavāda. Kumudachandra readily accepted
35 Merutunga, Prabandhachintamani, pp. 161-3; Prabhavakacharita, pp. 275-7.
Shree Sudharmaswami Gyanbhandar-Umara, Surat www.umaragyanbhandar.com
