________________ GANADHARS AND ACHARYAS Acharya Hemchandra composed several literary works consisting of many verses. He was the first to put non-violence on a political platform and he was the architect of the greatness and unification of Gujarat. In the field of metaphysics, he was a Yogi. His work Yoga-shastra, a treatise on yoga, is very famous. People called him 'Kali-kal Sarvajna' meaning 'all knower in the present era of darkness'. He died in 1173 A.D. at the age of eighty-four. Jain culture still shines bright in Gujarat due to the influence of the literary works contributed by the great Acharya Hemchandra. Mother Pahini's sacrifice of her love for her son is very praiseworthy. It is a great gift to the Jain religion. It is because of Hemchandra Acharya that Kumarpal accepted Jainism and became a Jain. It is because of this that Jainism and vegetarianism flourish in Gujarat. Hemchandra Acharya's contribution of numerous literary masterpieces is a treasure for us. Only by studying these books, we can pay tribute to him. 60 JAIN STORY BOOK Jain Education international For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org
