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अनुसन्धान-५४ श्रीहेमचन्द्राचार्यविशेषांक भाग-२
with reference to the doctrine of the Jinas.” (Johnson, V. p. 314.)
The Ācārya's last words (“with reference to the doctrine of the Jinas”) appear but once in the entire Trishashti) and only at the end of this Chapter, and are not without significance. Nemi as a Tirthankara appears only in Jain texts. These words therefore suggest that the Acārya was aware of the presence of rival narratives of Krishna, Balarāma and the Pāndavas in the Mahābhārata of Vyāsa. He appears to be keen to forestall any unfavorable reception of his work from the contemporary brāhmana scholars.
The most important event that distinguishes his Pandavas from their namesakes in the Mahābhārata is their becoming Jaina munis towards the end of their lives, suffering great hardships and finally attaining emancipation (moksha), like Tirthankara Nemi.
Fortunately, there exists a single record, specifically alluding to the muni-dikshā of the five Pandava brothers, the ensuing great commotion in the Court of King Siddhdarāja Jayasimha, and the memorable way it was pacified by Acārya Hemacandra (1088-1172 A.D.). This unique record appears in the Prabhāvaka-carita by Ācārya Prabhācandra, and may be considered authentic as it was written in 1252 A.D., within eighty years after Acārya Hemacandra.
I give here a translation of this section as it provides an unprecedented (ashruta-purva) answer by the great Ācārya to the question often asked: Are the Pandava Brothers Jaina or non-Jaina?
141. In the Caturmukha (Four-faced) Jaina temple the Ācārya (Hemacandra] gave a discourse on the Life of Shri Nemi in front of the Jaina congregation.
142. Desirous of the flavor of the ambrosia of his speech, great many listeners gathered there for a sight of him.
