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temples in Bombay, one at Byculla temple being considered of special note. In practically every temple in the management of Kharataragaccha shrines of 'Dādāji' are usual by installed. The popularity of his worship can be easily judged by the great number of his shrines spread over hundreds of places in India. See the hymn of 108 Stupas of Sri Jinakusalasūri by Sri Rajaharṣa.
INTRODUCTION
ŚRI BHUVANATUNGASŪRI
Sri Bhuvanatungasūri was an Acharya of a branch of Ancalagaccha. He attained fame as a Mantrika as in a bout with snakecharmers he invoked Takṣaka Naga the chief of the Nagas (snakes) and made him appear in the royal court of Khengāra IV (who ruled from 1336 to 1390 Vikrama era) at Junagadh and none of the 16 Garudis (snake-charmers) present could control Takṣaka. They were therefore declared defeated in the Mantric contest with Sri Bhuvantungasüri who in his turn controlled all the various Nagas of the said Garudis. As a result he made these Garudis give up catching snakes and made the said King Khengāra prohibit casting of 1 lacs of fish-nets and stop 500 Bhaṭṭhis or ovens and accept the principle of Ahimsa or non -killing.
SRI MERUTUNGASURI
Sri Merutungasūri was born of Porvad parents Vhora Vairasimha and Nhālaṇade at Nani village in Jirṇapur in Marwar in 1403 Vikrama era. He was initiated by Sri Mahendraprabhasūri of Ancalagaccha in 1418 and ordained Acharya in 1426. After the death of Sri Mahendraprabhasuri in 1444 he became the leader of his Gaccha in 1446 and died in 1471 Vikrama era. He was a poet of note besides being a grammarian and a scholar of the different systems of philosophy. He wrote Mahakāvyas-great orclassical poems viz. (1) Nābhivamsa (2) Yaduvamsasambhava (3) Nemidūta and (4) Meghadūta etc. vying with the great Sanskṛta poets Kālidās and Magha. His summary of the six systems of philosophy is Şaddarśana-Samuccaya. His grammatical works are Dhatupārāyaṇa and a commentary on Katantra. He wrote Sataka-Bhāṣya
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