Comparative and Critical Study of Mantrashastra

Author(s): Mohanlal Bhagwandas Jhaveri, K V Abhayankar
Publisher: Sarabhai Manilal Nawab

Page 254

SUBSEQUENT MANTRIKAS: UPADHYAYA SRI YASOVIJAYA
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Kasi-Benares to study there the six systems of philosophy and that ultimately he might become an ornament to the Jain fold. He offered to spend Rs. 2000/-for the purpose. Thereupon both the preceptor and the pupil went to Kāsī. Sri Yasovijaya prosecuted his studies under a Bhattācārya versed in the six systems of Indian philosophy and proficient in logic and the art of dialectics. Paying a rupee every day as Gurudaksinä or fee Sri Yasovijaya studied there for three years continuously. About the time a Sannyäsi disputant came to Benares who was defeated in a debate by Sri Yasovijaya before a meeting of Pandits. He then composed a hymn in praise of Sri Pārsvanātha. He was then given the title of Nyāyavisārada by the Pandits who had witnessed his great performance in the said debate. Then Sri Yasovijaya went to Agrā for further prosecution of his studies particularly in logic of the New School termed Navya-Nyāya and studied the same under a Nyāyācārya for a further period of four years. The Sangha there offered to spend for him Rupees Seven hundred, which was accordingly spent for purchase of books and in giving scholarships and presents to other students. Sri Yasovijaya then went to Ahmedabad where he was welcomed by the Sangha there with great eclat and stayed at Nāgorisarāh. Mohabatkhān the Suba of Gujarāt having heard about him invited him to his Court where he performed Astādasáva. dhāna i. e. attended to eighteen things simulataneously. The Subā was very much pleased with his performance and praised him greatly.
The title of Upādhyāya was conferred on him in 1718 by Sri Vijayaprabhasūri (the successor to Sri Vijayadevasūri) after he performed the Visasthānaka-worship and austerities. He also received the title of Nyāyācārya from the Pandits of Kasi after he composed a hundred philosophical and logical treatises. This fact is mentioned by himself at the beginning of his commentary on Pratimāśataka and in the colophon of his another work Jain Tarkaparibhāṣā. He has also written several works ending with the word 'Rahasya' probably because the famous neo-logician Mathuranatha was his favourite author and