Development And Impact Of Jainism In India And Abroad

Author(s): Gunvant Barvalia
Publisher: Arham Spiritual Center

Page 86

JAIN RELIGION IN NORTH GUJARAT & SAURASTRA
entitled him as "Jagatguru" ( Master of Saints ). Emperor Akabar had offered him Gyanbhandar ( place where religious scriptures and other books are housed ).Stating that he had to move from place to place, Acarya had denied to accept them .At the request Emperor Akabar, Acharya, established one Gyanbhandar and was named as Akabar Gyanbhandar. During the stay of Acarayashri in the days of "Paryushan" (religious pious days of jain religion ), at Agra, at the desire of Acaryashri, Akabar had banned the killing of animals for fifteen days even when paryushan were of 8 days. Thereafter Acaryashri started his journey towards Gujarat. It is also reported that, the king of Mevad Ranapratap had sent a written invitation to Acaryashri to pay a visit to his state .During his last stage of his life he came to patan. From here he went on pilgrimage to the famous holy hills very well known for jains "Satrunjaya" via Palitana. From here he went to Una for chaturmas stay (rainy period of 4 months )in the year 1594 A.D..He passed away (Died - Kaldharma ) in the year 1596 A.D. at Una. According to the information, his funeral ceremony was done at Ambawadi in Una. This "Ambawadi" was not bearing the fruits, but from the next day after the funeral ceremony of Acarya, it started giving the fruits. On hearing of this news, Emperor Akabar gifted that land of Ambawadi (measuring 22 vighas) to the jainsangh there.
Acaraya has contributed a lot to the jain litreture. "Shantinath Ras, Anariksha Parshvnath Stavan, Jambudwipa pragnapti, Mahavir stotra, Dwadasajalpravichar etc.." are among his contributions. Over and above to these works, his manuscripts of "Vardhaman jin stotra" and of" Hirvijaysurina 12 bols” are still preserved there.
As such in the medivial period Acarayashri Hirvijaysuri has contributed a lot to jainlitreture which is of great importance. One lady named Ladakbai froin Diu, had constructed a big Stup and also installed the foot-prints of Acarya over there.
As a result of the inspirations from this large munisangh ( having a large number of disciples),500 jain temples were constructed and about 50 installation ceremonies took place. This is of great importance to the jain community.
ACARYA SHRIDEVEDRASINGHSURIJI:
Acaryasri Devendrasinhsuriji was born in 1243 A.D. at Palanpur. His name in childhood was Devchandra. Jain saint munisri Ajitsinghsuri on his way came to Palanpur. This young boy had gone to listen the religious discourse by the muni. That created a deep impression in the mind of this young boy. At the age of 8 years, he took the permission from his parents and became the disciple of munishriAjitsinghsuri in the year 1256 A.D. After he became muni, because of his religious study he became very famous. And because of his scholastic ability, he was honored and designated as Acaraya in the year 1266 A.D.
During the national political disturbances, Acarya Devendrasuri had done installation of idols in many temples. A noted contributor of the jain religion and literature Acarayashri Devendrasuriji passed away (died) at Anahilpur, Patan in the year 1315 A.D.
ACARYA SOMSUNDERSURIJI :
He was born in the year 1374 A.D. at Palanpur. His father's name was Sajja and his mother's name was Malhandevi. His name in the childhood was Soma .Once at Palanpur, he
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