Dvadasharnaychakram Part 4

Author(s): Mallavadi Kshamashraman, Labdhisuri
Publisher: Chandulal Jamnadas Shah

Page 60

Rev. Divakara is grand-pupil of none else but Skandila Suri of Vidyadhara 'Vamsa. In this connection (Prabhacandra Suri) the author of Prabhayakacarita says in Vrddhavadiprabandha (V. 176-178) that Vriddhavadin Suri belongs to the 'Vidyadhara gaccha (school). From its gets proved that Aryajitadhara Skandila Suri who is the teacher (preceptor) of Vrddhavadin Suri, belongs to the Vidyadhara' gaccha (Vams'a) Consequently Rev. Divakara Suri is grand-pupil of none else but Skandila Suri of Vidyadhara' gaccha' and not that of another (of the same name). Against this a question may be raised. Is there any proof to believe that the teacher of Vrddhavadin Suri is none else but Arya Jitadhara Skandila Suri? A strong argument by way of its reply is that Skandila Suri of the Kasyapa lineage is mentioned in the succession-list given in Nandisutra, and this transgresses the probable date of Divakara after the mention of above five to six Suris that followed Arya Jitadhara Skandila Suri.
For this reason, too it is more justifiable to believe that none else but Arya Jitadhara Skandila Suri belongs to the Vidyadhara gaccha.
Another point is that Skandila Suri of the Kasyapa' lineage is 'anuyogadhara'. That he has given the fourth 'vacana of the canon is in disputable, So far as we know there is no discord regarding the following:
This 'vacana' is posterior to the life-time) of Vajrasvamin dasapurvadhar (cognizant) of ten purvas,' and Vajrasvamin flourished after Divakara Suri. This proves that anuyogadhara Skandila Suri who is posterior to vajrasvamin, cannot be guru of Vrddhavadin Suri. Hence Skandila Suri mentioned as his guru is none else but Arya jitadhara Skandila Suri of 'Kausika' lineage. This reasoning undoubtedly informs us that Divakara Suri is a contemporary of Vikramaditya. Samvat pravartaka.
("Sanivat pravartaka", which is the last line of the 8th page is connected with this foot note:)
In ancient days the clan named as 'Malava' was occupying a suprema place. In the third century before christ, this clan with the help of Ksudraka' clan, opposed Sikandara (Alexander). But as additional assistance could not be had, it go defeated. This very Malava tribe came to Rajputana, on its being ruined by constant attacks of the Greeks, and its established its. supremacy in Malva in the first second century before christ. It was a republican state, and Vikramaditya was its leader, Vikrama assumed the title of Sakari' by multiplying attacks of the Sakas (Scythians). Further, he made 'Malava clan famous. For that reason this era got named as 'malaya-gana sthiti'.
-History of Sanskrit Literature.
(p. 144) By Baldev Upadhyaya
moreover, there is mention of a powerful and liberal ruler named "Vikramaditya' who presented lacs to his servants in virtue of his victory over enemies, in the following verse of Gathasaptasati composed by king Hala:
" संवाहणसुहरसतोसिमेण देन्तेन तुहकरे लकखम्। चलणेण विक्कमाइत्त चरिअं अणुसिकिखअं तिस्सा.॥"
Jaina works fully corroporate this fact.
-Ibid. p. 143