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68/ The Rāstrakūtas and Jainism
He is famous for his captivating arguments, ravishing style, and enchanting illustrations. Akalanka had the aliasas of Bhatta-Akalanka, Akalankadēva, and Akalankacandra.
The probity of systematizing Jaina canonical edification into an integrated philosophical school belongs to apostle Umāsvāti and his magnum opus Tattvārtha-sūtra, recognised as authoritative by both the Jaina sects. Of the early Digambara glosses, Bhatta-Akalankadēva's Rāja vārttika stands sui generis, befitting its title. Chronologically, and in disposition Rājavārttika is only next to Sarvārthasiddhi, an encyclopedic commentary of Dēvanandi alias Pūjyapāda (late 6th and early 7th cent.) (Tattvārtha). Rājavārttika-bhāsya is voluminous and has as much bearing on the Jaina doctrinal system. Though this work has the stamp of Pūjpāda, Akalanka's work is not just the echo of a cave. It has a distinctive originality of its own.
4.3.3.1. Akalanka is credited with the authorship of several Sanskrit texts which together form the paramount textual material used by advanced scholars in the Jaina cloisters. Akalanka had become a legend during his lifetime. Like many other ascetics Akalanka, an astute philosopher and dialectiacian has remained silent about his biographical details, not even mentioning his coeval rulers. Luckily, some information is coming forth from Kathā-kāśa and other literary sources.
4.3.3.2. Different versions : 1) Peterson has credited, with authenticity, Jaina tradition of equating Akalanka with the son of Subhatunga alias Krsnarāja-I (753-75). It is said that Akalanka and Nişkalanka were sons of Subhatunga, and Akalanka, elder of the two sons, renunciated the life of palace and accepted the monknood. 2) Puruşõttama and Padmāvati were the parents of Akalanka Puruşõttama was a minister of Subhatunga. 3) Mallişeņa prasasti inscription of Śravaṇabeļago!a, states that Akalanka was prestigious
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