ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 01

Author(s): International School for Jain Studies
Publisher: International School for Jain Studies

Page 100

Arcalagaccha, a Svetāmbara sub-sect of 10th century A.D. This trend continued till Lonkāśāha (15th century A.D.) who wrote against temple building and idol-worship.
2.0 Lonkāśāha He is regarded as a crusader against idol-worship. The Sthānakavāsī sect owes its allegiance to Lonkāśāha. It even celebrates a day to commemorate him. There are controversies about his life and matters relating to the date of birth, death, marriage, about his knowledge of scriptures, etc. Regarding the life history of Lonkā, there are controversies. Muni Jñānasundarī in his book has quoted different authors to locate the exact date and the year of birth and death of Lonkā, his family background, his education, his profession, because there are controversies regarding his life, as there is no unanimity between the authors who have located various events about his life. This also tries to prove the importance of Lonkā and the reform he has brought about.
One of the versions is as follows: Lonkā was born in V.S. 1482 in Ahmedabad. His father Hemashah and mother Ganga were vanika by caste and were very devout Jainas. Hemashah was intelligent and attained a high position in court of King Muhammad Shah. Lonkā imbibed many virtues including extra ordinary memory powers from childhood. Due to his skill and deep knowledge of jewels he was appointed as a treasurer by the king. Sheth Odhavji, an eminent personality from Sirohi was attracted by his ability and sharp intelligence and married his daughter Sudarsanā to him. They had a son who was named Purnachandra.
When Lonkā came to know about Kutubshah killing his father Mohammad Shah for the sake of kingdom, Lonkā felt utterly disgusted and understood the futility of worldly affairs. Hence he resigned from the post.
At home he continued with his personal business of jewelers, along with his writings. He also engrossed himself in the study of various religious scriptures. During this time Muni Jñānji happened to visit his house for food. On entering the house he saw Lonka's beautiful hand writings. This made muni to ask Lonkā whether he would copy the dilapidated copies of the agamas. Lonkā was really waiting for an opportunity to read the agamas, at that time agamas were unavailable to the laity. Daśavaikālika was the first agama he received from the munito copy.
STUDY NOTES version 5.0
Page 87 of 317