Jain Journal 1966 10

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 18

58
These imperial farmāns exerted great influence on the smaller rulers who too issued similar orders within their own jurisdiction. In 1952 when Akbar marched on Kashmir, some of the disciples of the ācārya accompanied him and gave discourses during leisure hours. Of these disciples, our aforesaid Mansingh was there. When Akbar returned after the conquest of Kashmir, he suggested to the acarya that Mansingh be made the ācārya. When the ācārya agreed, the emperor thought of a higher distinction for the acarya himself and in consultation with his Jaina minister Karmacandra decided to confer on him the most coveted title of 'yugapradhan' or the leader of the age-a title conferred once on Sri Jinadatta Suri by the gods themselves. Since then Sri Jinacandra's influence was on the increase somuch so that Akbar issued orders prohibiting animal slaughter for about six months in a year, abolishing tax on the pilgrims going to the Jaina holyplace Satrunjaya and protecting the cows all over his empire. Iswari Prasad has written, "The tax on pilgrims to the Satrunjaya hills was abolished and the holy places of the Jainas were placed under his control. In short, Akbar's giving up of meat, the prohibition of injury to animal life were due to the influence of Jaina teachers."
JAIN JOURNAL
After leading a very much eventful life when Sri Jinacandra attained loftiest spiritual heights, he laid his body at rest in 1613 at Bilare and entered the domain of the Liberated.
The Jaina ācāryas are well-known for their equanimity. These who have no attachment for men and money make no distinction between the rich and the poor. One day the ācārya was going to start his discourse. But his devoted disciple Karmacandra, who never missed it, when present, was busy elsewhere. His mother requested the acarya to wait for a few moments. Calmly the ācārya said, "For me all are Karmacandras. The discourse cannot wait for anyone." The mother was annoyed at this reply. But when she looked around, she saw thousands of Karmacandras seated all around fully attentive to the discourse.
Based on Nahata, Agarchand, and Nahata, Bhanwarlal Yuga-Pradhan Sri Jinacandra Suri, Calcutta, 1935.