Jain Journal 1971 07

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

Page 21

JULY, 1971
In later period, three other Acāryas were also the recipient of similar distinction so that in all there are four Dādāji's who are recognised and worshipped as saints. This has become almost a cult within this sect. The four Grand-pa's are Jinadatta Suri, the seniormost, Jinacandra Suri, the jem-bedecked (Manidhari), Jinakusala Suri and Jinacandra Suri, the last one being the contemporary of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. So great was the influence of the last-named Ācārya on the Mughal Emperor that eating of meat was prohibited in the empire for more than six months in a year, cow-slaughter was prohibited and the pilgrims tax was remitted for those visiting the temples and shrines on the Satrunjaya Hill. Even the great historian Vincent Smith has admitted that in his last years Akbar gave up meat eating mainly under the influence of the Jaina Ācāryas. All the Grand-pa's were not only outstanding as holy men and scholars, they were well-known for their occult powers, about which many stories are current as legends. These made great impression on the lay followers, quite a number of whom did derive from time to time relief in their material distress by remembering the names of, and seeking refuge with, these Grand-pa's. This aspect should, however, not be confused with Jaina religion, nor is it necessary to pin any rocklike faith in the efficiacy of charm of a mere name for purposes of earthly gain. But it need be said that those that have benefitted in the process, with them at least it has been the outcome of an unflinching faith whose value can neither be overlooked nor discounted. But more than that, this has established a filial link between the holy faternity on the one hand and lay followers on the other which has imparted strength to the organisational structure of at least a section of Jaina community. Seniormost Grand-pa Jinadatta Suri
Born in 1132 V.S. (A.D. 1076) at Dhabalak in Gujarat, even in his infancy he showed signs of future greatness The boy used to attend regularly the discourse of the nuns in the company of his mother. Soon he attracted their notice and they saw in him some signs of future greatness that would benefit the holy order. This was communicated by the nuns to their own master who came there at once and with the permission of the mother initiated the boy to monkhood. He was then only nine. He became Muni Somacandra. He was assigned to the direction of Sarvadeva Gani from whom he acquired the scriptures at Pattan during the next seven years and became well-known for satility in both canonical and non-canonical Jaina literature. In 1169 V.S., at the age of 37, he was nominated to the post of the Ācārya of the Kharatara gaccha by his predecessor Jina Ballava Suri of whom we have already spoken. Henceforth he became Jinadatta Suri. He then