Jain Journal 1971 07

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

Page 23

JULY, 1971
1203.
of the initiation took place after some time at Ajmer in V.S. Jinacandra was only six at that time. In the next two years, he acquired the scriptures with the speed of a prodigee and in V.S. 1205, he was installed to the position of the Acarya even during the life time of his master. Jinadatta Suri not only trained him up in the Scriptures, he even prepared him in organisational affairs to become his able successor in the difficult times that lay ahead. When in V.S. 1211, Jinadatta Suri died the entire responsibility of running the order fell on the young shoulders of Jinacandra. Before his death however, Jinadatta had forbidden his disciple from entering into Delhi, which he warned, would cause his death. But the destiny was more powerful. Jinacandra was in the course of a trek along with his order which brought them to the outskirts of Delhi. There were difficulties in the way, particularly the fear of attack by the mlechhas but the spiritual power of the master resolved them all. When the people of Delhi came to know of his presence in the vicinity, they all moved out to pay obeisance. King Mahendrapala too met him and made a respectful invitation to enter the city. But Jinacandra had in mind the warning by his master not to enter Delhi and so he made no reply. But the request was too pressing to be waived aside and knowing it fully well that this would strengthen the hands of destiny against him, he entered the city unmindful of consequence. There he gave a sermon in his usual way. But now he knew that his end was near. So he took leave of all, forgiving everybody and begging to be so forgiven and discarded his mortal frame in the usual Jaina manner through a fast. That was in V.S. 1223. But before death he had predicted that the city would prosper and extend till that distance where his final rites would be conducted. This prediction was, however, subject to the condition that his cortage would be carried non-stop. The implication was that the city would extend to the point where the cortage would first stop. The funeral procession then started and then went on and on through the city and far beyond its walls, till at last the carriers were too tired to remember the master's advice and placed the cortage on the ground. This was done at a place now known as Meherauli, a suburb of Delhi, near Qutb Minar. After some time, when they sought to raise the cortage again, it was an impossible job. The elephants were then harnessed but to no effect. Then came the royal order that the last rites of the master were to be performed at that spot. Thus ended a glorious chapter. A shrine dedicated to Jinacandra Suri, and worshipped by the Jainas and non-Jainas alike stands at Meherauli to this day. A great pillar of strength to the organisation, Jinacandra was versatile in scriptures and astronomy. He organised a new clan called Mahattiyan or Mantridaliya which at a later date gave a good account in the reclamation of the Jaina holy places in the eastern region.
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