Jain Journal 1971 07

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

Page 24

JAIN JOURNAL
Jinacandra had many temples constructed or reclaimed in the western region which was his headquarter. Like his predecessor, he commanded supernatural powers, which have subsequently passed into legends. It is widely believed that he carried a jem in his forehead which added to his spiritual strength and power. Before passing away he had advised his followers to hold and preserve this jem in a cup of milk. Unfortunately they forgot about it and the advantage of the advice was taken by some other Yogi, who obtained possession of it. As he is used to carry the jem in his forehead he is known to his disciple as Manidhari or one bedecked with a jem.
Jinacandra Suri graced the position of Acārya for a brief period of 12 years From whatever records are available of his spiritual activities, it is known that in VS 1214 he reached Tribhuvanagiri where among others he honoured the nun Hemadevi with the title of Pravart Then he reached Mathura. By V.S. 1217 he was in Bhimapalli where a number of important persons were claimed to the order. Therefrom he reached Marukot where important religious celebrations were organised. In V.S. 1218 he was at Uccha in Sind where a number of men and women joined the holy ranks as monks and nuns. In V.S. 1221 he was at Sagarpara, and therefrom he visited Ajmer, Babberaka, Hansi, Mahavanasthana, Indrapur and Tagala village. At each place, there were important celebrations, including construction of alters, inititaions and conversions, installation of golden pitchers, flags, etc. at the top of the temples. In V.S. 1222 similar acts were performed at the town of Badlo wherefrom he reached Rudrapalli and thereafter Narapalpur, At the last mentioned place he held a discussion on astronomy with a haughty astronomer who was overpowered. Then at Rudrapalli he held discussions on scriptures with one Padmacandracarya, defeating the latter after a long debate. Jinacandra was honoured by the king's officers who were present on the occasion and the victory was celebrated by the followers, who henceforth became known as Jayatihatta' and the adversary group became known as "Tarkahalta.' Then Jinacandra turned his steps to Delhi of which description has already been given till his passing away.
Poet Jinakusala Suri
Jinakusala Suri, whose name was Karman before initiation was born at Samiyana or Sivana in the Thar desert in V.S. 1337 (A.D. 1281). After initiation at the age of ten, he acquired profound knowledge of logic, grammar and astronomy under the able guidance of Upadhyāya Vivekasundara. In V.S. 1375, he was made a Vācanācārya (Reader) in the holy order and two years later in V.S. 1377 he was raised to the