Jain Journal 1971 07

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

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distance of several hundred miles. Besides the monsoonic months were approaching. But the imperial request, which was forwarded by Akbar's Jaina Minister Karmacandra, was exceedingly pressing. So overlooking difficulties of the journey and ignoring sastrik injunctions he sent his principle disciple Man Singh to Lahore in advance and himself also took the road to Lahore. But by the time he himself reached Ahmedabad, however, a fresh farmāṇ was received expressing that the Acārya need not take the trouble of moving during the monsoons but that the Emperor would be pleased to receive him as early as possible. So, after the monsoons the Acarya started again followed by innumerable disciples from the four orders and attended by imperial envoys. On the way he inspired thousands of people and received warm welcome from the royal houses, the nobility and the laity, ultimately reaching Lahore in V.S. 1647. His discourses were arranged at the Court everyday and were well attended. The Emperor was so respectful that he called the Acarya 'Bade Guru'. The four months of restricted movement were spent at Lahore in 1648.
JAIN JOURNAL
Akbar was so much inspired and impressed by the Acarya that he sent orders under his own seal to all provincial Governors for the protection of the Jaina temples and holy places against Muslim molestation. Twelve farmāns, called amari declaration were sent out by the Emperor totally prohibiting animal slaughter for a week in the month of Asadha. These imperial farmāņs exerted great influence on the small rulers who too issued similar orders within their own jurisdiction. In V.S. 1648 when Akbar marched on Kashmir, he took with him some of the disciples of the Acarya including the aforesaid Man Singh. When Akbar returned after the conquest of Kashmir, he suggested to the Acarya that Man Singh be made the Acarya. When the Acarya 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 Yugapradhana or the leader of the agea title conferred once on the seniormost Grand-pa Jinadatta Suri by the gods themselves. Since then Jinacandra's influence was on the increase so much so that Akbar issued orders prohibiting animal slaughter for about six months in a year, abolishing tax on the pilgrims going to the Jaina holy place Satrunjaya and protecting the cows all over India.
After leading a very much eventful life when Jinacandra Suri attained loftiest spiritual heights, he laid his body at rest in V.S. 1669 at Bilare. Like his three predecessors he also possessed supernatural powers and there are many stories of the miracles done by him. Atleast a few of them had been witnessed by the Emperor himself.