Jain Journal 1996 01

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

Page 22

SOMĀNI : VIJAYADEVA SŪRI OF TAPĀGACCHA
83
VIJAYADEVA HONOURED BY JEHĀNGIR
A wide spread struggle between two groups of Jains sprang up causing much dispute between the followers. Vijayadeva Sūri was from the first group, while the other group stated above belonged to Vijayatilaka Sūri. The Mughal Emperor hearing the disputes between these Jains invited them to Mānļū, where he was staying. Vijayadeva was then staying at Cambay. He reached at Mandū on Āśvina Šuklā 13 VE 1672 (Oct. 1617 AD). On hearing both the parties, the Emperor soon came to the decision that Vijayadeva was originally appointed by his Guruji, while the other dissendent group had rivalling claim only. He bestowed the title"Mahātapā" upon Vijayadeva Sūri. The Vijayadeva-Māhātmya also mentions that the Mughal Emperor conferred upon the Sūriji much veneration. He was sent to his camp in a royal procession, having several Mansabdars accompanying it. On this occasion Śreșthi Candraprabha of Mānļū spent lavishly. He did good celebration and had spread the gold coins on Sūriji. The Mughal Emperor granted the titles Khus-Faham, Nadirā-a-Jamāna and Jahāngir-Pasandato Siddhicandra. However, the respects given to Vijayadeva was much higher. This has enlightened his followers who gave much respects to him. However, in Gujarāt. Vijayadeva could not get sufficient support in comparision with Siddhicandra. Vijayadeva also wanted to settle the matter with Siddhicandra. He invited the latter to join him. But he had totally refused. It seems that Vijayadeva was not disappointed. He decided to travel in the adjoining areas of Rajasthan, Mahārastra and Gujarat'. The Emp ever, remained much pleased from him. The Sūrijī sent his disciple Dayākusala Pranyāsa in 1618 AD to the Emperor. The Emperor become much pleased and asked the Sūriji to give details about him. He issued a Firman as below. 7A
"Be it known to Vijayadeva Sūri, who discerns the right and practices of Yoga and who had obtained our special favour, as I had seen you at Pāttan (Māņdū) I constantly inquire for the news about you, and am sure that you would also be free from breaking connection with us as a true friend. At the present time your disciple Dayākušala Pranyāsa presented himself before us, and news about you has been learnt from him, we are (thereby) very much pleased. Your disciple is also much experienced and possessed of logical faculty. We treat him
. Śrīvallabha Vijayadeva Süri-Māhātmya canto XVIII, Nähar - Jaina
Lekha Sangraha Vol. II No. 341 and 367; Mohan Lal Dalicand Desāi
op. cit. pp. 15-20. 7-A Mohan Lal Dalicand Desāi op. cit. p.91.