Jain Journal 1996 01

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

Page 26

SOMĀNI VIJAYADEVA SŪRI OF TAPAGACCHA
and one on Jeth Sudi 6. All the inscriptions have the words 'Jaisalmer Nagare' which proves that the Sūriji went there and did consecration ceremony.
(B) SOUTH INDIA
The Sūriji, after spending some time in Gujarāt, decided to visit south India. For this purpose he came to Surat. He held a religious discussion with the Sagara-pakṣiya monks in the presence of Mirmozā. It is said that initially the Sūriji was in favour of the Sāgarapakṣa. But later on finding the large scale opposition of his followers to this sect, he also relinquished it. In the discussions, the Sūriji defeated the Sāgara-pakṣiya monks. This event took place in VE 1681, as is mentioned in several works. Later on several followers of Sāgara-pakṣiya also joined Sūriji inclucing Dhañji, a notable Śrāvaka. The colophon of Hitopadesa (Ahmedabad) dated 1681 mentions the details of the discussion.15
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From Surat, Sūriji went to Deccan sometime in VE 169415A and visited Bijapur, Gola Kundā Burahānpur, Navarangpur and many other towns. Several Jain Śrāvakas, migrated from Rajasthan, also dwelt there. At Bagalānā, Caturā Bāi, an adherent follower of Sūrijī, also accompanied him. Sāhajādā Aurangjib, who was the incharge of the place, venerated him and issued an order to prohibit the slaughtering of animals. The Sūriji thereafter spent a rainy seasion at Sahapura. Devacandra Śrāvaka took active part in arranging the peaceful journey of the Sūriji. Ādilśāha was the ruler of Bijapur. He had shown very much respect to the Sūriji. He also ordered not to kill any cow. The Karahedā Pārśvanātha, Kalikuṇḍa-Pārśvanātha and other Jain sites were visited by the Sūriji with a large sangha. A good consecration ceremony of several Jain icons was arranged by Devacandra. These were consecrated by the Sūriji.16
The Sūriji then went to Aurangabad and also visited the AntarikṣaPārsvanatha Jain temple. From there he went to Burhanpur and Mallakāpur. Later on Sūriji went to Telang country via Kulapāka Tirth, also known as Manakadeva Tirtha. Amarcand Muni was bestowed the title of Vacaka upon him. The Caturā Bāi spent lavishly on the occasion. On the attempts of the Sūriji, the ruler of Telang country
15. Śrīvallabha Vijayadeva-Sūri-Māhātmya Canto. XI. Amṛtalāl Maganlāl Saha- Prasasti-Sangraha, p. 190.
15A Nahar-Jaina Lekha Sangraha Vol III Nos. 2207-8, 2214, 2329. 16. Meghavijaya, Digvijaya-Mahākāvya pp. 137-138.