Jain Journal 2003 10

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

Page 27

DR. M. JALENDIRAN: ĀCĀRYA PUJYAPADA AND HIS WORKS
10. Sravanabelagola Inscription number one points out that "the original name of Acārya Pujyapāda is Dēvanandi."
87
The Digambara Jaina scholars are of the opinion that he had lost his eyesight due to the practice of severe austerities. However, it is believed that he regained his eyesight through the power of his meditation.
The other names of Ācārya Pūjyapāda are Jainendrabuddhi, Yaśaḥkirti, Yasonandi, Mahāyati and Gunanandi.
His well-known works are Jainendra-vyākaraṇa—a master piece of Sanskrit grammar. It has earned the name and fame of Acarya Pujyapāda.
Tradition also mentions that Acārya Devanandi had miraculous power. He journeyed to Vidēhakṣetra where ordinary human beings cannot have the chance to visit that kṣetra.
Finally, on the basis of the above mentioned references, it is very clear that the great Acārya Pūjyapāda belongs to the 6th century A.D. Akalankadeva lived in the 7th century A.D. It is indicated in the Chalukyan records. Therefore giving a margin of about hundred years it can be said that Devanandi Pūjyapādar lived in the 6th century A.D. Devanandi-Pujyapāda has contributed many valuable works to Digambara Jaina literature. He is the author of the texts Sarvārthasiddhi, Samadhi-tantra, Iṣṭopadesa, Dasabhakti, Śabdāvatāra Kalyāṇakāraka, Jainābhiṣeka, Śantiyāṣṭaka etc." Sarvärthasiddhi: It is a learned commentary on the Tattvārthasūtra. The language of Pujyapada is noted for its grandeur, elegance and lucidity. This can be identified throughout Sarvärthasiddhi. His explanations about abstruce philosophic ideas are often interesting and clear. He anticipates the opponents and answers them and clears their doubts in the form of Purva-pakṣa and Siddhānta. His illustrations are all drawn from common life. Therefore the reader does not find any difficulty in understanding the contents of the text of Acārya Pūjyapāda.
The first aphorism of the first chapter is about the way to obtain Omniscience. The very first aphorism is "samyag-darśanajñāna- căritrāni mokṣamārgaḥ"