Jain Legend Vol 2

Author(s): Hastimal Maharaj, Shuganchand Jain, P S Surana
Publisher: Hastimal Maharaj Shugan C Jain P S Surana

Page 141

The importance of Bhadrab hu in Jain order
Both the Digambara and vet mbara wings of Jainism accept Bhadrab hu as the 5th and the last rutakeval. Due to his services to the congregation, and to the sacred scriptural knowledge of Jainism Bhadrab hu secured a very high place for himself in Jain history. For those desirous of attaining salvation, the scriptures composed by him are like beacon of light for more than 23 centuries till date. For his selfless work to the congregation and his invaluable scriptures, he is considered as one of the torch-bearers in the Order of Lord Mah v ra, and is greatly cherished and deeply regarded. Many c ryas & scholars have appreciated his services.
Different opinions about Bhadrab hu
Last rutakeval, c rya Bhadrab hu occupies a prominent place in Jain history. In some of the religious texts of Digambara sect, it is mentioned that the division into vet mbaras and Digambaras occurred in Jainism during the last phase of c rya Bhadrab hu's life. From this perspective also, his life is of historical importance in Jain religion. There is no doubt a difference of opinion exists between these two sects regarding Bhadrab hu's life. But his life sketch related scriptures of both the sects reveal an amazing fact that there is no unanimous opinion about his life even among the different authors of vet mbara sect and among the different authors of Digambara sect as well. Studying the texts of both the schools in regard to the life history of crya Bhadrab hu, an objective reader finds out that probably the events in the lives of two to three different persons bearing the same name might have got mixed up and attributed to and included in the life history of the All canon knowing (Caturda a Prvadhara) crya Bhadrab hu. A comparative study of the texts written by the succeeding cryas with the texts written by the preceding c ryas clearly brings out the fact that some of the succeeding cryas have included some events in the life sketch of Bhadrab hu, out of their own imagination.
A comparative study and analysis of the texts is not only helpful for the research scholars and for those who have passion for history, but it also aids in bringing forth the true historical facts into light. With this
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