Jain Legend Vol 2

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

Page 335

Yak a, blaming herself for the death of r yaka, started severe penance. Many of the preceding c ryas stated that worried about the severe penance of Yak , the congregation invoked sana Dev' (Guardian Goddess). With the help of the goddess, Female monk Yak arrived at
r Simandhara Sw mi in Mah videha K etra. Proclaiming her as innocent, the Sw m granted her the knowledge of four chapters as a Clik (gift).
Thus the seven sisters - Yak , et al, took initiation during the time of Sambh tavijaya and established a remarkable place for themselves in the history of Jainism.
ry Poi (Approximately 300-330 V.N.)
The information about the great female monk Poi , the Head of the Order of the Female monks and a scholar, and about 300 other detached Female monks of the time of descriptive-c rya rya Balissaha, is available in the Sthavir val written by Himavanta. During early 4th century V.N., Mah meghav han Kh ravela, the emperor of Kalimga, convened a council on Kum ra hills. Descriptove- c rya Balissaha and group- c rya rya Susthita with their respective entourage of 500
rama as and ascetics, and 300 detached rama S, under the leadership of ryik Poi , etc., attended the council.
One can assess the depth of knowledge and authority on gama scriptures, the excellent wisdom and unparalleled intellect of Female monk Poi , by the fact that her contribution was requested and received by the council, for the pious and remarkable task of systematically compiling and protecting the gama literature.
She was respected and honored by monks and nuns, votaries and femalevotaries of the congregation for her profound canonical knowledge. She enjoyed a prominent place in the congregation.
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