Jain Legend Vol 3

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

Page 214

In Vikram 1029, when M law king looted M nyakhe a, capitol of R rak a dynasty and finished their empire, at that time in Dh r nagar which is on the way, poet Dhanap la composed a poem 'P iya lacch n mam 1' for his younger sister Sundar by name in local language. This is a citation of great historical importance as it helps in establishing the time of the downfall of R rak a dynasty and other great poets of that time.
Src rya
The name of Src rya occupies a very important place amongst the great scholars, poets and influential cryas of Jainism in Vikram 11" century.
This great poet of Gujarat went to M law town and defeated in debates the court of Bhoja R ja who had been decorated with the title of 'Saraswat vara Labdhapras da'. Not only this, even after defeating the most influential debater of the court, he faced and overcame many difficulties on the way and returned to Gujarat happily.
At that time a practice was prevalent amongst the scholars and poets that whosoever defeated a scholar put by Bhoja Rja in scriptural debates, the winning scholar would be somehow in a dubious manner got killed. Brief life sketch of S r с rya is given below.
A very powerful king by the name Bh ma used to rule Anhillapura P a a or P a a nagara of Gurjara Prade a. King Bh ma was very firm supporter and believer of Jainism. He used to protect, promote and administer his subjects with justice and in legal manner. He was a very popular king. Jain Dro a was the religious teacher of the king and he used to teach king and his ministers scriptural texts. This Dro a guru, born with a Katriya lineage, was the maternal uncle of King Bh ma. Dro a had a younger brother also named Samgr ma Simha who in turn had a son named Mahip la. Mahip la had distinguished wisdom and was glorious.
Due to the sudden death of Samgr ma Simha, his wife took her son Mahip la to Anhillapura P a a. Standing in front of Dro crya and keeping her son at his feet she said, ' c rya Deva! Please keep this son
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