Book Title: Jain Legend Vol 4
Author(s): Hastimal Maharaj, Shuganchand Jain, P S Surana
Publisher: Hastimal Maharaj Shugan C Jain P S Surana

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Page 116
________________ In a copy of Prabandha Cint ma i, a different version is presented as to how Goddess Saraswat was appeased by Hemacandra S ri. The narrative goes thus: The reputation of unique scholarship of Monk Somacandra spread far and wide. Every one started saying that Goddess Saraswat herself resides in the throat of Monk Somacandra, as he provides answer even to the toughest problem in a trice. Even a well-versed scholar of fourteen subjects also could not compete with him. Listening to all these comments in praise of his disciple, crya Devacandra S ri decided to confer the rank of crya upon him. He called the members of the congregation and put his proposal before them. Everyone welcomed the proposal with great delight. Thereupon they unanimously fixed the auspicious time in the afternoon on third bright day of Vai kha month. At the fixed time, in Vikram 1166, the coronation of monk Somacandra was celebrated with splendour in the presence of King Siddhar ja Jayasimha, the entire congregate and the citizens, amidst the enchanting sounds of different musical instruments. Immediately after the ceremony, grasping the prompt from c rya, the entire audience remained silent. Then c rya Devacandra whispered 'S ri Mantra' in the ear of monk Somacandra which was smeared with camphor and sandal paste. Thus while adorning him with S ri post; his Guru Devacandra S ri named him as 'Hemacandra S ri'. At the very auspicious moment, Hemacandra's mother, P hin too, took initiation from Devacandra into asceticism with five great vows. Hemacandra S ri, who adorned the seat of c rya, just a few moments ago, requested his preceptor and made arrangements to appoint his mother P hin to the post of 'Pravartin ' and to provide an elevated seat for her to sit upon. Later wandering through many places and preaching the Jain tenets, he reached A ahillapura Pa a a. The next day, with all grandeur befitting a king, Jayasimha sitting majestically on the elephant (meant only for the king - pa a-hast ) was passing by the main street. He saw Hemacandra S ri, who sat in nearby monastery. He ordered to stop the elephant, climbed down 116

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