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 186
________________ based pure code of conduct. He was very upset and distressed with the widespread delinquence and degeneration in his congregation. As he was holding a high post as the Head of the congregation, he relentlessly tried to wipe out the sluggishness and craving towards external rituals from the minds of rama as and rama s, but could not achieve any satisfactory results. Ultimately Jagaccandra S ri with the help of Devabhadra, the devout Up dhy ya of Citrav la gaccha initiated reformation. Setting himself as an ideal example by strictly observing the scriptural based code of conduct, he started propagating the fundamental Jain doctrine and tenets. Inspired and encouraged by his extraordinary renunciation, many rama as, rama S and Mumuk us started observing flawless rama a conduct. While carrying out reformation, Jagaccandra S ri took a vow that he would observe the vow of c mla', (a form of fast or abstinence, comprising one single meal a day, without any fatty ingredients in it, usually boiled rice or cereals) throughout his life. Along with Devabhadra Up dhy ya he wandered and preached at each and every place of Mewāḍa. Impressed by his severe austere life, people belonging to all sections in Mewāḍa became his loyal followers and devotees. Apart from being a devout ascetic, Jagaccandra S ri was a pedantic scholar and debater in law. He triumphed over the Digambara c ryas in haḍa (gh apura) in spiritual discourse. Delighted at his victory and sagacity, the King of Mewada Jaitrasimha adorned him with the title 'H ral (the jewel)'. Also impressed by his severe penance and austere ascetic life, which won laurels by one and all, he facilitated him with the title ‘Tap '. Thus the combined group of ascetics of c rya Jagaccandra S ri and Up dhy ya of Caitrav la gaccha came into vogue as Tap gaccha in Vikram 1285. After Mewāḍa, Jagaccandra S ri turned his attention towards Gujarat. The moment he arrived at Gujarat, a distinguished merchant Vastup la received him with a lot of respect. He extended remarkable help to c rya for propagating the original Jain dharma in entire Gujarat. Owing to unblemished renunciation, penance, erudition and the pure code of conduct of Jagaccandra S ri and complete cooperation from the minister-merchant Vastup la, Tap gaccha gained popularity and became 186

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