Jain Legend Vol 4

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

Page 23

Temple dwellers tradition - the mother of material offering based traditions, gained momentum in the 11th Century V.N, and by the second half of the 16th century V.N. it spread like wild fire embracing all sections and classes of the society. However, even amidst such catastrophic conditions, the original form could survive though in a seminal form. Varddham na S ri, who got initiated by c rya Udyotana S ri, belonged to the forest dweller tradition. He was a profound scholar in Jain scriptures. After studying the scriptures, the courageous and intellectual Varddham na S ri - the finest amongst monks, embarked on a religious revolution. With his powerful preaching, he dispelled the darkness that enveloped the Jain congregations for the last 500 to 550 years under the influence of Temple dweller traditions, and led them towards light - the true path of spiritual purification.
Launching of religious revolution / reform
In mid 11th century of Vikram Era (around 1160 to 1180), when the Temple dwellers tradition was at its zenith, a new revolutionary tradition originated in the Jain congregation. They took a vow to put an end to the influence of material based tradition that unveiled several pseudo rituals and activities that were totally against the code of conduct of rama as and that extinguished the fundamental Jain doctrine of Lord Mah v ra and at the same time to reinstate the code of conduct in its original pure form, with Varddham na S ri, its founder, leading the mission.
Starting from its founder member Varddham na S ri to its 7th c rya Jinapati S ri, i.e. for seven generations from Vikram 11th to 13th century era, their conflict with Temple dwellers tradition continued.
Initially, Varddham na Sri was initiated into Temple dwellers tradition. According to V hada Gurv vali of Kharatara gaccha, crya Jinacandra, the leader of 84 temples was the Guru of Temple dwellers tradition. While studying the scriptures Varddham na Sri came across the lesson on 84 non observances ( tan s) and while contemplating on than, a number of doubts arose in his mind. He realised that the rituals and conduct of Temple dwellers were totally against the code of conduct of
rama as prescribed in the scriptures / canons. So he directly approached his Guru, crya Jinacandra and humbly put forth his suggestion asking him to avoid those non observances ( tan s) and to observe the pure
23