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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history. Even though c rya r Dro a was a contemporary to Abhayadeva S ri, the author of nine V ttis and probably older than the latter, yet he showed respect to Abhayadeva S ri as one usually shows to elders. This brings his personal quality into light that he had good insight at determining the qualities of others and also a lover of virtues.
Up to Vikram 1080 the Temple dweller tradition congregation remained extremely vast and influential. It consisted of 84 gacchas and 84 c ryas. Of all the 84 c ryas of these 84 gacchas, S r c rya was considered as the person in charge. Each gaccha was governed and administered by the crya of that gaccha and from among these 84 c ryas, one was appointed by the congregation as the chief c rya. The remaining c ryas obeyed him and involved in carrying out endeavours to promote the interests of their congregation. The c rya of each gaccha was held responsible for the activities of their gaccha. They promoted and executed pursuits for the progress and development of the Jina order. The chief c rya was in charge of the unity of gacchas, i.e. he had to ensure that all the gacchas prevailed as one. He had to frame specific rules to be followed by all gacchas alike, and see to it that c ryas of all the gacchas strictly adhere to those rules. If he found any flaws in the line of action of a particular gaccha, he had the power either to rectify the fault or to modify it by giving instructions to this effect to the concerned c rya. The two unique features of Temple dweller tradition were: Firstly, Temple dweller tradition and its gacchas had a branch in K rcapura which was located far away from Pa a a and a sub-branch in durga subdivision. In the same manner, there were branches and sub-branches in different parts of the country. Secondly, each branch of a division of a region and in each sub-branch of a sub-division, arrangements were made to impart education to people of local and neighbouring areas as well.
The chief c rya of Temple dwellers tradition besides being conversant in scriptures also explained and interpreted them to his subordinate
c ryas and to those who obeyed him. This implies that the Temple dwellers had developed an inclination to know and learn the scriptures. Moreover it can be inferred that it was an arrangement for Temple dwellers tradition to create and make future leaders, righteous householders, social reformers, worthy employees, etc. by providing education to the children of followers of different monasteries located at
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