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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Jinavallabha replied, “O Honourable One! If you have taken such a decision why do you hesitate to accept Vasativ s tradition now itself? A discerned person should without further ado abandon the improper, unconventional path and follow the holy path”.
The Guru replied, “So far I never envisaged that I will join Vasativ s tradition without entrusting the responsibility of my gaccha and Devg ha into the hands of an able and worthy person. Well, now you are free to accept the Vasativ s tradition”.
Thus taking the approval of his Initiation guru of Temple dweller tradition, Jinavallabha paid homage to him and set out on his journey to Pa a a. There he presented himself in the service of Abhayadeva Sri and offered salutations with profound devotion. Abhayadeva S ri was overwhelmed with joy. He thought, “The very same thing happened which I considered as noble. As a matter of fact, Jinavallabha is worthy of shouldering my rank. However, as he belongs to Temple dwellers tradition, right now I cannot assign him to this post, as the decision may not be appreciated and approved by the monks and nuns and the laity of my gaccha." Keeping this in mind, he conferred the highest post of
c rya rank upon his another disciple Varddham na and granting his permission (upasampada) to Jinavallabh ga i he said - "Son! I give you permission to wander wherever you want."
Later, Abhayadeva S ri confidentially told his trustworthy disciple Prasannacandr c rya, “Declare Jinavallabhaga i as my successor-Pontiff at an auspicious time”.
Sometime after giving these instructions, Abhayadeva S ri departed to heaven, according to one school of thought in Vikram 1135 and in Vikram 1139 as per the other.
Prasannacandr c rya also was waiting for an appropriate time to appoint Jinavallabha as the successor-Pontiff in accordance with the instructions of his guru Abhayadeva S ri. Foreseeing his own approaching death, he confided the command of their Guru to Devabhadr c rya in a place called Karapa aka V ijya and said, "I could not implement the order of our honourable guru and now it is time for me to leave for the other
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