Book Title: Jain Sanctuaries of the Fortress of Gwalior
Author(s): T V G Shastri
Publisher: Kundkund Gyanpith Indore

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Page 133
________________ and a devoted sravaka who spent his time in literary pursuits. His specialised field was murtipratista. It appears that he was the author of 28 works, which include Parsvanatha Chariyu, Sukosala chariyu, Dhanakumara chariyu, etc. Evidently, they were written in prakrit and some of his manuscripts, are not available. Gwalior was the main scene of his literary activities and the image of so called Adinatha of 52 yards in height near Urwahi gate, was supposed to have been constructed as per the instructions laid down by Raidhu, who possibly acted as the high priest at that time. He makes ample reference to his predecessors and their works. He specifies his patrons like Srikheni Sahu and Bhullana Sahu, Raidhu had a high praise for Gwalior (Gopachala nagara) and the Tomar King Dungar Singh was his great patron. He had another patron by name Rudra Pratapa Chauhana. From his works, it could be gathered, that he lived between 1400-1473 A.D. and possibly claimed, that he was bestowed with long life. The Jaina monastic establishment of Gopachal had contributed to the growth of knowledge with literature and visual arts. The Bhattaraka Acaryas had created a philosophic awakening among people, and hiranna darshana even while pursuing their own. professions. Besides their work at Gopachal, the Bhattarak preceptors had impressed on the people as to how to lead a simple life as a Jain. They were able to check the impact of tantricism with simple sramanic procedures in achieving their ends. Haribhadra Suri, condemned the deterioration of the principles of the sangha in certain sections of the society in his work on Sambodha Prakasana. The origin of the Bhattaraka pitha at Gopachala is traced to Madhavasena. His disciples and followers carried out the message of Jainism to distant places. In several inscriptions, reference was made to the work carried out by Kashthasangha mathuranvaya balatkarana gachha and saraswati gachha. In the inscriptions of Gopachal, we come across the names of the Acharyas Devasena Yasahkirti and Jayakirti,. The name of one Hemraj was mentioned as the chief of Jaina. sangha. The Tomar Rajas had made some Jaina Acharyas as their ministers,. One Gunabhadra was the chief advisor during the time of Kirti Singh of Tomar dynasty. Other prominant members of the sangha were Kusharaj and his wife. (113)

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