________________
Tirthankars, twelve Chakravartis (sovereign emperors), Vasudevs or Narayans, nine Prativasudev or Prati Narayans (enemies of Vasudevs) & nine Balrams are born - every Utsarpini as well as in every Avasarpini time cycle.
As a student, Haribhadra had studied some Jain philosophy. However, his understanding was very shallow so he could not comprehend the meaning of what Sadhvi Mahattara was reciting. Haribhadra was at loss about what to do. Finally, he had stumbled upon a subject he did not dominate; however, to seek more knowledge required him to become a pupil of Jain Sadhvi Mahattara. Hewasperplexed. Despite his arrogance, Haribhadra was also a man of his word. Without further hesitation, he presented himself to the Jain nun Mahattara, explained his pledge, & requested her to accept him as a pupil. Mahattara explained that Jain nuns could not have males as pupils. She advised Haribhadra to go to her Guru JinabhattaSuri who could explain the meaning of the verse & he could become a pupil of her Guru. Accordingly, Haribhadra went to Acharya Jinabhatta-Suri who explained the verse in the proper perspective.
Jainism, Indeed, his family opposed his decision. His father challenged him, "But you have studied so much to become a Brahmin scholar. Why would you want to give that up now?" His relatives, who had been so proud of his reputation cried, “But you are the best debater. Who will you be now?" Haribhadra persevered in the face of this resistance. He explained to them that his knowledge would remain incomplete without gaining knowledge of Jainism in detail. For that purpose as well as for adhering to his decision, it was necessaty for him to be a Jain monk. He ultimately succeeded in gaining the consent of all his family members. Thereupon, he renounced his worldly life & became a disciple of Acharya Jinabhatta-Suri.
He diligently studied Jain scriptures & other sacred books. His intelligence & perception soon allowed him to achieve mastery of Jain scriptures. The study of the Agams showed him the depth of Jain philosophy in seeking the truth. Once he mastered all the relevant Jain literature & when his Guru Jinabhatta-Suri was thoroughly convinced about his true faith, he decided to bestow upon Haribhadra the title of Acharya. Now Haribhadra became Acharya Haribhadra-Suri. As an Acharya he managed the Jain order very capably & efficiently. By virtue of his knowledge & intelligence he attracted many people to Jainism. Many of them also renounced worldly life & became his disciples. Jainism gained a newfound popularity under his stewardship.
GANDHARS ACHARYAS
The Acharya's explanation of the verse induced Haribhadra to learn more about Jainism. He requested the Acharya to accept him as a pupil. Jinabhatta- Suri agreed to accept him only if he got the consent of his family & other close relatives. Haribhadra knew that it would be an ordeal to get their consent to study
