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Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra
www.kobatirth.org
Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuri Gyanmandir
Introduction.
13
The date of Bhadrabâhu's death is placed identically by all Jaina authors, from Hemacandra down to the most modern scholiast, in the year 170 A.V. Hem. Pariçishtaparvan IX, 112:
Vira-mokshâd varsha-çate saptaty-agre gate sati | Bhadrabâhur api svâmî yayau svargam samâdhinâ ||
"After hundred and seventy years from the liberation of Mahâvîra had elapsed, Bhadrabâhusvâmin also reached svarga (siddhi) by profound meditation".
It may be remarked that the dates of the Crutakevalins only are given; I dare not decide whether they may be relied on. A legendary story about the rivalry between Bhadrabâhu and Varâhamihira, is told by a great many modern Jaina writers, but not by Hemacandra. It seems to have grown out of the fact that Bhadrabâhu was regarded as the author of two astronomical works, a commentary on the Sûryaprajñapti and the Bhâdrabâhavî Samhitâ, and of the Uvasaggahara stotra, and that Jaina astronomy was scornfully treated by other astronomers (see Siddhântaçiromani III, 10). For these motives will be recognized in the legend which I shall now briefly relate. Bhadrabâhu and Varâhamihira, two brothers living in Pratishthâna, had become Jaina monks. Before his death, Yacobhadra appointed Sambhûtivijaya and Bhadrabâhu his successors to the dignity of âcârya. Varâhamihira who had expected for himself that distinction, forsook the Jaina religion, furious with disappointment. By his learning in astronomy, he won a great reputation which he strengthened by spreading a fabricated story. He told the easily deceived people that by his zeal he had propitiated the Sun, who had taken him into his car, and shown him the movements of the celestial bodies. By such means he succeeded in gaining the favour of the king and in ousting the
nara-tiriesu vi jîvà pâvamti na dukkha-dohaggam || 3 || Tuha sammatte laddhe cimtâmani-kappapayav'-abbhahie | pavamti avigghenam jîvâ ayara'-marai thâuam || 4 || ia samthuo mahâyasa bhatti-bbhara-nibbharena hiaena | tâ deva desu bohim bhave bhave Påsa jinacamda || 5 ||
1. I adore Pârçva, the expeller of evil spirits, Pârçva, who is free from all (or the eight) karmas, who destroys the poison of the poisonous (snakes), the abode of prosperity and happiness.
2. Whatever man knows always by heart (this) charm against snakes and fire (?), for him disaster, disease, pestilence, and decrepit age, will go to destruction.
3. Not to speak of a hymn, a mere obeisance paid to Thee will richly be rewarded: living beings, amongst men and animals do not fall into misfortune and unhappiness.
4. Living beings having attained a correct comprehension of Thee which surpasses (in value) the Kalpadruma and the philosopher's stone reach, without obstacle, a station free from decrepitude and death.
5. Thus praised, Glorious one! with a heart full of mighty devotion, Parçva! mayest thou, o God! therefore, give perfect wisdom in every birth, Moon of the Jinas"!
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