Nayakarnika

Author(s): Vinayvijay, Mohanlal Dalichand Desai
Publisher: ZZZ Unknown

Page 37

AUTHOR'S BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCU.
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Thuis Vinayavijaya and Yashovijaya trace their descent from the illustrious Jainâcharya Hiravijaya Sûri who lived in the time of Akbar the Great. Hiravijaya, whose memory is preserved in the Mahakávya, entitled the Hira Saubhâgya, was of the Swetambara sect, and is especially known for the great service he did to the cause of Jainism, by obtaining several firmáns from the Great Emperor Akbar in favour of the Jainas. One of these firmans (Royal Warrants) recognised the right of Jainas to their Tirthas (holy places) which the Emperor made over to certain Jainas, and another prohibited the slaughter of animals during the Pajusana and on the dates held sacred by the -Jaina community.
Vinayavijaya studied from his gurre all the -Jaina scriptures, and then asked his permission to go to Benares, well-known from ancient times -as the most famous centre of learning, to study the metaphysics of the non-Jaina schools of philosophy.
Yasovijaya joined him on his journey to Benares, and they soon reached that famous city. Here they found themselves compelled to put off their Jaina-ascetic's dress because of the prejudices of Brahmaņas against the Jainas who were termed Nastikas (heretics or atheists). The nature of tbe batred of the Brāhmaṇas for the Jainas may be judged from