Nyayavatara and Nayakarnika

Author(s): Siddhasena Divakar, Vinayvijay, A N Upadhye
Publisher: Jain Sahitya Vikas Mandal

Page 83

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Siddhasena and his Works
given the name of Kumudacandra, according to some sources, at the time of his consecration. A story is narrated how Siddhasena came in contact with Vikramadiya of Ujjain whose patronage he received. At Citrakuṭa, Siddhasena secured miraculously certain books of vidyas from a pillar. At Karmara he won over the king Devapāla and helped him in a battle with a magical army.
Once Siddhasena expressed to the Sangha his intention to convert the scriptures into Sanskrit from Prakrit; and for this he was made to take Prayaścitta. For twelve years he wandered as Avadhūta and later effected a miracle in the temple of Kudangesvara at Ujjain. This was by reciting the Dvātrimsikās. In another source it was effected by the Kalyāṇamandira-stotra. King Vikramaditya was highly impressed and became converted to Jainism. Siddhasena made him build a temple of Jina at Omkara.
There are a number of doubtful points: whether he belongs to the South or to the North; whether Vṛddhavādi or Arya Suhasti or Dharmācārya was his preceptor; whether Kumudacandra was his name or not; how far the mystic and miraculous powers attributed to Siddhasena are justifiable; what is the explanation of his attachment for Sanskrit; why his Dvātrimśikās were neglected; what is the historical value of the miracle at the temple of Mahākāla and his alleged indentity with Kṣapanaka.
After noting and discussing the doubtful points in these biographical details the following conclusions are stated:
1) Siddhasena was a Brahmin in his earlier career. He was expert in Brahmanical studies and advocated the use of Sanskrit. 2) He was converted to Jainism. 3) Because of his logical thinking and partiality for Sanskrit he was given prāyaścitta. 4) He won the favour of king Vikramaditya and brought honour to Jainism. 5) He composed Sammatisutta and DvātrimsatDvātrimśikās. 6) Though he was a great poet and philosopher among the Jainas, he was not respected and his works were not appreciated. 7) He was a great debator and able dialectician. 8) His death was highly mourned, and nobody after him reached his stature.
II) DATE-Siddhasena's date is a matter of controversy and number of scholars have discussed it so far. The external refe