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827 CE (884 Vikrama Samvat) in the court of Shiladitya, Aachaarya Mallavadi defeated Buddhist scholars in a free and fair debate. He highlighted the innate rectitude and vigour of the Jain doctrine and formal Jain logic. He also composed the legendary text, “Dvaadashaara Nayachakra' and established forever the supremacy of Jain doctrine.
4. Naimittika
A naimittika is a person who can, on the basis of his deep study, predict future events based on certain signs of nature that only he can perceive. Such a seer makes unfailingly accurate predictions. However, he does not provide astrological services to everyone! Nor does he share his knowledge with everyone. It is said that giving an unworthy person the knowledge of nimitta shaastra (the science of making predictions based on one's perception of certain signs of nature, like the shape of a cloud, etc.} is a sin, since such a person could misuse that knowledge to create war and strife.
It is said that,
“Naimittio nimittam kajjammi paunjaye niunam” - Samyaktva Saptati, verse 34 - Samyagdharshana; (Page 360, Author: Ashokmuni, Publisher: Diwaakarjyoti Karyaalaya, Byaawar (Rajasthan), year 1981)
Those seers who use their knowledge only for the furtherance of the faith are known as prabhaavakas of the Jain faith.
Aachaarya Bhadrabahu, the last shruta kevali of this time era, was a tremendous naimittika prabhaavaka of the Jain faith. Apart from his wondrous spiritual achievements, Aachaarya Bhadrabahu is known as the Author: of the powerful 'Uvassargaharam Stotra', which he composed in order to protect the Jain community from the depredations of Marakii (lethal disease).
Bhadrabahu was the elder brother of the famed astrologer Varahamihira. Varahamihira had made several accurate astrological predictions in order to impress the rulers and public of his era. In order to malign his elder brother Bhadrabahu and his faith, Jainism, Varahamihira spoke maliciously about his brother to the king. When Bhadrabahu got wind of this, he used his deep knowledge of nimitta gynana to prove Varahamihira wrong and establish the supremacy of the Jain faith.
5. Tapasvii
Those who have attained true insight and knowledge, practise self control and penance, stay away from the three shalyas {thorns in the path of liberation - maayaa (artifice), mithyaatva {false belief} and nidaana {the desire to gain temporal benefits from spiritual actitivities) - are a source of pride for the entire Jain community.
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