________________
39
occupied the seat of the Guru. The Guru found in this little boy, extra-ordinary power to uplift the Jaina Religion, and at the same time, marked in him best signs according to the science of Palmistry or Chiromancy. Then, accompanied by the Jaina society the Guru went to the house of Pâhini and requested her to offer her son to him. She at first requested him to have consent of her husband who had been on a journey, but afterwards thinking it improper to disobey the order of a spiritual master, she agreed to offer her son. She thought it improper that the Guru and the society, who approached her should be allowed to return in disappoinfment. Besides, the request made by the Guru had resulted from his desire for the advancement of the religion, and therefore, Påhini had made her mind firm and gave the boy. Then the Guru started on a journey and came to StambhanaTirtha. There he gave Diksâ to the boy and named him as Somac'andra. (Some believe that the ceremony took place when he was nine years old). When C'ác'iga returned from journey, he came to know of this. He came atonce to Khambhat, in an enraged state of mind and rebuked the Guru in ironical terms. Udayana Mantri pacified him with the help of sweet and convincing words.
Persons destined to enlighten the worlds are naturally endowed by personality and intelligence Somac'andra now began to study the holy books. The study of logic, grammar, and literature led him to think of the magnitude of the ancient, lore and the insignificance of his own intelligence. He firmly resolved to go to Kashmir and adore the Goddess of Learning. He besought the permission of the Guru, and it was gladly granted. Somac'andra started with Gitârtha ascetics Reaching Raivatāvatāra (situated near Khambhāt) he fell in deep meditation, and at midnight, Goddess Saraswati appeared before him, gave him the boon he sought for, and disappeared.
Once upon a time, the great teacher referred to the mysterious and powerful hymn called Siddha-C'akra, and Śree Hém
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org