________________
53
day of the bright half Dévabodhi mocked him for such ignorance, yet Hemac'andrāc'arya without admitting his defeat said, “The matter will be decided to-night” At suu-set Kîmārapāla accompanied by Devabodhi ascended the terrace of the royal palace and a group of swiffooted comels was sent towards the east ern direction In fact it was the 15th day of the dark half of the month, yet the full moon rose and was seen throughout the night. The riders of the camels who had returned also reported that then was moon-rise and went home. Kûmarapala and Devabhodhi both were astonished at the miracle worked by the Guru.
The Brahmins were very powerful in the days of Siddharāja and Kûmárpala. Inspite of them and resorting to strennous efforts Hémac'andrăc'arya converted them to Jainism. He replied the brahmins in such a tackful way that they were compelled to keep quiet. Kumārapāla had an unchangeable faith in Hémac'andra. c'ârya because he was not only his defender and protector but a person who had expounded to him the right principles of religion. He was full of religious toleration and had therefore advised Kîmārapal to repain and reconstruct the temple of Someswar Mahadeva which had been built of wood. Inspite of his being a great Jain Ãc'ārya his religious toleration and generosity even towards the enemies deserved to be noted. Regarding the Kamara--Vihär of Devapattan, the Saiva-priest Brihaspati had incurred the wrath of the King and due to that even Hémac'andra's favour was lost and consequently he had lost his place but afterwards he could know his mistake and hence he came to the city of Anahıllapära, served the great teacher and begged his pardon The Guru was again pleased and had him his place restored.
At the time of Siddharāja Jayasingh there was an enemy of Hémac'andråc'ārya called Vámadeva or Vāmarsi. When the Guru was given a high seat in the King's Court he made fun of the Quru by composing a funny verse Being enraged the King sto
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
