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12. PRAKRIT COMMENTATOR ADHYĀTMI BĀLACANDRA
- Dr. Kamala Hampana, Bangalore
One of the outstanding commentators in Kannada literature is the monk Bālacandra (1176-1231 CE). Since he was chief of monks, he is always referred as Bālacandra-munīndra. He was the pupil of Saiddhāntika Chakreśvara Nayakīrti Vratīndra (1175 CE). He has written excellent commentaries for very many original Prakrit philosophical treatises. His selection of Prakrit texts and ācāryas like Kuņdakunda alias Padmanandi, also speaks of his high standard of choice and balanced judgement.
It may be recalled in the context that it is Bālacandra who instructed Boppaņa Pandita who had the title of Sujanottaṁsa, 'crest jewel of the virtuous', to write the famous Gommata jinastuti, 'hymn of Gommațajina alias Bāhubali'.
Bālacandra's talents were manifaceted. Highly versed in Kannada, Sanskrit and different dialects of Prakrit, his erudition in canonical language had placed him at the summit, of contemporary scholars. His pious and virtuous life made him venerable and earned him the title of Chāritrachakreśvara, best among monks of transparent character. He preached and practised, read and wrote, guided and inspired many. His scholarship was not confined to śāstras only. As a creative writer, he has written jina-stuti containing about 20 vrutta verses of quest for spiritual knowledge. Bālacandra did not confine his scholarship to write commentaries for Prakrit works alone. He has written an exhaustive, and the best of commentaries in Kannada, on the Sanskrit Tattvartha-sūtra of Umasvāmi (350-400 CE), in ten chapters. Once again Bālacandra's extensive knowledge of the subject of Jaina philosophy and mastery in Sanskrit and Kannada languages are vividly reflected in this unique commentary.
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