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indologists who first appreciated his alround achievements and versatility. In fact the first modern biography of Hemchandra was written in German by the famous indologist Dr. Buhler in 1889 in Vienna. Its English translation was done by Dr. Manilal Patel and published in 1936.
Birth and Education
It was the reign of Karnadev (son of Bhim Dev Solanki-I) when Hemchandra was born on the Kartik Purnima of V. 1145 (1089 A.D) in the town of Dhundhuka, 60 miles southwest of modern Ahmedabad. His father was a Shaivite trader named Chacha/Chachiga. His mother Pahini came from a Jain family. The future Hemchandra was named Changadev. He showed brilliance right from childhood. When Devachandra, a prominent Jain monk, saw the boy he recognised his hidden talent and genius. He foresaw that if given proper guidance the boy would turnout to be a leader of men and do great service to his faith, country, and humanity.
Devachandra requested Changadev's mother to allow him to be initiated in the religious order. Inspite of the early opposition of his father, Changadev's mother and maternal uncle gave permission. Devachandra took Changadev with him to Karnavati and put him to complete pre-initiation studies. In the year V. 1154 (1091 A.D.) Changadev, at an age of eight years, was initiated into the holy order as monk Somachandra. Thus started the career of
Life of Hemchandracharya
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