Anek Gyanbhandaro Ke Sansthapak Jinbhadrasuri

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, focusing on Acharya Shri Jinbhadrasuri:

Acharya Shri Jinbhadrasuri: Founder of Numerous Libraries and a Beacon of Jain Scholarship

This text, an excerpt from the "Anek Gyanbhandaro ke Sansthapak Jinbhadrasuri" (Founder of Numerous Libraries, Jinbhadrasuri) by Munishri Jinvijay, celebrates the life and contributions of Acharya Shri Jinbhadrasuri, a prominent spiritual leader and preserver of Jain scriptures from the 15th century.

Early Life and Spiritual Ascendancy:

Born in 1446 (V.S.) to Dhiṇiga Shah and Khetaladevi of the Chhajhada lineage, Jinbhadrasuri was initiated into monastic life in 1461 (V.S.) under Vāchaspati Sholachandragani, where he mastered the "Shrut Rahasya" (secrets of scripture). At the young age of 25, in 1475 (V.S.), he was appointed "Gachchhanayak" (leader of the spiritual order) by Acharya Sagarachandra in the village of Bhanasoli. This installation was a grand affair organized by Sah Nalaha. He later initiated many monks and nuns, and elevated Bhavaprabhacharya, Kotiratnacharya, and Jayasagaropadhayaya to their respective positions.

Spiritual Endeavors and Scholarly Contributions:

Acharya Jinbhadrasuri was a highly influential and gifted preceptor. He traveled extensively, spreading Jain teachings and establishing Jain temples in significant pilgrimage sites like Girnar, Abu, and Jaisalmer. His sermons attracted many royalty, including Rauls Vairisinha and Trimbakdas, who bowed at his feet. He was known for his exemplary Brahmacharya (celibacy) and Satya-vrat (truthfulness), earning him comparisons to Sthalibhadra, and his words were considered infallible.

His most significant contribution was his tireless dedication to the preservation and dissemination of Jain scriptures through the establishment of numerous "Gyanbhandaras" (libraries). He established vast libraries in Jaisalmer, Jaalpur, Bhuvan, Devgiri (Daulatabad), and Ahipur, and Patan. Mention is also made of libraries in Mandapdurg (Mandavgarh), Prahladanpur (Palanpur), and Talpadak, and others. He also consecrated many Jain images in various cities like Mandavgarh, Karnavati, and Khambhayat.

Champion of Scripture Preservation (Granthoddhar):

Jinbhadrasuri took a special initiative to preserve scriptures in Jaisalmer, which was a principal center of the Khartargachchha. He initiated a monumental task of copying valuable manuscripts, employing scribes to create numerous copies on palm leaves and paper. He personally traveled to different regions, encouraging lay followers to support this endeavor. Over a period of 40 years, from 1475 to 1515 (V.S.), he facilitated the creation of thousands, even millions, of scriptures, establishing new libraries with these invaluable texts.

The libraries in Patan and Ashapalli were not the work of a single patron but comprised of collections contributed by various householders. However, the library in Khambhayat was a singular achievement of Dharana, son of Sah Saia and father of Sah Saia, belonging to the Pariksha Gotra.

Patronage and Influence:

The text highlights the patronage extended by the esteemed brothers Mandan and Dhanadraj, ministers from the Shrimali Sonigira lineage in Mandavgarh. Both were renowned scholars and followers of the Khartargachchha, to which Jinbhadrasuri belonged. Their profound respect for Jinbhadrasuri is evident in their extensive praise in their own writings. Under Jinbhadrasuri's guidance, these brothers also compiled a massive "Siddhantkosh" (encyclopedia of philosophical principles).

Works and Legacy:

While Jinbhadrasuri's primary contribution was his role as a protector of scriptures, he also authored works. One such work mentioned is "Jinsattari Prakaran," a Praakrit composition in गाथा (gatha) meter, containing 220 gathas, detailing 70 aspects of 24 Tirthankaras. A manuscript of the Bhagavati Sutra from the Patan library contains a commendation of Mandan at its end. Jinbhadrasuri's own compositions, like "Jain Aṣṭalakṣī," are described as scholarly. He also compiled texts like "Karma Prakriti" and "Karma Granth." His teachings were so clear and simple that even monks from other sects were amazed and praised his erudition.

His disciple community was large and influential. A stone idol of Jinbhadrasuri was established in the underground shrine at the village of Nagar near Kheḍgarh in the Jodhpur state in 1512 (V.S.), commissioned by a lay follower of the Kayastha lineage. He was known to be fortunate and radiant.

A handwritten manuscript of "Yog Vidhi Pad Sthapana Vidhi" from 1511 (V.S.) in beautiful script, written by Jinbhadrasuri himself, is preserved in the collection of Shri Pooranchand Nahar in Calcutta.

Historical Significance:

The text concludes by noting that the Jinbhadrasuri tradition was highly influential, giving rise to various branches of acharyas and scholars. Ancient idols and footprints of Jinbhadrasuri are revered in many Dada-vadi and temples. His footprints are often found installed alongside those of the four Dada Sahibs. An important inscription from 1484 (V.S.) detailing a journey to Nagarkot Kangra was sent to him by Jayasagaropadhayaya.

In essence, Acharya Shri Jinbhadrasuri was a pivotal figure in Jain history, recognized for his profound scholarship, exemplary spiritual leadership, and above all, his monumental efforts in safeguarding and expanding the repository of Jain knowledge through the establishment of numerous libraries. His legacy continues to inspire the preservation of Jain heritage.