Brief History Of Tapagaccha - Book Summary

This document provides a detailed history of the Tapa Gachcha, a significant lineage within Jainism. Here's a comprehensive summary:

Founding and Early Years:

The Tapa Gachcha was founded by Jagat Chandra Suri, a highly learned scholar, preacher, and ascetic.
He resided in Aghatpur (Udaipur, Mewar) and engaged in theological debates, even defeating some Digambara scholars.
His lifelong adherence to the vow of 'Ayamble' (penance) earned him the title of "Tapa" from Maharawal Jaitra Singh of Mewar in V.E. 1285.
Although born in Mewar, the Gachcha gained strength and prominence in Gujarat.
Following Jagat Chandra Suri, several prominent Acharyas like Devendra Suri I, Dharam Gosh Suri, Somprabh, Somtilak, and Devendra Suri II led the Gachcha, engaging in religious activities such as 'pratishthas' (consecrations) and 'sangh yatras' (pilgrimages).

The Era of Som Sunder Suri (Yug Pradhan):

Som Sunder Suri emerged as a particularly influential and learned Acharya, hailed as a "Yug Pradhan" (leader of the era).
His life and travels, including extensive journeys to Shatrunjay and other significant Jain sites, are documented in works like "Som Saubhagya Kavya" and "Guru Gun Ratnakar Kavya."
He was instrumental in organizing numerous 'sangh yatras' with the support of prominent merchants like Govind of Ider, Gunraj of Chittor, and Dharna Shah of Ranakpur.
His period is referred to as the Som Sunder Yuga due to his extensive literary contributions and widespread religious activities.
He visited Mewar in V.E. 1450 and was received with great respect.
He played a crucial role in bringing many families in Delawara (Mewar) into the fold of the Tapa Gachcha.
He was responsible for consecrating the temple of Jawar (Mewar) in V.E. 1478 and was present at Delawara in V.E. 1482 during the copying of the MS Kalikacharya Katha.
He oversaw the renovation of the temple of Jirawla Paraswanath and was present during the Chaturmas of four Acharyas from different Gachchas in V.E. 1483.
He also renovated temples at Machind, Chittor, and Ranakpur.
He built temples at Machind Fort and Chittor and was involved in the consecration of the Mahavir Prasad Temple at Chittor in V.E. 1495.
He performed the consecration of the lower part of the Ranakpur temple in V.E. 1498.
Som Sunder Suri passed away at Ranakpur in V.E. 1499.
His literary works include "Bhasaya Traya Churni," "Kalyanak Stava Ratna Kosh," "Updesh Balavabodh," "Yoga Shastra Balavabodh," and "Bhashya Traya Awachurni." He was known for using local dialects and brief fables to explain religious concepts.

Influence and Scholars:

Som Sunder Suri had a significant number of disciples, including Jagchandra Suri, Somdeva Suri, Bhuvan Sunder Suri, and Jin Sunder Suri, who largely remained in Mewar.
During the reign of Maharana Kumbha, a learned ruler, Somdeva Suri received the title of 'Kaviraj' and 'Vachak.' He was renowned for his eloquent oratory and was highly respected by Maharana Kumbha, often compared to prominent Jain scholars of the past.
Jayanand, another scholar, flourished before V.E. 1478 and was known as Krishna Saraswati for his knowledge of Sanskrit and philosophy. His pupil, Jin Harsh Gani, composed "Vastupal Charita" in V.E. 1497.
Jin Vardhan Gani composed the "Tapagachcha Gurvavli," an important historical work.
Visal Ratan Gani compiled the "Bhaktamar Avachuri" in V.E. 1482.
Jai Shekhar Suri copied the MS Gachchachar in V.E. 1491, with assistance from Shreshthi Singha and Shrimall Shreshthi Jhanta.
Charitra Ratna Gani of the Tapa Gachcha composed the Chittor inscription of V.E. 1495. He was a skilled Sanskrit poet and scholar, evident in his later improved version of the inscription and other works like "Vishanti Sthanak," "Vicharamrita Sanghraha," and the extensive "Dan Pradeep."
Ratna Mandir and Pratishtha Som were notable Sanskrit scholars. Pratishtha Som authored "Som Saubhagya Kavya," providing detailed accounts of Som Sunder Suri's life and religious activities. Ratna Mandir composed "Updesh Tarangni" and "Bhoj Prabandh."

Succession and Later Acharyas:

Muni Sunder succeeded Som Sunder Suri and was a competent Sanskrit scholar, composing works like "Vignapati patra" and "Adhyatma Kalpadrum." He was honored with titles like 'Vadi Gokul Sakandha' and 'Kali Saraswati.'
Ratan Shekhar Suri became the Acharya and oversaw the remaining consecrations of the Ranakpur temple.
Laxmi Sagar Suri (appointed Acharya in V.E. 1517) consecrated numerous temples and icons across various regions.
Sumati Badhu and then Hem Vimal Suri succeeded him. Hem Vimal Suri worked to improve discipline among Jain monks and was influential in Gujarat, criticizing the 'Kaduva Panth.'
Anand Vimal Suri followed Hem Vimal Suri and was instrumental in spreading the Tapa Gachcha's influence in Jaisalmer, Mewat, Marwar, and Mewar, actively opposing the 'Baies Sampardaya' or 'Kaduvas.' He was also involved in the renovation of the Shatrunjay temple.

The Era of Hir Vijay Suri and Mughal Patronage:

Hir Vijay Suri was a pivotal figure who was invited to the court of Emperor Akbar in 1582 A.D.
He traveled to Agra on foot to meet Akbar, impressing the emperor with his simple philosophy that "any act based on kindness is religion."
Akbar, highly impressed, granted him the title of 'Jagad Guru' in 1584 A.D.
He secured important concessions from Akbar, including a ban on animal slaughter during 'Paryushans' and other days, and a ban on fishing in the Fatehpur Sikari tank.
Shanti Chandra Upadhya, a pupil of Hir Vijay Suri, was a respected scholar in Akbar's court and composed "Kripa Rasa Kosh."
Following Akbar's reign, Vijayasena Suri was invited to Lahore by Emperor Jahangir. He engaged in religious debates, impressing the emperor and receiving the title of 'Vardhaman Vidhya.' He had to return due to the illness of Hir Vijay Suri.
Bhanu Chandra and Siddhi Chandra continued to serve at the Mughal court during Akbar and Jahangir's reigns. Siddhi Chandra was honored with the title of 'Khush Faham' (sharp intelligence) by Akbar.
Under Jahangir, Jains faced some adversity. Jahangir pressured Siddhi Chandra to abandon monkhood, which he refused, leading to the banishment of Jain monks from Agra in V.E. 1670.

Internal Strife and Further Developments:

A schism occurred within the Tapa Gachcha, leading to the emergence of two branches: one led by Vijay Deva Suri (who received the title 'Maha Tapa' from Jahangir) and another by Vijay Tilak Suri.
The dispute involved the 'Sagar paksha' and counter-arguments, with books like "Kumati Kudal" by Dharam Sagar Upadhyaya playing a role.
Vijay Deva Suri was highly respected by Maharana Jagat Singh I of Mewar, who granted several concessions at his instance, including prohibitions on animal slaughter and renovation of Jain temples.
The lineage continued through various Acharyas, including Vijay Singh Suri, Satya Vijay Gani, and many others.
Atmaram, also known as Anand Vijay, became Acharya in S.E. 1943 and later became known as Vijayanand. He was a prolific writer and scholar who played a significant role in spreading the Tapa Gachcha in Punjab. He was recognized as the sole representative of Jainism at the Parliament of Religions in Chicago in S.E. 1949.
Vijay Vallabh Suri, Vijay Suri, and Vijay Inderdinn Suri succeeded Vijayanand.
The branch initiated by Vijay Tilak Suri led to Vijayanand Suri and subsequently Vijay Raj Suri, Vijay Ratna, Heer Ratna, Jay Ratna, and Bhava Ratna Suri.
Vijay Prabha Suri led another branch and oversaw the renovation of the Girnar temple in V.E. 1710.
The document concludes by listing various sub-branches and prominent monks within the Tapa Gachcha, highlighting the continued propagation of its teachings across different regions.

In essence, this text meticulously traces the lineage, influential Acharyas, significant religious and literary contributions, and the historical interactions of the Tapa Gachcha with rulers and other religious traditions, showcasing its enduring impact on Jainism in India.