Hemchandrasuri

This document is a biographical and literary account of Acharya Hemchandrasuri, a prominent Jain scholar and spiritual leader. Here's a summary of the key information presented:

Who was Acharya Hemchandrasuri?

• Title: Revered as "Kalikal Sarvagnya" (Knower of all things in this era) and "Mahan Jyotirdhar of Gujarat" (Great Luminary of Gujarat).
• Reputation: Known as a "Mahan Purush" (Great Soul) and a "Saraswat" (master of knowledge).
• Legacy: His teachings, writings, and life continue to be inspiring and influential even eight centuries later. He is credited with transforming society through his emphasis on virtue and knowledge.

Early Life and Education:

• Birth: Born in Dhandhuka in 1145 Vikram Samvat (VS) on Kartik Purnima.
• Parents: Father was Chaching (also known as Sachig, Sachi, or Chachig), a leading merchant of the Modh community. Mother was Pahinidevi, sister of the famous Jain merchant Nemnag. Pahinidevi was virtuous and deeply devoted to Jainism.
• Prophetic Dream: Pahinidevi dreamt of a wish-fulfilling gem, which later indicated the birth of a son who would become a great propagator of Jainism.
• Childhood Name: Named Changdev (meaning "excellent").
• Early Inclination: Even as a child, Changdev showed a deep inclination towards spiritual life. At the age of five, he was found sitting on the Guru's seat, indicating his future destiny.
• Renunciation: At eight years old, after his mother's consent and his father's eventual acceptance, he was initiated into the monastic order by Acharya Devchandrasuri. He was given the name Muni Somchandra.

Spiritual and Intellectual Development:

• Intense Desire for Knowledge: Muni Somchandra possessed sharp intellect and a profound thirst for knowledge. He studied grammar, logic, literature, and philosophy.
• Quest for Saraswati: He desired to go to Kashmir to attain the blessings of Goddess Saraswati and become a "Siddha Saraswat" (a master of grammar).
• Divine Intervention: Goddess Saraswati appeared to him, stating he didn't need to go to Kashmir as her blessings were already with him due to his devotion. This event is believed to have happened at Ajari Teerth near Pindwara.
• Name Change to Hemchandra: During his spiritual journey, a merchant's son recognized his brilliance and remarked that he wasn't just Somchandra but "Hemchandra" (Golden Moon), signifying his unparalleled brilliance.
• Ascension to Acharya: In VS 1196 (Akshaya Tritiya), at the age of 21, Muni Somchandra was formally installed as Acharya Hemchandrasuri in Khambhat. His mother Pahinidevi also took her vows at this time.

Influence on Kings and Society:

• King Siddharaj Jaisingh: Acharya Hemchandrasuri played a significant role in the reign of King Siddharaj Jaisingh of Gujarat.
  • First Meeting: Their first encounter occurred when Siddharaj's elephant stopped in front of the Acharya, who then recited a verse calming the king and impressing him with his wisdom.
  • Patronage: Siddharaj was deeply impressed by the Acharya's intellect and invited him to his court, where Hemchandrasuri gained significant prestige.
  • Debate with Kumudachandra: Hemchandrasuri participated in a debate with the Digambara scholar Kumudachandra in Siddharaj's court in VS 1181. He strategically convinced Queen Mother Minnaldevi, who initially favored the Digambara scholar, to remain neutral.
  • Interaction with Devbodh: He mediated between the scholar Devbodh and the royal poet Shripal, securing a substantial grant of money for Devbodh.
  • Pilgrimage: Siddharaj took Hemchandrasuri on a pilgrimage, during which the Acharya made observations about the king's future and the successor.
  • Foreshadowing Kumarapala's Reign: Hemchandrasuri predicted that Kumarapala would become the next king of Gujarat and a great devotee of Jainism, a prophecy that caused conflict with Siddharaj.
• King Kumarpala: Hemchandrasuri's influence extended significantly to King Kumarpala.
  • Ascension to Throne: He assured Kumarapala that he would become king in seven years, a prophecy that came true.
  • Moral and Spiritual Guidance: Kumarapala, a devoted follower of Shiva, held deep reverence for Hemchandrasuri. The Acharya regularly visited the royal court, offering spiritual guidance.
  • Social Reforms: Under Hemchandrasuri's influence, Kumarapala implemented significant social reforms, including:
    • Renouncing meat and alcohol during the renovation of the Somnath temple.
    • Giving up seven vices.
    • Proclaiming "Amaripata" (non-violence) throughout the kingdom.
    • Banning gambling.
    • Undertaking large-scale renovations of temples and establishing knowledge repositories and charity houses.
    • Providing financial assistance to the poor and needy.
    • Canceling laws that disadvantaged childless widows.
    • Waiving many taxes.
  • Spiritual Discourse: At Kumarapala's request, Hemchandrasuri composed the "Vitaragastotra" and "Yogashastra," which the king regularly studied.
  • Encounter with Shiva: According to tradition, Hemchandrasuri facilitated a divine vision of Lord Shiva for King Kumarapala, where Shiva advised the king to follow Hemchandrasuri.
  • Temple Consecrations: Hemchandrasuri consecrated various temples, including the Rishabhdev idol at Shatrunjaya and the Munisuvrataswami idol at Bharuch.

Literary Contributions:

Acharya Hemchandrasuri was a prolific writer, contributing immensely to Sanskrit and Prakrit literature. His works are characterized by their depth, clarity, and comprehensiveness. Some of his most notable works include:

• Siddha-Hema Shabdanushasana (Grammar): His magnum opus, this comprehensive grammar covers Sanskrit, Prakrit (including Sauraseni, Magadhi, Paisachi), and Apabhramsha languages. It includes the core grammar, linguistic analysis, and poetic treatises. It is considered a monumental work that unified linguistic studies.
• Lexicographical Works (Kosh Granth):
  • Abhidhan Chintamani: A large thesaurus of Sanskrit synonyms.
  • Anekarth Sangraha: A lexicon of words with multiple meanings.
  • Nighantu: A glossary of botanical terms.
  • Deshi Nama Mala: A collection of words not derived from standard Sanskrit grammar.
• Dvayasraya Mahakavya: This epic poem, written in both Sanskrit and Prakrit, serves as an illustration of the rules of both languages while narrating the history of the Chalukya dynasty from King Mulraj to Kumarapala.
• Yogashastra: A treatise on yoga, detailing its various aspects and practices.
• Other Works: He also authored works on prosody (Chhandanushasana), poetics (Kavyanushasana), logic (Vadanushasana), and compiled character histories of eminent Jain figures (Trishashti Shalaka Purush Charitra).

Qualities and Achievements:

• Virtues: He embodied virtues such as self-control, morality, renunciation, austerity, meditation, generosity, humility, gentleness, courage, straightforwardness, detachment, fearlessness, steadfastness, spirituality, good intentions, equanimity, foresight, timely action, devotion to his faith, tolerance towards other faiths, philanthropy, and mastery over his senses.
• Spiritual Powers: He was a master of mantra-tantra, yoga, and possessed spiritual powers (labdhi).
• Vast Knowledge: He had deep knowledge of astrology, architecture, world affairs, botany, chemistry, physiognomy, and various other sciences.
• Impact: His personality and actions influenced not only ordinary people but also kings and emperors, making him a sculptor of societal and royal character.
• "Kalikal Sarvagnya": This title was bestowed upon him by scholars due to his unparalleled knowledge and ability to address all aspects of knowledge and life in his era.
• Influence on Gujarati Language and Culture: The text emphasizes his foundational role in the development of the Gujarati language and culture, attributing Gujarati identity – its blend of values, equality, wisdom, non-violence, love, morality, and honest dealings – to his influence.
• Lifespan: He lived for 84 years, spent 76 years in monastic life, and served as Acharya for 63 years.
• Mahaparinirvana: He attained his final liberation (nirvana) in VS 1229 in Patan, with large crowds of people attending his funeral. The place where his remains were cremated is known as "Hemkhad."

In essence, the document portrays Acharya Hemchandrasuri as a towering figure in Jainism and Indian intellectual history, whose profound scholarship, spiritual depth, and societal influence left an indelible mark on Gujarat and beyond.