Hirvijaysuri

This text is a biographical account of Acharya Hiravijayasuri, a prominent figure in Jainism, particularly within the Tapagachchha tradition. The document details his life, teachings, and significant contributions to the religion and society.

Here's a comprehensive summary:

Early Life and Initiation:

• Acharya Hiravijayasuri was born in 1583 AD (Vikram Samvat 1583) in Prahladpur (Palanpur) into the Eshwal family. His parents were Kurashah and Nathibai, and his birth name was Hiraji.
• He was the youngest of his siblings, known for his bright complexion, radiant face, eloquence, and quick understanding.
• After the early demise of his parents, he was brought to Patan by his sisters.
• In Patan, he came under the influence of Acharya Vijaydansuri, a prominent disciple of Acharya Anandvimalasuri. The trauma of his parents' death and the teachings of Acharya Vijaydansuri inspired Hiraji towards renunciation.
• At the young age of 13 in 1496 AD (Vikram Samvat 1596), he took initiation (diksha) from Acharya Vijaydansuri, who renamed him Muni Hirah.

Academic and Spiritual Growth:

• Muni Hirah quickly mastered subjects like grammar, literature, and Jain philosophy.
• He was sent to Devagiri (Daulatabad) for advanced studies in logic, where he excelled in complex texts like 'Chintamani'.
• Recognizing his capabilities, his guru bestowed upon him the title of Panyas (1607 AD) and Acharya (1610 AD), formally recognizing him as Acharya Hiravijayasuri.

Significant Contributions and Influence:

• Preaching and Travels: Acharya Hiravijayasuri traveled extensively throughout regions like Malwa, Mewar, Marudhar, Gurjar, Khambhat, Serad, Kanham, Daman, and Medpat, spreading the Jain Dharma.
• Consecrations (Pratishtha): He performed consecrations of numerous Jain temples and idols in places like Jaisalmer, Mandu, Patan, Radhanpur, Ahmedabad, Mahesana, Kavi, Gandhar, Kapadvanj, Idar, Sirohi, Sadri, Nadlai, Nagoti, and more.
• Conquests in Debates: He defeated many scholars in debates and vanquished 84 "Kumatis" (wrong philosophies or thinkers), leading to the establishment of 64 Jinaprasads (Jain temples).
• Renovation of Shatrunjaya: In 1587 AD (Vikram Samvat 1587), upon visiting the holy mountain Shatrunjaya, he observed its dilapidated state. He inspired Deshi Karmasha of the Bafana family from Chittor to undertake its renovation, completing the "Sol Vuddhar" (sixteen major renovations).
• Asceticism: He practiced severe austerities, including performing the chhahh (fasting for six consecutive days) followed by ayambil tap (a specific type of fasting) for fourteen years.
• Leadership: He led a large community of 1800 monks and 500 nuns. He himself initiated 500 monks.

Relationship with Emperor Akbar:

• Acharya Hiravijayasuri's most significant achievement was his interaction with Emperor Akbar.
• The encounter was facilitated by Champa Bai, a devoted Jain laywoman, who undertook a six-month fast. Akbar, intrigued by this act of devotion, investigated and learned about Acharya Hiravijayasuri's influence.
• Akbar invited Hiravijayasuri to his court in Fatehpur Sikri in 1590 AD (Vikram Samvat 1639).
• During their first meeting, Akbar was deeply impressed by Hiravijayasuri's adherence to Jain principles, particularly his refusal to walk on a carpet due to the potential for violence to even the smallest creatures. Akbar's conviction grew when he saw ants under the carpet.
• Akbar's Embrace of Jain Principles: Influenced by Hiravijayasuri and his disciples, Akbar implemented several welfare measures and issued decrees that significantly promoted Jainism and its principles:
  • Gift of Sacred Sites: Akbar formally granted control of significant Jain pilgrimage sites like Shatrunjaya, Girnar, Taranga, Abu, Sametshikhar, and Rajgir to the Jain community.
  • Prohibition of Violence (Ahimsa): Akbar issued a decree banning the killing of any animal or bird during the Paryushan festival, making this a permanent regulation.
  • Release of Prisoners and Animals: Animals and birds kept for slaughter were released, as were prisoners.
  • Cessation of Hunting: Hunting in specific areas was stopped, and fishing was prohibited.
  • Vegetarianism: Akbar gave up eating meat and is noted to have given up eating 500 quail daily.
  • Abolition of Taxes: Taxes like "Jizya" (religious tax) and pilgrimage taxes were waived.
  • Permission for Temple Construction: Permission was granted to build new Jain temples and monasteries in various cities.
  • Protection of Jain Monks and Institutions: A decree was issued to protect Jain monks, their places of worship, and followers from harassment.
  • Donation of Libraries: Akbar offered libraries of books, but Hiravijayasuri, adhering to principles of non-possession, accepted them only to be housed in a dedicated library in Agra.
  • Recognition: Akbar bestowed the title of 'Yugpradhan' (Leader of the Era) upon Hiravijayasuri and recognized him as the sixteenth most learned scholar in his court.

Legacy and Later Life:

• Acharya Hiravijayasuri's influence led to a significant period of "Shasanaprabhavana" (enhancement of the Jain religion), which gave rise to the "Hirayuga" (Era of Hira).
• He played a vital role in the restoration of numerous Jain temples and the consecration of countless idols.
• He personally initiated 160 disciples and was the leader of approximately 2000 monks and 3000 nuns.
• He spent about four years in the region around Fatehpur Sikri, spreading his teachings.
• Acharya Hiravijayasuri passed away in 1652 AD (Vikram Samvat 1652) in Una after observing his Chaturmas there.

The text also briefly mentions Acharya Jinchandrasuri IV, who followed Hiravijayasuri and also received the title 'Yugpradhan' from Akbar for his contributions to promoting Jainism and Ahimsa.

In essence, the text portrays Acharya Hiravijayasuri as a highly influential Jain acharya whose profound spiritual attainment, rigorous asceticism, vast knowledge, and remarkable diplomatic skills allowed him to significantly impact the religious and social landscape of his time, particularly through his relationship with Emperor Akbar.