Jinduttasuri

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text about Acharya Jinvallabhsuriji, based on the excerpts from "Shramana Bhagwanto Part 1" and "Part 2":

The text introduces Acharya Jinadatta Suri, a highly influential and renowned spiritual leader from the Khartar Gacch (sect or tradition) of Jainism. He is described as a great luminary ("jyotirdhar") and is deeply respected, with the title "Dada" signifying immense reverence.

Lineage and Early Life:

• Acharya Jinadatta Suri was the successor ("pattadhar") of Acharya Jinavallabh Suri, who in turn was the successor of Acharya Abhaydev Suri, the commentator of the Angas (Jain scriptures).
• His initiation guru was Upadhyaya Dev. His spiritual lineage traces back to Chaityavasi Jineshwar Suri.
• Jinavallabh Suri had acquired profound knowledge of the Jain Agamas from Abhaydev Suri and had renounced the "Chaityavasi" tradition to follow the "Suvihitmag" (the proper path).
• Jinadatta Suri was born in V.S. 1132 (Vikram Samvat) into the Vaishya Vansh (lineage) of the Humad gotra (clan). He was the son of Seth Vaghi and his mother was Vahudadevi, residents of Dhavalakpur (Dholka).
• He received a religiously conducive environment from childhood. Listening to religious discourses by Sadhvis (nuns) in Dholka, influenced by Upadhyaya Dharmadev, awakened a spirit of renunciation in the young Jinadatta.
• Possessing auspicious physical marks indicating a bright future, he was inspired by the Sadhvis to join the religious order. His mother, Vahudadevi, also agreed.
• In V.S. 1141, at the age of nine, he was initiated by Upadhyaya Dharmadev and was named Somchandra.

Education and Spiritual Development:

• As a child muni (monk), Somchandra received preliminary knowledge of "Panjika" from an Acharya of the Bhavad Gacch.
• He then received theoretical teachings and instruction in mantra vidya (science of incantations) from Harisingh Suri.
• Harisingh Suri was greatly impressed by Somchandra's sharp intellect and bestowed upon him not only scriptural knowledge but also his father's study materials.
• Muni Somchandra diligently pursued the study of Jain philosophy, achieving great renown and significant spiritual and intellectual attainments.
• He also gained proficiency in various sciences and demonstrated miraculous powers ("chamatkarik ghatnao") and significant influence in promoting Jainism ("apoorva shasanprabhavana").

Ascension to Acharya and Expansion of Khartar Gacch:

• In V.S. 1169, on Vaishakh Vad 6th, Saturday, in Chittor, Acharya Devbhadra Suri installed him as an Acharya, bestowing upon him the name Jinadatta Suri. He was established on the spiritual seat after Acharya Jinavallabh Suri.
• Jinadatta Suri's era was marked by the strong influence of the Chaityavasi tradition due to royal patronage, making it a challenging period for Jain ascetics following the Suvihit Vidhimarg.
• With foresight, Jinadatta Suri opened new avenues for the expansion of religion, introduced new rules, and established the Khartar Gacch.
• He traveled extensively across regions like Marwar, Mewar, Sindh, and Punjab in North India, laying the foundation for establishing new Jain temples.
• He became as influential as a Kalpavriksha (wish-fulfilling tree) in Marwar. He converted numerous Chaityavasi followers and Maheshwaris to Jainism. Many Chaityavasi ascetics also became his disciples.
• In Bikaner and other places, many devoted individuals embraced monasticism under his influence. Kings, high-ranking government officials, wealthy merchants, and followers of other religions were converted to Jainism due to his influence.
• This growth in the Jain community significantly strengthened and enriched the Khartar Gacch.

Literary Contributions and Later Life:

• In V.S. 1211, Jinadatta Suri installed Jinachandra as his successor in Bikaner. It was from this time that the practice of prefixing the name "Jin" to the names of Khartar Gacch Acharyas began.
• He appointed 10 Acharyas of study ("Vachnacharya") and 5 senior monks ("Mahattar").
• Acharya Jinadatta Suri was a learned scholar in Prakrit and Apabhramsha languages.
• He authored several significant works, including:
  • Ganadhar Sardashatak (Prakrit)
  • Sandehdelavali (Prakrit)
  • Ganadharsamiti (Prakrit)
  • Vignavinashi Tentra (Prakrit)
  • Vyavasthakulak (Prakrit)
  • Prakritivishika (Prakrit)
  • Upadesh Rasayan (Apabhramsha)
  • Kalswarup (Apabhramsha)
  • Charchari (Apabhramsha)
• His literary creations are primarily in the form of hymns and instructive texts. "Ganadhar Sardashatak" is considered his best work, containing 150 verses that provide historical information about 35 Acharyas.

Pari-Nirvana (Demise):

• Acharya Jinadatta Suri passed away in V.S. 1211 in Ajmer through Anashan (fasting unto death).
• Devotees constructed a memorial stupa at the site of his demise, which was consecrated with great ceremony.
• Later, in Ajmer, devotees built the Shri Parshvanath Derasar (temple) and a "Dadawadi" (a shrine dedicated to an Acharya, often Jinadatta Suri), which still exist today.

In essence, the text highlights Acharya Jinadatta Suri as a pivotal figure who revitalized and expanded Jainism, particularly the Khartar Gacch, through his spiritual leadership, scholarly works, and missionary efforts, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the Jain tradition.