Padliptasuri

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text about Acharya Padaliptasuri:

The text details the life and achievements of Acharya Padaliptasuri, a prominent Jain scholar and spiritual leader.

Key Aspects of Acharya Padaliptasuri's Life and Accomplishments:

• "Tarangavati" and Astonishing Powers: Acharya Padaliptasuri was renowned as the creator of the remarkable Prakrit narrative "Tarangavati." He was also a learned scholar of grand poetic compositions and an expert in miraculous mantra vidya (mantra knowledge). His most notable ability was the extraordinary power to levitate and travel freely through the air by applying a special medicinal paste to his feet.
• Lineage and Education: His guru was Acharya Nagahasti Suri. He received initiation at the hands of Acharya Sangramsimha Suri and studied under Muni Mandan. Acharya Sangramsimha Suri was a spiritual brother of Acharya Nagahasti. The text also links the "Vidyadhar Gacch" to Acharya Nagahasti Suri, which has connections to Kalakacharya, who belonged to the lineage of the Vidyadhar brothers Nami and Vinami.
• Birth and Early Life: Padalipta was born in the city of Keshala (Ayodhya), situated on the banks of the river Ganga, during the reign of King Vijaybrahma. His father was Kullachandra, a wealthy merchant of Keshala, and his mother was Prathima. Prathima, despite her virtuous qualities, was distressed by her childlessness. After trying various remedies, she worshipped the goddess Viratya for progeny. The goddess appeared and instructed her to drink the water used to wash the feet of the enlightened Acharya Nagahasti.
• Blessings and Prophecy: Following the goddess's guidance, Prathima received the charanodak (foot-washing water) from a muni. Acharya Nagahasti, upon learning that she drank the water from a distance of ten hands, prophesied that she would have ten sons. The first son would develop greatly ten yojanas away, spread Jainism, enhance the honor of the community, and possess intelligence like Brihaspati. The other sons would also be renowned.
• Dedication to the Guru: Prathima, in gratitude, promised to dedicate her first child to Acharya Nagahasti's feet. Her husband, Kullachandra, wholeheartedly agreed.
• Birth of Nagendra (Padalipta): Prathima gave birth to a son more radiant than Kamadeva. She had dreamt of a snake before his birth, hence he was named Nagendra. Due to the prior vow, Prathima dedicated young Nagendra to Acharya Nagahasti. Acharya Nagahasti kept the child with his mother for his upbringing and took him under his protection at the age of eight.
• Initiation and Intellectual Prowess: Acharya Sangramsimha Suri, as per Acharya Nagahasti's instructions, initiated Nagendra at an auspicious time. Nagendra then began his studies under Muni Mandan. His intellect was sharp, and within a year, he mastered various subjects like grammar, logic, philosophy, and proofs.
• The "Padalitta" Incident and Renaming: During his alms round, Nagendra brought back kānji (fermented rice water) offered by a newly married woman and recited a verse describing her beauty in a way that his guru considered immodest. The guru expressed his displeasure, stating he was stained by the "agni dosha" (fire defect) of the alms round. Nagendra, with quick wit, reinterpreted the word "palitta" by suggesting an alteration of a single letter to mean "Padalitta" – one who is free from the fire defect and can fly through the sky with a foot-paste. Impressed by his intelligence and the new meaning, the guru blessed him with the vidya of sky-travel. From that day, Nagendra became known as Padalipta.
• Ascension to Acharya and Propagation of Jainism: At the young age of ten, Acharya Padalipta was appointed as an Acharya by his guru. To spread the glory of Jainism, he traveled to Mathura and then to Pataliputra, where he impressed King Murud with his knowledge and poetic skills.
• Miraculous Healing: King Murud suffered from a severe headache that resisted all treatments. A minister suggested Acharya Padalipta's mantra vidya. The Acharya was summoned and, by simply touching his knee with his finger, instantly relieved the king of his pain. King Murud became a devoted follower.
• Debate on Motivation: In a conversation, King Murud questioned why Padalipta's disciples worked for free without pay, unlike the king's paid servants. The Acharya explained that disciples are motivated by the desire for the welfare of both worlds. The king argued that money is the primary motivator. To prove their points, the king asked his minister and Padalipta's novice disciple to find out the direction of the river Ganges. The minister, dismissively, gambled, while the disciple diligently investigated, consulted locals, and correctly reported that the Ganges flows eastward. The king was impressed by the disciple's diligence.
• Travels and Encounters: Acharya Padalipta traveled extensively, visiting places like Karpur in the Lat region (under King Bhima), where his wisdom impressed the local scholars. He also visited Shatrunjaya Tirth, Manakhetpur (under King Krishna), and Bharuch.
• Resolving Conflict in Bharuch: He went to Bharuch to resolve a conflict between the Jain community and Brahmins, who had become antagonistic after being defeated by a Brahmin named Mahendra's mantra vidya. Acharya Padalipta reached Bharuch by air on Kartik Purnima, instilling fear in the instigators, who then fled.
• Meeting with Nagarjuna: In Dhankānagari (Saurashtra), he met Nagarjuna, a Kshatriya son known for his interest in alchemical experiments and arts. Nagarjuna, wanting to acquire the aerial travel vidya, sent a pot of alchemical substance to Acharya Padalipta. The Acharya, recognizing Nagarjuna's intent, broke the pot and sent back a pot filled with his own urine, subtly demonstrating the power of spiritual knowledge over material pursuits.
• Nagarjuna's Realization and Conversion: When Nagarjuna's disciple accidentally turned a stone into gold by combining the urine with fire, Nagarjuna was humbled. He approached Acharya Padalipta, acknowledging his superiority and expressing his desire to stay and learn. Nagarjuna learned the art of aerial travel, though he initially struggled due to incomplete knowledge. Acharya Padalipta guided him, emphasizing the importance of a guru's guidance. Nagarjuna then accepted Jainism and learned the entire Padalepa vidya from Acharya Padalipta, becoming a successful aerial traveler. Nagarjuna, in gratitude, named the city at the foot of Shatrunjaya as Padaliptapur (Palitana).
• Scholarly Works: Acharya Padalipta authored several important works, including "Tarangavati," Jain daily rituals, initiation and consecration procedures, "Nirvanakalika" on sculpture, and "Prashnaprakash."
• Time Period and Demise: His guru, Acharya Nagahasti, is believed to have lived around 689 Veer Nirvana Samvat. Acharya Padalipta was appointed Acharya at the age of ten by Acharya Nagahasti, placing his time in the latter half of the seventh century CE. He passed away after undertaking a 32-day fast on Shatrunjaya Tirth.
• Encounter with King Shalivahana: In Pratishthanpur, he met King Shalivahana. Four poets recited a verse that presented contrasting philosophical views on various life aspects. A courtesan named Bhagavati praised only Acharya Padalipta for his mastery of aerial travel, highlighting his unique eminence. King Shalivahana invited him to Pratishthanpur.

The text emphasizes Acharya Padaliptasuri's profound knowledge, miraculous powers, his role in spreading Jainism, his intellectual prowess, and his significant contributions to Jain literature.