Prakand Vidwan Aur Kavi Jinvallabhsuri

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

The book, "Prakand Vidwan aur Kavi Jinvallabhsuri" by Agarchand Nahta, published as part of the Z_Manidhari_Jinchandrasuri_Ashtam_Shatabdi_Smruti_Granth, highlights the life and achievements of Acharya Jinavallabhsuri, a prominent and revolutionary figure in Jainism.

Key Aspects of Jinavallabhsuri's Life and Work:

• Discipleship and Scholarship: Jinavallabhsuri was a disciple of Acharya Jineshwara. After completing his studies in grammar and other literature, he was sent by his guru, Jineshwara, to Acharya Abhaydevsuri to further study Jain Agamas. Abhaydevsuri recognized Jinavallabhsuri's humility and exceptional talent, providing him with advanced training in Agamas. He was also taught the principles of astrology by a devotee of Abhaydevsuri, excelling in that field as well.
• Revolutionary Reformer: Jinavallabhsuri was a revolutionary Acharya who strongly advocated for the "Vidhi Marg" (path of prescribed rituals and conduct). He actively opposed the "Avidhi" (unprescribed practices) that had crept into Jain temples due to the influence of "Chaityavas" (temple-dwelling ascetics).
• Renunciation of Chaityavas: He renounced his association with Chaityavas after receiving valuable counsel from his guru, Abhaydevsuri, emphasizing the importance of adhering to principles with corresponding conduct.
• Establishment of Vidhi-Chaityas: Jinavallabhsuri played a crucial role in reforming practices. He had the rules of Vidhi-Chaityas inscribed on stone. He also contributed to the modification of the Samvegarsala. He established the Parshvanath and Mahavir temples in Chittor, renouncing the Chaityavas there. Later, he established Vidhi-Chaityas in Narwar.
• Influence and Recognition: His profound knowledge of astrology and his overall scholarship gained widespread recognition. The king of Dhar, Narvarma, was so impressed by Jinavallabhsuri's insightful solutions to a complex problem posed to his court scholars that he became his devotee.
• Literary Contributions: Jinavallabhsuri authored numerous significant works that enriched Jain literature. His theoretical works were so impactful that scholars from other sects acknowledged their importance by writing commentaries on them.
• Legacy and Succession: He was declared the successor (Pattadhar) to Acharya Abhaydevsuri. Per convention, Acharya Devbhadrasuri appointed Somachandra Gani as his successor, who became known as Jinavallabhsuri. While his reign was short, his impact was profound.
• Comparison to Kalidasa: Later scholars considered Jinavallabhsuri to be a poet comparable to Kalidasa in his mastery of astrological knowledge.
• Disciples: His prominent disciples included Ramdev and Jinshekhara, who were also accomplished scholars.

In essence, Acharya Jinavallabhsuri was a beacon of light in the Jain tradition, celebrated for his intellectual prowess, his commitment to upholding the righteous path, his reformist zeal in eradicating unprescribed practices, and his significant contributions to Jain literature and philosophy. His life exemplifies the ideal of a learned and dedicated spiritual leader.