Shasan Prabhavak Chotha Dadaji Yugpradhan Jinchandrasuriji Sankshipta Jivan Charitra

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shasan Prabhavak Chotha Dadaji Yugpradhan Jinchandrasuriji Sankshipta Jivan Charitra," based on the provided pages:

This book is a concise biography of the esteemed Jain Acharya and Yugpradhan (Temporal Leader of the Era) Shri Jinachandrasuriji, referred to as the "Fourth Dadaji." It was published by Shri Jinadattasuri Gyanbhandar in Mumbai in the year 1987 (Vikram Samvat 1987).

Lineage and Early Life:

The text begins by tracing the lineage of Jain Gurus, starting from Lord Mahavir and Sudharmaswami. It highlights key figures like Aryas Sthitil, Vajraswami, Chandrasurishwar, and Udyotan Suri. Shri Jinachandrasuriji was born in Vadhli village in Marwar in Vikram Samvat 1595. His parents were Siriyadevi and his birth name was Shri Vantji. He belonged to the Rihad Gotra.

Diksha and Ascendancy:

At the young age of 9 (Samvat 1604), Shri Jinachandrasuriji took diksha (initiation) from Acharya Jinamanakyasuri. He later traveled to Jaisalmer, where his Guru, Jinamanakyasuri, passed away peacefully after observing a fast unto death. Following his Guru's demise, the entire monastic community remained in Jaisalmer. In Vikram Samvat 1612, on the 9th of Bhadrava Sud, he accepted the position of Acharya (Head Monk) at the request of the Sangh (community) and the king. King Rauliaji Shrimaaldevji performed the installation ceremony, and the community bestowed upon him the name Shri Jinachandrasuriji. That very night, his Guru, Pujya Shri Jinamanakyasuri, appeared in a saintly form and presented him with the "Samavasaran Prakaran" and the "Surimantra" with blessings.

Reforming the Gachh and Renowned Deeds:

Acharya Jinachandrasuriji was known for his impeccable conduct and character. He dedicated himself to removing laxity within the Gachh (monastic order) and restoring strict adherence to Jain principles. He established a rigorous standard of disciplined monastic life.

Bikaner Visit and Reformation:

Hearing of his reforms, Sangramsinh, the minister of Bikaner, invited him. Acharya Jinachandrasuriji, along with his monastic followers, arrived in Bikaner and was welcomed with a grand procession. Upon his arrival, he found that many of the Upashrays (monasteries) were in a state of disarray due to lax monks. The minister Kande provided him with lodging in his horse stable. During a significant occasion, Acharya Jinachandrasuriji, with the support of the disciplined Sangh, expelled the lax monks by providing them with specific robes and isolating them from the community. He also established new Jain households by recognizing them as "Mahatmas," which is still remembered as the "Kulguru Vacha" (Teacher of the lineage). He observed the Chaturmas (four-month rainy season retreat) in Bikaner.

Compassionate Conduct and Miracles:

The text recounts an instance where Acharya Jinachandrasuriji, while delivering a discourse, responded to the minister's mother, who was concerned about her son's absence, by stating that "all are my sons" and continued his sermon with equanimity.

The Story of the Melons and the Soldiers:

Upon his return to Ahmedabad, while on his way to a Sthanakvasi temple, he encountered two brothers of the Parvad community, Sivamji and Siya (or Simavala), selling melons. Recognizing their potential, he converted them into Shravaks (lay followers). The brothers later expressed their difficulty in practicing lay dharma without wealth. The Acharya advised them to buy as many melons as they could afford and blessed them with a mantra, implying protection through garments. During this time, the emperor's army, after looting Kaka Nagar, arrived. In the heat of the season, the soldiers sought melons. Only the brothers had them. Due to the Acharya's blessing and the soldiers' desperation for the fruit, they paid an exorbitant price (one gold coin per melon), leading to immense wealth for the brothers.

Philanthropic Activities and Temple Construction:

With their newfound wealth, the brothers, accompanied by the Sangh, embarked on pilgrimages and eventually returned to Bikaner. They distributed sweets from a silver plate in the city as an act of charity. In Ahmedabad, they oversaw the construction of a magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Shantinath in Dhana Sutara's Pol, which also houses the idol of Shri Jinachandrasuriji, still present today. They also financed the renovation of the Khartar Vasti on Shri Siddhachala, including a grand Chauthmukh temple.

Debate with Dharmasagar and His Expulsion:

In Patan, a monk named Dharmasagar spread misinformation, claiming that the great scholar Abhaydev Suriji was not part of the Khartar Gachh. When challenged to prove his assertion according to scriptures, the Sangh invited Acharya Jinachandrasuriji to Patan. He successfully proved that Abhaydev Suriji was indeed a part of the Khartar Gachh. Dharmasagar, when summoned, did not appear and was consequently declared a heretic by the entire Sangh. This news was sent to Vijaydan Suriji in Palanpur, who confirmed that Dharmasagar had been excommunicated and his writings were considered heretical. Further details are found in various other Jain texts.

Miraculous Protection of a Temple:

When Acharya Jinachandrasuriji traveled to Marwar for the pilgrimage of Falhedi Parshvanath, followers of Dharmasagar locked the temple. Acharya Jinachandrasuriji, through his spiritual power, opened the lock, allowing the Sangh to have darshan, which pacified his detractors.

The Encounter with Emperor Akbar:

The narrative then shifts to the court of Emperor Akbar, where numerous scholars from various philosophical schools were present. Upon being asked about the most learned person of the time, the scholars unanimously named Acharya Shri Jinachandrasuriji. When Akbar inquired about his followers, he was told about Minister Karmachand. The Emperor then summoned Karmachand and requested him to invite his Guru for a religious discussion. Karmachand, recognizing the potential for promoting Jainism, sent two horsemen with an imperial decree. They met Karmachand in Khambhat and delivered the invitation. Acharya Jinachandrasuriji, seeing an opportunity, accepted the invitation.

Journey to Lahore and Audience with Akbar:

The Acharya, along with his followers, began their journey and reached Jalore (Marwar). Emperor Akbar, upon learning of the Acharya's arduous journey, sent another decree, requesting him to travel with ease. Acharya Jinachandrasuriji observed the Chaturmas in Jalore and then proceeded to Lahore (Punjab). The Emperor organized a grand welcome ceremony. On the same day, Karmachand arranged a meeting between the Acharya and the Emperor in the royal gardens. A painting of this historic meeting is still preserved.

Akbar's Request and the Acharya's Response:

Akbar expressed his desire for his dynasty to possess the Acharya's compassion and requested him to visit the court periodically. The Acharya agreed and continued his religious discourses, propagating Jainism.

The Incident with the Qazi and the Pregnant Goat:

Out of jealousy, the Qazi (a Muslim religious leader) hatched a plan. He secretly placed a pregnant goat in a drainage channel leading to the royal palace and then invited the Acharya to pass through it. When the Emperor asked why he stopped, the Acharya stated that there were three living beings beneath the stone. The Qazi, confident of his trick, was shocked when, upon lifting the stone, three young goats were found, as the mother goat had given birth.

The Qazi's Challenge and the Acharya's Miracle:

The Qazi, attempting to demonstrate his powers, made his cap fly into the air and challenged the Acharya to retrieve it. The Acharya, to uphold the honor of Jainism, sent a "Roharamantri" (a divine being) to bring down the cap, astonishing everyone and humiliating the Qazi.

The Amavasya and Purnima Miracle:

In another incident, a disciple of the Acharya, while on alms-gathering, mistakenly told the Qazi that it was the full moon (Purnima) when asked. The Qazi publicly announced that it was the new moon (Amavasya) and accused the Jain monk of lying. The Acharya, to validate his disciple's word and prevent damage to Jainism's reputation, summoned a golden plate and had it levitated by a minister. The light from the plate spread in all directions for twelve miles, making it appear as if the full moon was visible everywhere. This turned Amavasya into Purnima, greatly enhancing the glory of Jainism.

Protection of Jain Tirthas and Royal Decrees:

The Acharya observed the Chaturmas in Lahore at the Emperor's request. During this time, he learned about the desecration of the Krishna temple in Dwarka and requested Emperor Akbar to protect Jain Tirthas like Shri Siddhachala. The Emperor issued a decree to Ajamkhan, forbidding any harm to Jain temples and entrusting Karmachand with the responsibility of their protection. Karmachand then undertook the renovation of seven temples on Siddhachala.

Expedition to Kashmir and Animal Sacrifice Prohibition:

Emperor Akbar invited the Acharya during his campaign in Kashmir. The Acharya delivered a discourse, and the Emperor, pleased, issued an order from Ashad Sud 9 to 15, prohibiting any animal slaughter within his kingdom and extending it to eleven provinces. Other kings, wishing to please the Emperor, also issued similar decrees for one or two months. Akbar requested the Acharya to stay in Lahore until his return from Kashmir and to send Mansinghji with him for spiritual guidance. The Acharya agreed and sent Mansinghji and Dungarsinghji with the Emperor's army.

Akbar Bestows the Title of Yugpradhan:

Upon returning from Kashmir, Emperor Akbar convened a religious debate. Acharya Jinachandrasuriji, with his wisdom, explained the principles of Dharma, Adharma, Punya, and Papa. The Emperor, impressed, bestowed upon him the title of "Yugpradhan" as per Jain scriptures and instructed him to enthrone Mansinghji as his successor. On an auspicious day, the Acharya formally conferred the title of Acharya on Mansinghji, naming him Shri Jinasingh Suri. Minister Karmachand celebrated this event with a grand ceremony costing one and a quarter crore rupees. During this festival, Acharya Jinachandrasuriji appointed Samaysundar Muni and Gunvinay Muni as Vachanaacharyas (teachers of scriptures) and Jaysam Muni and Ratnanidhan Muni as Ganis (heads of monastic groups). The Emperor also declared a day of animal welfare in Lahore and prohibited fishing in the Khambhat bay for twelve months. Although the Emperor offered to cover the expenses, Karmachand, considering the unique opportunity, bore the cost from his own wealth. After the ceremony, Karmachand, along with the Sangh, presented the Emperor with ten thousand rupees as a gift. The Emperor accepted only one rupee as prasad and praised Karmachand's devotion.

Return and the Emperor's Strict Decree:

After the festivities, Karmachand distributed gifts to the Sangh and the needy, including elephants, villages, and horses. Acharya Jinachandrasuriji then proceeded with his community on his journey. The Emperor, who kept a talented but unethical monk skilled in music in his service, later discovered that this monk was engaging in illicit relations with the Emperor's queen. Enraged, the Emperor issued a strict decree: all monks in his kingdom were to become householders (marry) or be exiled, and no monk would be allowed to enter Takht Shahr.

Acharya's Intervention and Reversal of the Decree:

This harsh decree caused many monks to flee overseas or hide. No one dared to challenge the Emperor's order. At this critical juncture, Acharya Jinachandrasuriji was in Anhilpur Patan. Upon hearing about the Emperor's decree, he realized its gravity and immediately set out for Agra. He informed Minister Karmachand, who advised him to use an alternate route to enter the city, as he had already issued an order prohibiting monks from entering through the main royal road. The Acharya, understanding the situation,, and to avoid any disrespect to the minister's order, devised a clever plan. With the help of his followers, he floated on a woolen blanket across the river, disembarking on the outskirts of the city. The Emperor witnessed this extraordinary act from his palace and was astonished. The Acharya then met the Emperor, enlightened him, and successfully persuaded him to revoke the decree for monks to become householders, thereby saving the monastic community from crisis. The Emperor issued new orders ensuring that no obstacles would be placed in the path of monks traveling throughout the land.

Disciples and Legacy:

Acharya Jinachandrasuriji initiated Acharya Jinasingh Suri and also had 95 other disciples, including Upadhyayas, Vachanaacharyas, Ganis, and scholars like Sakalchandji Muni, Mihadrajji, Dharmnidhiji, and Ratnanidhanji. He was the head of the Khartar Gachh, which comprised numerous branches and over two thousand monks. Divine beings, including the lords of five rivers and deities like Kshetrapal and Manibhadra, were said to be in his service. Acharya Jinachandrasuriji lived a total of 75 years: 9 years as a householder, 8 years as a monk, 39 years as an Acharya, and 19 years as a Yugpradhan. He attained moksha (liberation) in Vikram Samvat 1670, on the 2nd day of Bhadrava Vad in the Marwar country, near the Bilar river in Bilada village, after observing a fast unto death with great equanimity.

Commemoration and Praise:

The anniversary of his passing, the 2nd day of Bhadrava Vad, is celebrated with fairs in his honor in cities like Mumbai, Surat, Bharuch, and Patan. The book also includes an "Ashtak" (eight-verse poem) in praise of Yugpradhan Shri Jinachandraji, composed by Upadhyay Samaysundarji. The verses extol his virtues, his ability to influence the Emperor, his miracles, and his significant contributions to Jainism.

Publisher Information:

The book is available for purchase at the Shri Jinansuri Gyan Bhandar in Mumbai, with a list of other available books provided at the end.