Shatrinshat Vad Vijeta Jinpatisuri

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The book, "Shatrinshat Vad Vijeta Jinpatisuri" (The Victor of Thirty-Six Debates, Jinpatisuri), authored by Mahopadhyaya Vinaysagar, is a biographical account of the prominent Jain Acharya Jinpatisuri. He was the successor (Pattadhar) of Manidhari Shri Jin Chandrasuri.

Early Life and Initiation: Jinpatisuri was born in Vikramsammata (V.S.) 1210 in Vikrampur to Yashovardhan and Suhavdevi of the Malu lineage. He received initiation (Diksha) at the tender age of seven on the 10th of Phalguna Shukla in V.S. 1217 from Jin Chandrasuri, and was given the name Narapati.

Ascension to Acharya: In V.S. 1223, on the 13th of Kartik Shukla, during a grand ceremony, Jayadeva Acharya, a disciple of Yugapradhan Shri Jinda ttsuri, conferred upon him the title of Acharya, declaring him the foremost (Gannayak) successor of Jin Chandrasuri. At this occasion, he was given the name Jinpatisuri, and the ceremony was sponsored by his uncle, Maandev.

Debates and Intellectual Prowess: The text highlights Jinpatisuri's exceptional debating skills, earning him the epithet "Shatrinshat Vad Vijeta" (Victor of Thirty-Six Debates). Several significant debates are mentioned:

• Ashika (V.S. 1228): He arrived in Ashika during his travels and debated with a highly respected Digambara scholar residing there, defeating him. The king of Ashika, Bhim Singh, also attended the entry festival.
• Ajmer (V.S. 1236): In Ajmer, under the presidency of the last Hindu emperor Prithviraj Chauhan, Jinpatisuri engaged in a debate with Padmaprabh from the Upkesh Gachchh of Phalavaddhika Nagari. The court was filled with prominent scholars and ministers, including Mandaleshwar Keima and Vageeshwar Janardan Gaud. Padmaprabh, described as foolish, arrogant, and a rambling speaker, was quickly defeated. Impressed by Jinpatisuri's brilliance and encyclopedic knowledge, Prithviraj Chauhan honored him with a victory certificate, which was placed on an elephant's howdah and presented with great fanfare.
• Chandravati (V.S. 1244): While embarking on a pilgrimage to holy sites like Ujjayant (Shatrunjay) with a sangh (religious procession), Acharya Jinpatisuri visited Chandravati. Here, he engaged in a discussion with Acharya Akalankdev Suri, who was accompanied by five other Acharyas and fifteen Sadhus. The debate centered on the "name of Jinpati" and whether Sadhus and Sadhvis should travel with the sangh. Acharya Akalankdev Suri was left speechless in this discussion.
• Kasa Hrid: He debated with Paurnmasik Tilakprabh Suri on the topics of "Sanghapati" and "Vakyashuddhi" (purity of speech), emerging victorious.
• Ashapalli: Upon returning from his pilgrimage to Ujjayant and other sites, he reached Ashapalli. Here, he debated with Pradyumnacharya, a follower of Vadideva Acharya, on "Ayatan-Anayatan" (abodes and non-abodes), resulting in Pradyumnacharya's defeat. The debate texts are documented in Pradyumnacharya's "Vadsthal" and Jinpatisuri's "Prabodhoday Vadsthal."
• Vruhadvar (V.S. 1273): In Vruhadvar, in the assembly of King Prithvichandra, Acharya Jinpatisuri engaged in a debate with Kashmiri Pandit Manodananda. Under the Acharya's instruction, Jinpalo-upadhyay conducted the debate and emerged victorious. The topic was "Jain Darshan Bahya Hain" (Jain philosophy is external), and Pandit Manodananda was severely defeated. King Prithvichandra awarded a victory certificate to Jinpalo-upadhyay.

Other Significant Contributions and Events:

• Ahilpur Patan: From Ashapalli, Acharya Jinpatisuri proceeded to Ahilpur Patan, where he integrated forty Acharyas of his own gachchh into his group, honoring them with garments.
• Lavankhetak (V.S. 1251): At the request of Ranaka Keelhan in Lavankhetak, a grand "Dakshinavarta Aratrikavatranotsav" was celebrated with great enthusiasm.
• End of Life (V.S. 1277): On the 10th of Ashadh Shukla, V.S. 1277, Acharya Jinpatisuri, after making arrangements for the security of his gachchh and appointing Veerprabh Gani as the Gannayak, embarked on his spiritual journey towards heaven through fasting (Anashanpurvak).

Foundations and Religious Activities: The book also details Jinpatisuri's establishment of various religious monuments, including the erection of flagstaffs, installation of individuals, and numerous consecration ceremonies (Pratishthayein). He also initiated over a hundred individuals and conducted numerous Dharma-krityas (religious deeds) in various villages across Gujarat, Mewar, Marwar, Sindh, Bagad, Punjab, and other regions. The book mentions hundreds of devout and wealthy Shravakas and Shravikas whose families were part of his religious endeavors.

Historical Significance of the Work: The text is noted for its detailed and factual account of Jain history and the lives of prominent figures. It is considered a unique and valuable historical document, particularly for its comprehensive coverage of the Kharatar Gachchh lineage. The book compiles the biographies of Acharyas from Vardhmansuri in the 11th century V.S. to Jinpadmasuri in the 14th century V.S. It provides detailed yearly accounts of the movements and residences of many Acharyas, including when they received initiation, attained Acharya status, and the regions they traveled.

Discovery and Editorial Efforts: The discovery of this important Gurvali (chronicle) is attributed to Shri Agarchandji Nahata, a scholar and patron of literature from Bikaner. He was inspired to edit and present this work to the public, highlighting its historical importance and the wealth of information it contains regarding public life and historical events. The text itself is described as being approximately four thousand verses in length. The editor has made an effort to concisely explain the historical significance and the knowledge gained from this work.

Works by Jinpatisuri: The book also lists some of Jinpatisuri's known compositions, including:

• Sanghpathak Vruhad Vritti
• Panchalingi Prakaran Tika
• Prabodhoday Vadsthal
• Kharatar Gachchh Samachari
• Tirthmala
• Various Stutis (hymns) and Stotras.

In summary, "Shatrinshat Vad Vijeta Jinpatisuri" is a significant Jain text that chronicles the life, intellectual achievements, and religious contributions of Acharya Jinpatisuri, a formidable debater and a pivotal figure in the history of the Kharatar Gachchh. It serves as a vital historical record of Jainism in India.