Siddharshisuri

This document provides a biographical sketch and overview of the works of Acharya Siddharṣisuri, a prominent Jain monk, philosopher, commentator, and author.

Here's a summary of the key points:

• Prominent Figure: Acharya Siddharṣisuri was a distinguished Jain scholar, great philosopher, powerful commentator, and a highly intelligent Acharya within the tradition of influential Jain Acharyas. He had a remarkable command of the Sanskrit language.

• Major Work: His most celebrated work is the "Upamithibhavaprapanchakatha," considered an excellent text in Jain literature.

• Lineage and Gurus:

  • He was a disciple of Acharya Gargi, who was a renowned scholar of Karma-Vipak Vichar and Jyotish Shastra (astrology).
  • He received initiation at the hands of Acharya Gargi.
  • His guru's guru was Durgaswami.
  • In the preface to "Upamithibhavaprapanchakatha," he fondly remembers Acharya Haribhadrasuri as a guru who imparted religious knowledge.
  • He traces his lineage through Suracharya (a jewel of Latadesha), Delmahattaracharya (an expert in astrology and Nimit Shastra), and Durgaswami.

• Family Background:

  • Siddharṣisuri was born in Shreemalpur (Bhinmal).
  • His family belonged to the Shreemal gotra.
  • His grandfather was Suprabhadeva, the minister of King Dharmapal. Suprabhadeva had two sons: Datta and Shubhankar.
  • Siddharṣisuri was the son of Shubhankar, while the famous poet Magha was the son of Datta.
  • Both Magha and Siddharṣisuri were grandsons of Minister Suprabhadeva. Magha was the son of Siddharṣisuri's father's elder brother. This familial connection is confirmed in the preface of Magha's "Shishupalavadh."
  • Siddharṣisuri's mother was Lakshmi, and his wife was Dhanya.

• Life Transformation:

  • Despite possessing noble qualities like generosity and obedience, Siddha (Siddharṣisuri in his youth) developed a severe gambling addiction, often returning home late at night.
  • His wife, Dhanya, suffered due to his absence and late returns.
  • One night, his mother, Lakshmi, refused him entry into the house due to his behavior.
  • He found refuge in an open Upaashray (monastery) where he witnessed monks engaged in deep study and meditation.
  • The sight of the serene monks transformed his mind. He realized the futility of his life and the good fortune of seeing the monks, attributing it to his mother's stern but ultimately beneficial refusal.
  • He confessed his past life and his desire to embrace the religious path to the monks.

• Initiation and Spiritual Practice:

  • The monks recognized his potential to become an influential preacher of Jainism.
  • They advised him that one must accept asceticism to stay with them, and that the monastic life, like the edge of a sword, is difficult, especially for someone with his past habits.
  • Siddha expressed his strong desire for the ascetic life over his previous lifestyle.
  • He was instructed to seek permission from his parents before initiation.
  • His father, Shubhankar, found him and agreed to his decision to become a monk after seeing his resolute determination.
  • Siddha received initiation from Acharya Gargi and became a disciple of Acharya Durgaswami.

• Academic Pursuit and Return to Jainism:

  • As a monk, Siddharṣi diligently practiced asceticism and deeply studied Jain scriptures.
  • He developed a strong desire to study Buddhist philosophy and, against his guru's initial advice, went to Mahabodhnagar to study with Buddhist scholars.
  • Before leaving, he promised his guru that if he wished to adopt Buddhism, he would first meet his guru.
  • Upon developing an inclination towards Buddhism, he approached his guru as promised. The Buddhist scholars also made a similar promise from him.
  • This led to numerous back-and-forth journeys between his Jain guru and the Buddhist scholars (21 times in total).
  • Ultimately, his Jain guru gave him the text "Lalitavistara." Reading this text deeply moved Siddharṣi, bringing tears to his eyes and realizing the value of the Jain tradition and his guru. His confusion was dispelled, and he steadfastly returned to Jainism.

• Acharya and End of Life:

  • Later, his guru bestowed upon him the title of Acharya.
  • His guru passed away in Bhinmal through Anashan (fasting unto death).

• Gratitude to Haribhadrasuri:

  • In "Upamithibhavaprapanchakatha," Siddharṣisuri expressed his gratitude to Acharya Haribhadrasuri, the author of "Lalitavistara," stating that it felt as if the book was written specifically for his father.

• Literary Contributions:

  • Upadeshamaala Vritti: He authored a commentary on Upadeshamaala. This commentary is praised by Shri Ratnaprabhasuri, who calls Siddharṣi a "Chudamani" (foremost) commentator.
  • Other Commentaries: He also wrote commentaries on Shri Siddhasena Divakara's Nyayavtar and Shri Dharmadasagani's Upadeshamaala.
  • Chandrakevalicharitra: He wrote this text and others in V.S. 973.
  • Upamithibhavaprapanchakatha: This is considered his unparalleled work.
    • This allegorical story, about 6000 verses long, illustrates how a worldly soul can attain true religion and ascend.
    • It is considered the first allegorical work in Indian and world literature.
    • The language is beautiful and flowing.
    • It incorporates various subjects like logic, philosophy, Ayurveda, astrology, palmistry, omens, metallurgy, trade, and military strategy.
    • The text is divided into eight sections, with the second, third, and fifth sections being particularly important and detailed.
    • The reading of this completed work took place in Bhinmal.
    • A copy was prepared by a Sadhvi named Ganu, a disciple of Durgaswami.
    • The work was completed on Thursday, Jyeshtha Sud Panchami, V.S. 992.
    • The audience was pleased with the reading, and the Jain community conferred upon Acharya Siddharṣisuri the title of "Siddha Vyakhyata."
    • Based on its completion in V.S. 992, Acharya Siddharṣi's time is placed in the 10th century of the Vikram era.

• Mention of Acharya Shilanka Suri: The text then briefly shifts to discuss Acharya Shilanka Suri, highlighting him as a leading commentator, his expertise in Sanskrit and Prakrit, his early work on Naya style commentaries, and his extensive commentaries on Agamas like Acharaangasutra and Sutrakritangasutra. He is mentioned as belonging to the Nivritti lineage, with Acharya Mandev Suri as his guru.