Siddhasena Diwakara

This document is a detailed account of the life and works of Acharya Siddhasena Divakara, a prominent figure in Jainism. Here's a comprehensive summary:

Early Life and Influences:

• Parentage and Birthplace: Siddhasena was born in Ujjain to Devrishi, a respected Brahmin, and Devshri. Ujjain was under the rule of King Vikramaditya during his time.
• Intellectual Prowess: Even as a youth, Siddhasena was a renowned scholar in Avanti. He possessed profound knowledge of Vedic philosophy and mastered various other philosophical schools like Nyaya, Vaisheshika, and Samkhya.
• Arrogance and Debates: Initially, Siddhasena was proud of his father's scholarship. He took pride in defeating scholars in debates and making them his disciples, believing his father to be invincible.

Encounter with Acharya Vriddhävadi:

• The Fateful Meeting: While Acharya Vriddhävadi was on his spiritual journey (vihar), he encountered Siddhasena. A debate was proposed, which Vriddhävadi, who preferred scholarly assemblies, initially hesitated to accept on the spot. However, Siddhasena's eagerness led Vriddhävadi to agree to a debate then and there.
• The Debate's Setting: The debate took place in a secluded area with only shepherds as witnesses.
• The Contrast in Styles: Siddhasena spoke fluently in Sanskrit, but his complex language was incomprehensible to the shepherds. Acharya Vriddhävadi, on the other hand, used simple, sweet, and popular language, explaining concepts like heaven in a way the shepherds could understand and relate to, leading to their enthusiastic reception of his teachings.
• Siddhasena's Defeat and Discipleship: The shepherds declared Vriddhävadi to be the true "all-knowing" and his teachings pleasant to the ear, while Siddhasena's were meaningless. This public demonstration of wisdom through accessibility humbled Siddhasena. He realized his father was not as omniscient as he believed and, adhering to his earlier vow, accepted Vriddhävadi as his guru.
• Initiation and Renaming: Vriddhävadi initiated Siddhasena into monkhood, giving him the name Kumudrachandra. Under Vriddhävadi's guidance, Kumudrachandra deeply studied Jain Agamas, further enhancing his brilliance.
• Aspirations for the Jain Faith: Recognizing Kumudrachandra's potential, Vriddhävadi crowned him with the title "Siddhasena Suri" and instructed him to spread the Jain faith independently.

Key Events and Accomplishments:

• The "Kalpaviriksha" Incident: Siddhasena acquired profound knowledge of "Sainyasārjanam Vidyā" (science of army creation) and "Suvarṇasiddhi Yoga" (alchemy) from a book found in a pillar at Chitrakuta (Chittorgarh). These powers enabled him to create armies and transform metals.
• The "Divakar" Epithet: While in Kūrmāra country, Siddhasena helped King Devapal defeat the invading King Vijay Varma of Kamrupa. During this crisis, Siddhasena used his powers to generate wealth and an army. After the victory, King Devapal bestowed upon him the epithet "Divakar" (Sun) for dispelling the darkness of fear, thus making him known as Siddhasena Divakara.
• Period of Laxity and Correction: Siddhasena enjoyed royal patronage, which led to some laxity in his ascetic practices. This was observed by his guru, Vriddhävadi. Vriddhävadi, disguised, tested Siddhasena, highlighting the essence of asceticism through a philosophical verse. This encounter led Siddhasena to repent and reaffirm his commitment to Jain principles.
• The "Namoh Arhat" Incident and Penance: Siddhasena desired to translate the Prakrit Agamas into Sanskrit. Despite opposition, he composed "Namoh Arhat Siddhāchārya Upādhyāya Sanghādhyah." This was seen as a transgression of the sanctity of the teachings of the Tirthankaras and Ganadharas. As a penance, he was ostracized from the monastic community for twelve years.
• Influence on King Vikramaditya: Siddhasena's profound wisdom and poetic skills greatly impressed King Vikramaditya. He composed the "Kalyāṇamandir Stotra," a highly devotional hymn. During an encounter at the Mahakaleshwar temple, a whip incident occurred where the lashes intended for Siddhasena struck the queen instead. This led to a dialogue where Siddhasena composed the "Kalyāṇamandir Stotra," impressing the king and leading to the construction of the Avanti Parshvanatha temple and the conversion of King Vikramaditya and many other kings to Jainism.
• Literary Contributions: Siddhasena Divakara is recognized as a pioneer of Jain logic and literature. His major works include:
  • Nyayāvatāra: Considered the first book of Jain logic, it has been extensively commented upon.
  • Sammata Tika: A monumental work detailing Jain philosophical principles with elaborate discussions on Nayavada, knowledge (Mati, Shruta, Avadhi, Manahparyaya, Kevala), and Syadvada. It has been commented on by both Svetambara and Digambara scholars.
  • Dvātṛnśat Dvātrinśikā: A collection of thirty-two treatises, containing twenty-one available treatises that blend Jain, Buddhist, and Vedic literature.
  • Kalyāṇamandir Stotra: A devotional hymn praising Lord Parshvanatha.

Legacy:

Acharya Siddhasena Divakara is revered as a great scholar, philosopher, debater, and prolific author who significantly contributed to the propagation and enrichment of Jainism. His works are considered foundational to Jain logic and philosophy, and his devotional hymns continue to inspire devotees. He passed away in Pratishthana, around Vir Nirvana Samvat 570, after observing an unbroken fast.