Yuga-Pradhan Sti Jinacandra Suri

Summary

1. Early Life and Monastic Initiation: • Born in 1538 (Vikram 1595) in Khetsar, Jodhpur, to a wealthy merchant family. • Initiated into monkhood at age 9 and became the head of the Kharatara gaccha at 17. 2. Reforms and Leadership: • Took immediate action to reform the Kharatara gaccha, restoring order within two years. • Settled controversies regarding Sri Abhayadeva Suri's affiliation with the gaccha, ensuring unity among Jaina acharyas. 3. Influence on Mughal Emperor Akbar: • Akbar, deeply impressed by Jinacandra’s teachings, invited him to the Mughal court. • Jinacandra’s influence on Akbar led to several imperial decrees, including the protection of Jaina temples, abolition of animal slaughter, and promotion of vegetarianism. • Akbar reportedly converted to Jainism under Jinacandra’s guidance, with the emperor issuing farmans to safeguard Jaina practices across his empire. 4. Travels and Discourses: • Traveled extensively throughout Gujarat, Rajasthan, and eastern India, imparting teachings to thousands of followers. • His disciples, including Mansingh, played a significant role in spreading Jinacandra’s teachings to the royal court. 5. Title of ‘Yuga-Pradhan’: • In recognition of his spiritual leadership, Akbar bestowed upon Jinacandra the title of "Yuga-Pradhan" (Leader of the Age). • His teachings inspired Akbar to take steps to protect Jain practices and the welfare of the Jain community. 6. Legacy and Influence: • Jinacandra's death in 1613 at Bilare marked the end of a transformative period for Jainism, but his legacy lived on in both Jaina philosophy and the Mughal Empire's policies toward religious tolerance.