Abhaydevsuri

Abhaydevsuriji gained tremendous renown for his Sanskrit commentaries on nine Jain agams, which are considered the canonical literature of Jainism. His commentaries were highly regarded for their concise and eloquent style, as well as their ability to unveil the profound meanings hidden within the Jain agam literature. As a result, Abhaydevsuriji's name stands at the forefront among the Acharyas who sought to preserve the pure tradition of Jinagam through their writings.

Abhaydevsuriji was born into a Vaishya (merchant) family in the city of Dhara in Malavdesh in the year 1015 AD. His parents, Mahidhar Sheth and Dhandevi, named him Abhaykumar. At a young age, after listening to religious discourses by Shri Jineshwarsuri and Shri Buddhisagarsuri, he felt a strong inclination towards renunciation. With his parents' permission, he received initiation from Jineshwarsuri and began his study of Agam literature. Eventually, he earned the esteemed title of Acharya, becoming the head of a mendicant group.

According to the story, one night during his meditation, Acharya Abhaydevsuriji had a vision of the Shasandevi, the guardian Goddess. She revealed that the commentaries on two agamas, namely Acharang and Sutrakrutang, had been well-preserved, but the commentaries on the other agams had been lost and destroyed over time. The goddess urged him to undertake the monumental task of rectifying this deficiency for the benefit of the Shrisangh, the Jain congregation.

Accepting the divine task, Acharya Abhaydevsuriji embarked on the writing of commentaries, accompanied by the practice of ayambil tap, a type of religious austerity. However, due to the prolonged and strenuous efforts, combined with nights spent working tirelessly, he developed a disease resembling leucoderma. Detractors took advantage of this and spread rumors that the mother-goddess had cursed him with the disease as a punishment for misinterpreting the scriptures.

In response to the false accusations and malicious criticism, Acharya Abhaydevsuriji decided to undertake a fast until his death, expressing his willingness to endure death rather than endure false charges. In his desperation, he invoked the guardian God, Shasanrakshak Dev Dharanendra, and poured out his fears and concerns. The compassionate deity assured him of his innocence and provided necessary guidance. As directed by Dharanendra, Abhaydevsuriji, along with the shravak sangh (lay Jain followers), reached the banks of the Sedhi River in Stambhangram.

In a moment of divine intervention, Acharyashri discovered a spot where a cow spontaneously produced milk. Inspired by this miraculous event, he composed a stotra (a hymn or poem) titled Jayatihuan, consisting of 32 shlokas (verses). To everyone's astonishment, an ancient and resplendent idol of Shri Stambhan Parshwanath emerged from beneath the ground. The Jain congregation performed all the necessary rituals, including bathing the idol, and when the holy water was applied to Abhaydevsuriji's body, he was miraculously cured of his disease, regaining his health. The idol was subsequently installed at a temple in Cambay, where it remains today.

With renewed vigor, Acharyashri completed the monumental task of writing the Navangi commentary. He eventually passed away in Kapadvanja, Gujarat, and his memorial structure, known as samadhi, can still be found in the Tapagachchha upashraya (place of meditation).

In summary, Abhaydevsuriji, born into a merchant family, dedicated his life to Jainism and became a renowned Acharya through his profound Sanskrit commentaries on the Jain agams. Despite facing challenges, he overcame them with divine intervention, ultimately leaving behind a valuable legacy for future generations.