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Bappabhattisuri, a paragon of scriptural interpretation and celibacy, was born in the year 743 AD in the village of Duva, located in Banaskantha. During his childhood, he was known as Surpal. One day, Acharya Siddhasensuri had a dream of a young lion leaping over a place of worship while staying in Modhera. The following morning, when the Acharya saw a bright and dignified young boy in the Jain temple, he was reminded of his dream. He called Surpal's parents, Bappa and Bhatti, and, impressed by their son's brilliance and determination, requested to take him under his guidance. In remembrance of his fond memory, the boy was named Bappabhatti. Following his initiation, Bappabhatti acquired extensive knowledge of reasoning, logic, and the 72 arts.
King Aam of Kanyakubja sought instruction from Bappabhattisuri and, as a gesture of gratitude, offered to bestow upon him half of his kingdom. However, Bappabhattisuri enlightened the king about the non-possessive vow undertaken by Jain monks. The king was also deeply impressed by Bappabhattisuri's poetic compositions. Nevertheless, the king occasionally subjected Bappabhattisuri to tests to confirm his scholarship and celibacy.
To test Bappabhattisuri's celibacy, the king, considering his young age, sent a young courtesan disguised as a man to his chambers. As she approached him while he slept, Bappabhattisuri woke up immediately, shocked by the touch of a feminine hand. Realizing the king's intention to tempt him by providing the company of a beautiful woman in the darkness of the night, Bappabhattisuri requested the courtesan to leave, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to celibacy. Impressed by his dignified behavior during this strange ordeal, King Aam rejoiced.
Once, at the invitation of Dharmaraja, a scriptural debate was organized between Bappabhattisuri representing King Aam and Vardhan Kunjar, a learned scholar representing Dharmaraja. Bappabhattisuri emerged victorious in this battle of scholarship and was honored with the title Vadikunjar Kesari. However, he turned this victory into an opportunity for dialogue and harmony, transforming the conflict between King Aam and Dharmaraja, who held deep enmity towards each other, by explaining the significance of forgiveness and facilitating their reconciliation.
Bappabhattisuri greatly influenced Vakpati, an ascetic from Mathura, who accepted initiation into the Jain faith later in his life under the impact of Bappabhattisuri's teachings.
Bappabhattisuri composed 52 books, including Chaturvinshati and Sarasvati Stotra, some of which remain available today. He was a patron of the arts, ensuring payment of a significant sum to an artist for his painting. He also inspired the construction of numerous Jain temples.
Bappabhattisuri, a revered Acharya of the Jain religion, was highly skilled in theological debates and spiritual literature. His exemplary character, vast knowledge, and unwavering religious faith greatly impressed both rulers and the general populace alike.
