Mallavadisuri

During the prosperous era of Vallabhi in Saurashtra, a devout woman named Durlabhdevi gave birth to three sons - Ajityash, Yaksha, and Malla. Raised in a religious environment aligned with Jainism, the three sons, along with their mother, received initiation from Acharya Jinanandsuri, who was also Durlabhdevi's brother.

During this time, there was a significant ideological debate between Jainism and Buddhism. Acharya Jinanandsuri took part in the debate, where it was decided that the defeated participant would be banished from Gujarat. Unfortunately, Acharya Jinanandsuri was declared the loser by the Buddhist king, compelling him to leave Gujarat and seek refuge in Vallabhi. Witnessing her brother's distress, Durlabhdevi offered one of her three sons to alleviate Acharya's agony. After discussing it with her sons, they all willingly agreed to take up this task, competing with each other for the opportunity. Overwhelmed with joy, Durlabhdevi consented to their initiation.

The youngest son, Malla, was determined to acquire profound knowledge of religious texts and emerge victorious in the debating arena. Muni Malla embarked on rigorous penance on a mountain, sustaining himself after the fast by accepting meager offerings from a nearby village. Pleased with his devotion, Goddess Saraswati granted him a boon, bestowing him with exceptional skill in composing verses. Gifted with this ability, Malla composed a unique book called "Dwadashar Nayachakra," consisting of twelve chapters, akin to a wheel with twelve spokes. Acharya Mallasuri's book expounded on the principles of Nyaya (science of logic) and Anekant Darshan (the doctrine of manifold aspects) in Sanskrit, complementing the earlier work by Acharya Siddhasen Diwakar on Nyayshastra.

Young Muni Malla challenged King Shiladitya to a theological debate in his court, an astounding feat considering he was facing versatile and experienced scholars. To everyone's surprise, King Shiladitya's court transformed into a debating arena for a remarkable six months. Ultimately, Acharya Mallasuri emerged as the victor, impressing everyone with his performance. The king bestowed upon him the title of "vadi" (great debater), and he became renowned as Shri Mallavadisuri Kshamashraman.

Acharya Mallavadisuri wrote a commentary titled "Sanmati Tarka" and "Padmacharitra" (Jain Ramayan), consisting of 24,000 verses. He was highly skilled in debate and discussion, earning him the title of "the best logician" from Shri Hemchandracharya. His book, "Dwadashar Naychakra," is considered the finest work on the philosophical system of Nyaya (logic). It was composed in Sanskrit and provides a comprehensive review of contemporary philosophical systems. Meanwhile, his elder brother, Muni Ajityash, authored a book on valid cognition titled "Praman," and his other brother, Yaksh Muni, composed a samhita called "Ashtang Nimitt Bodhini." Thus, all three sons of the remarkable mother contributed to Jainism in their own unique way through their spiritual pursuits, literary contributions, and theological philosophy.