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Pahini, the wife of Sheth Sachig from Dhandhuka, and sister of the renowned merchant Neminath, had a dream one night. In her dream, she was urged to accept a divine jewel called Chintamani. Overjoyed, she accepted the jewel and dedicated it to her guru. As she opened her eyes, tears of joy filled her eyes. Believing that her guru, Devchandrasuriji, who was in town, could interpret her dream, Pahini sought his guidance.
Acharya Devchandrasuri informed Pahini that she would give birth to a child who would be an exceptional individual, a gem among men, and would later become a great guru. These words filled Pahini with immense joy.
In the year 1089 AD, Pahini gave birth to a baby boy whom she named Changdevj, meaning the best. Pahini had unwavering faith in her guru and desired that her son achieve the highest spiritual attainment. With her permission, little Changdev sat on Acharya Devchandrasuri's cot, symbolizing his connection to the ascetic path. Inspired by her son's path, Pahini followed suit and embraced the path of penance, becoming a sadhvij, with the title of Pravartini.
Changdev, later known as Soma Chandra, eventually became an Acharya and was named Hemchandrasuri. Hemchandrasuri, also known as 'Kalikalsarvagna' for his omniscience in the Kali age, became a renowned scholar who wrote extensively on various subjects. He provided guidance to rulers like Jaysinha Siddharaj and Kumarpal, and his influence on Jainism spread from commoners to kings. Hemchandrasuri lived by five vows, exhibited exceptional sense control, and was known for his compassion and mercy.
Sadhvi Pahini remained devoted to knowledge and meditation. She took great pride and joy in her son's extraordinary wisdom, miraculous abilities, and religious impact. Hemchandrasuri deeply cared for his mother, who was confined to her bed. Meanwhile, Sadhvi Pahini devoted herself to penance and meditation.
During his journey, Acharya Hemchandrasuri arrived at Patan, the town where Pravartini Pahini resided. Pahini had forsaken food and water and was revered by numerous devotees who came to seek her blessings. These devotees held Pahini in high regard for dedicating her son to the cause of religion. When Pahini eventually passed away, the Jain community spent a significant sum of money, three crore rupees, on philanthropic activities in her honor. Hemchandrasuri, who had renounced worldly possessions, paid tribute to his great mother by composing three lakh verses that immortalized her unwavering faith in religion.
In summary, the story revolves around Pahini, the wife of Sheth Sachig, who has a prophetic dream, gives birth to a remarkable son named Changdevj, and later follows him into a life of asceticism. Changdevj becomes the revered Acharya Hemchandrasuri, a highly knowledgeable and influential figure who leaves a lasting impact on Jainism. Pahini's devotion and sacrifice are honored by the community upon her passing, and her son immortalizes her through his writings.
