Is there any legend that describes an acharya reciting namuthunam to tirthankara Simandar swami in Mahavideha kshetra with a lot of bhava
Answer
Yes. Within Jain tradition, there are devotional accounts connected with Āchārya Shri Hemachandrasuri in which he is described as having deep devotion toward Tirthankar Shri Simandhar Swami, who presently exists in Mahāvideh Kshetra.
In such devotional narratives, Āchārya Hemachandrasuri is remembered as reciting sacred praise such as Namotthuṇam / Namutthunam with intense bhāva toward the living Tirthankar Simandhar Swami.
Explanation
Namotthuṇam is a highly revered Jain stuti offered to the Arihant Bhagwan. Since Shri Simandhar Swami is accepted in Jain tradition as a presently living Tirthankar in Mahāvideh Kshetra, devotees may recite Namotthuṇam with the bhāva that they are bowing to Him directly.
The legend emphasizes:
- deep reverence for the living Tirthankar,
- the power of pure devotional feeling,
- the spiritual greatness of an Āchārya,
- and the importance of remembering Arihant Bhagwan with humility and surrender.
Spiritual Understanding
In Jain Dharma, bhāva is very important. A stuti is not only a verbal recitation; it becomes spiritually meaningful when performed with:
- faith,
- humility,
- purity of intention,
- and awareness of the qualities of Arihant Bhagwan.
So, whether one physically sees the Tirthankar or remembers Him through śraddhā, the inner feeling of devotion becomes a cause for purification of the soul.
Takeaway
Yes, Jain devotional tradition does preserve such bhāva-filled accounts of an Āchārya offering Namotthuṇam to Shri Simandhar Swami in Mahāvideh Kshetra, especially associated with the reverential devotion of great Jain Āchāryas such as Hemachandrasuri.