Todarmalji in jain

Todarmalji (Pandit Todarmalji) was a prominent Digambara Jain scholar of Jaipur, born around Vikram Samvat 1797 (roughly 1719 CE) and died around Vikram Samvat 1843 (circa 1766 CE). He is best known for reviving and explaining Jain scriptures for lay audiences, and for shaping a reformative movement within Digambar Jainism that contributed to the Terapanthi lineage by resisting the authority of bhattarakas. His writings cover many foundational Jain texts in both Brij/Hindi and commentaries on classic works. He started but did not complete Moksha Marg Prakashak, a major treatise that surveys Jain philosophy, ethics, and practice, and it remains highly influential in Digambar circles. He also wrote commentaries on works such as Gomattasara, Purusharthasiddhyupaya, and others, making complex Jain doctrines accessible to practitioners. His efforts played a key role in organizing and transmitting Jain teachings to a broader audience, and his lineage continued through his son Gumaniram, who helped formalize a sub-branch within the Terapanthi tradition. The legacy of Todarmalji is that of a publishing/commentary scholar who bridged traditional scripture with householders’ understanding and practice in his era.