Acharya Hasti Mala
A great scholar and composer of texts by the name Ācārya Vidyānandi existed in V.N. 14th century when King Śivabhāra of Gaṃga dynasty (804-815AD) and his younger brother Rācchmala Satyavākya (861-893 AD) ruled. By composing the following texts, he did a great service to the cause of Jain literature.
- Tattvārtha Ślokavārtika
- Yuktānuśāsanālaṃkāra
- Āpta Parīkṣā
- Pramāna Parīkṣā
- Patra Parīkṣā
- Satya Śāsana Parīkṣā
- Śrīpura Pārśvanātha Stotra
- Vidhyānanda Mahodaya (not available)
This great scholar was also an expert of other philosophies like Jain philosophy, a great scholar, poet, speaker; and brimming with devotion composed a number of hymns of veneration.
Political conditions prevailing during the era
of 45th, 46th and 47th pontiffs of Lord Mahāvīra's tradition
and 36th epochal-ācārya
During the initial period of the above written era, it was the 59th year of the rule of a great powerful king of Rāṣṭrakūṭa dynasty named Amoghavarṣa. In V.N. 1402, Amoghavarṣa on his own sweet will gave up his vast empire and anointed his son Kṛṣṇa-II on the throne. He then spent the rest of his life in service of Śramaṇa monks and meditating on the self. The period of the rule of Amoghavarṣa is estimated at 814-880 A.D. Due to the beginning of next ruler in 875AD; the year 880 can be 875 as well.
After Amoghavarṣa, Kṛṣṇa-II ruled from 875-912AD. He had a number of struggles with earlier Cālukya rules for many years. This king was a very liberal and influential Jain devotee. An example of his vast liberal disposition is available even today in the stone inscription of stone entry gate of Vasati in Bandali. This inscription states that Nāgarakhaṇda Sattara donated to Jakkiyabbe, wife of his sāmanta Nālaguṃda Sattarasa Nāgārjuna the rule of Āvutavūra and Nāgarakhaṇda at the time of his death as probably he had no child.
After Kṛṣṇa-II and during 912-945 AD, six Rāṣṭrakūṭa dynasty rulers, namely Govinda-IV, Indra, Govinda, Suvarṇa varṣa Vallabha, Amoghavarṣa and Khoṭṭiga ruled. All these rulers ruled for very short periods only.
The second half of 9th century AD was the period of struggle between Pallavas and Pāṇdyas in south. In 880 AD, heir of Śrīmāda Śrīvallabha, Pāṇdya ruler Varaguṇavarmana-II and Pallava ruler Nṛpatuṃgavarmana's son Aparājīta fought a destructive war in Pudmaviyama near Kuṃbhakoṇama. Colā King Āditya-I and Gaṃga ruler Pṛthavipati-I also fought this war supporting Pallava ruler Aparājita respectively. Even though Pṛathavipati-I died in this war, yet Pāṇdya ruler Varaguṇavarmana-II was badly defeated. Later on Colā King Āditya-I invaded Pallava ruler Aparājīta also and defeated him in the war at Taudaīmaṃdama. Āditya-I in one forceful stroke ended Aparājita's life also. With this victory almost the entire Cālukya Empire came under the rule of Colā kingdom. Āditya-I then established his rule on Kauṃgū Deśa also and succeeded in establishing powerful Colā rule again.
In 907 AD, after Āditya-I, his son Parāṃtaka sat on Colā Empire's throne. The name of another son of Āditya-I was Kannaradeva who was the grandson of Rāṣṭrakūṭa dynasty king Kṛṣṇa-II also. Angry at his grandson not being crowned, he attacked the Colā Empire with the help of Bāṇo and Vaidumba rulers. In this war Parāṃtaka won but the animosity between the three ruling dynasties proved dangerous for Parāṃtaka. As a result, Rāṣṭrakūṭa dynasty attacked Parāṃtaka and Gaṃgarāja Batuga killed Parāṃtaka's elder son Rajāditya.
Rise of the ruling power of a new Solaṃkī in Gujarat
In the last part of Vikram 10th century or approximately Vikram 998 (941-942AD or V.N. 1468), a new ruling power Solaṃkī(Cālukya) arose which ruled Gujarat for approximately 300 years Alongwith large parcels of land nearby on it borders from time to time. During their rule of approximately 300 years, Gujarat prospered in economic, political, social, literary and cultural and all other aspects. The first and the founder ruler of this Solaṃkī dynasty was Mūlarāja Solaṃkī.
In the first quarter of 10th century AD, when the last ruler Sāmanta Siṃha of Vanarāja's (the founder of Cāpotkaṭa dynasty) lineage was sitting on the throne of Anhillapura Pāṭaṇa; three kṣatriya youths, namely Rāji, Bīja and Daṃdaka left for a pilgrimage of Somanātha. On returning from their pilgrimage, they halted at their birth place Anhillapura Pāṭaṇa. When they heard that as a part of some festive celebration, art of horse riding in royal style is being demonstrated. So the three brothers went to the festival to enjoy the same. There on being requested by King Sāmanta Siṃha, Rāji demonstrated the art of horse riding. Seeing the unique horse riding skills, magnetic personality and the feats of horse riding demonstrated, the king, his family and everyone else were highly impressed by Rāji and became his admirers and thanked him.
After the festival, King Sāmanta Siṃha took all the three kṣatriya youths to his palace and kept them there.
Seeing the royal attributes fit for a kṣatriya youth in Rājī, the king, his family and ministers felt confident that Rājī is the prince of high family Bhuyada royal lineage Mūṃjāladeva. So Rājī was married to princess Līlādevī, sister of Sāmanta Siṃha. The royal son-in-law Rājī started living happily in the royal palaces of Anhillapura Pāṭaṇa. After some time Līlādevī became pregnant. However before the delivery of child, Līlādevī died during her pregnancy. The unborn child was removed alive from her stomach by shearing it. Seeing the child like rising sun, the grief of the family was slightly reduced.
Since the child was born under the constellation Mūlā, he was named as Mūlarāja. Cāpotkaṭa king Sāmanta Siṃha brought up her sister's son Mūlarāja with lot of affection and fondness. When Mūlarāja came of age for studies, Sāmanta Siṃha arranged all education and training fit for a prince for Mūlarāja by expert teachers. Entering the youth, Mūlarāja started assisting his maternal uncle Sāmantasinha in discharging his royal duties. Entering the young age, Mūlarāja stated expanding the borders of Anhillapura Pāṭaṇa by his brave and courageous acts. The news of his bravery started spreading everywhere.
Sāmantasinha used to be intoxicated every night. He was filled with joy due to the expansion of his empire by his sister's son Mūlarāja in a very young age. While intoxicated, he would make Mūlarāja sit on the throne and used to say, 'Son! From today you are the king of this empire. I give this entire empire to you.'
However when the effect of alcohol subsided, then Sāmanta Siṃha would hold hand of Mūlarāja and bring him down from the throne and in an insulting tone said before his servants 'Go away from here. You wish to be king. A child brought up on my dole is thinking on my throne.'
Sāmanta Siṃha used to repeat this every day. Immediately on getting intoxicated, he would make Mūlarāja sit on the throne. He used to address him as Great emperor and showered all honours on him. He used to say to his ministers, family and others, 'This emperor is your lord. Please carry out all of his orders.'
When the effect of alcohol subsided, Sāmanta Siṃha would address him in a hateful manner and insulted him. This daily routine of Sāmanta Siṃha became known everywhere. The words 'Naśāmā rājadāna, sādā māṃdhakkā'
Self-conscious Mūlarāja tried to escape from such insulting routine many times. But intoxicated Sāmanta Siṃha would touch his feet, show affection and even took vows that once seated on the throne; he would never ask Mūlarāja to step down. He would never insult Mūlarāja. But all the vows and promised used to disappear in a moment.
This was the daily routine of Sāmanta Siṃha at night. The day when Mūlarāja used to return from a victory mission, then the ferocity of Sāmanta Siṃha's dastardly act used to become severest. Mūlarāja was deeply pained at the ridiculous and insulting behaviour of his maternal uncle every night. On the other hand, all the ministers, elders and subjects were completely impressed by the bravery and victory missions of Mūlarāja. This was the reason that Mūlarāja became very popular in a very short time. Devotion to him had been deeply engrained in every one's mind. Also everyone was also deeply pained at the insulting behaviour of Sāmanta Siṃha towards their favourite Mūlarāja. This behaviour of Sāmanta Siṃha was ridiculed a lot by his subjects. As a result, well-wishers of Mūlarāja and Mūlarāja himself decided firmly to end this ridiculous affair permanently.
As always, intoxicated Sāmanta Siṃha, on Āsādha Śukla full moon night, made Mūlarāja sit on his throne in a ceremonial manner. He himself exclaimed 'Hail Mūlarāja the emperor of Anhillapura Pāṭaṇa.
For some time he kept on standing like an obedient feud, in front of Mūlarāja with folded hands.' Intoxicated Sāmanta Siṃhas completed the entire routine of his giving the kingdom. But when at midnight the routine of insulting Mūlarāja was on his mind and as he tried to push Mūlarāja from the throne; the faithful soldiers of Mūlarāja entered the room and took Sāmanta Siṃha as a prisoner. As pre planned, in the early morning next day, ministers, and soldiers and respectable elders all formally and ceremoniously anointed Mūlarāja to the throne of Anhillapura Pāṭaṇa. In this way Mūlarāja Solaṃkī in Vikram 998 took over the empire of Anhillapura Pāṭaṇaestablished by Vanarāja Cāvaḍā of Cāpotkaṭa dynasty in Vikram 802. Mūlarāja Solaṃkī was the founder of Solaṃkī (Cālukya) dynasty.
Considering the historical facts, it can be said that Cāpotkaṭa king did not at his own sweet will and peacefully give his rule to Mūlarāja. But Mūlarāja with his own mental and physical capabilities acquired the empire forcefully.
According to writings in 'Prabaṃdha Ciṃtāmaṇi' and other clear facts, it is apparent that Mūlarāja started expanding Pāṭaṇa Empire even before he was anointed to the throne.
Immediately after Mūlarāja ascended to the throne, King Vigraharāja of Śākambhari Sapādalakṣa with a large army attacked Mūlarāja. At the same time, powerful ruler of Lāṭa and Western Cālukya lineage king Barapā (father of Yogirāja) also attacked Pāṭaṇa. According to writings of Pṛthvirāja, as per the advice of his ministers, Mūlarāja took shelter in Kuṃthā fort. According to Merutuṃga, the ministers told Mūlarāja that Śākambhari ruler will return to Śākambhari for performing the Āświna navarātra worship rituals of his venerated goddess. On his return Mūlarāja should get out of the fort and attack Lāṭarāja.
Śākambhari ruler somehow got this news and he had the idol of his venerable goddess brought from Śākambhari to his army camp and decided to consecrate the idol there in the camp itself and worship.
Mūlarāja also came to know that Vigraharāja will not return to Śākambhari. So he ordered his 4000 armed men to surround (and be alert) the Vigraharāja's army camp in disguise and at some distance.
After issuing such orders to his faithful soldiers, mounted on a female camel with a capacity to run non-stop for hundred kosa (each kosa approximately equal to two miles), Mūlarāja alone entered the army camp of Vigraharāja and force landed in front of him. He told Vigraharāja, 'I am Mūlarāja. I have come here to tell you not to even have a look towards my capital Pāṭaṇa till I defeat Lāṭarāja. If it is acceptable to you then there is no problem, else my army is surrounding your army camp and await my instructions.
Vigraharāja said in utter surprise, 'You are Mūlarāja. I admire you and have fallen in praise of your unique bravery. Even after being the ruler of a region, like an ordinary soldier you have entered the army camp of the enemy alone. Seeing your brave act, I have become anxious to have friendship with you throughout my life. Please come & have food with me'
Mūlarāja turned down the offer of food and said, 'I have to immediately attack the army of Lāṭarāja.' He then immediately mounted on his female camel. Advancing at a quick speed towards the army of Lāṭarāja Barapā, he launched a massive attack on him. Destroying the enemy's army, Mūlarāja advanced towards Lāṭarāja and killed Lāṭarāja with one forceful attack by his stick causing the head of Lāṭarāja fall on the ground. After defeating the army of Lāṭarāja, Mūlarāja took his enemy's army of 10000 horses and walking soldiers towards Pāṭaṇa.
On hearing the news of the victory of Mūlarāja, Vigraharāja returned to his capitol with his army.
After making his army stronger, Mūlarāja with a grand and powerful army, on Vijaya Daśami day departed from Pāṭaṇa to attack Saurāṣṭra ruler Grāhaṛṣi (Grāharāja). When Mūlarāja reached the forests of Jambumālī, at that time Grāhaṛṣi sent his messenger to him and said, 'There is no animosity between him and Mūlarāja. Hence Mūlarāja should return to his capital.' Mūlarāja sent his messenger back to him with the message 'Grāhaṛṣi is a man who is very wicked, of bad conduct and have an evil eye of others women. He loots the pilgrims and kills the grazing cows and helpless animal on Ujjayanta hill. He has destroyed a holy place like Prabhāsa. He does all such wicked and ill-conceived act as he was born to a characterless mother. Under such circumstances, he cannot be forgiven.'
On having his treaty being turned down, Grāhaṛṣi started preparing for war. Mūlarāja attacked him. Many rulers participated in the war in favour of either ruler. In this long drawn and destructive war, a large number of armed forces of Grāhaṛṣi and his supporter were killed and the remaining forces started leaving the battle ground and take shelter at other places. In the end Mūlarāja won the war and he established his rule over the entire Saurāṣṭra region.
King of Kaccha Pradesa, Lakṣa, who was a very powerful ruler of his time and exclusive friend of Grāhaṛṣi told Mūlarāja to free Grāhaṛṣi from his prison. But Mūlarāja turned his request saying that Grāhaṛṣi is wicked, of bad conduct, cruel and ate beef. Hence he could not be freed under any circumstances.
On having his offer turned down by Mūlarāja, Lakṣa started preparing and declared war on Mūlarāja. Both parties fought a fierce battle. In the end Mūlarāja with one blow of his stick killed Lakṣa and razed his head to ground. At the death of Lakṣa, his mother cursed Mūlarāja that he and his heirs would suffer from leprosy in the last part of their lives. In this way, Mūlarāja established his rule over both Saurāṣṭra and Kaccha and the old glory of his unified Pāṭaṇa Empire. During the rule of Mūlarāja, entire Gujarat made all round progress. He made significant reduction in state taxes and improved the financial condition of the farmers. Mūlarāja was a faithful devotee of Siva and had feeling of equanimity towards all religions. In Anhillapura Pāṭaṇa, he built 'Mūlarāja Vasahi' for Jains and demonstrated his good feeling towards them. In the court of Mūlarāja, influential poet Someśwara was a respected scholar. By having him, Mūlarāja demonstrated his love for literature and poetry.
Mūlarāja laid the foundation of such a powerful empire that his successors for several generations would not face any problem and they were fully capable of defending their motherland from external aggression also.
Bhīma, Durlabharāja, Kumārapāla and other rulers of Solaṃkī dynasty and empire established by Mūlarāja showed exemplary and affectionate feelings towards Jainism and contributed to its existence and progress. Their contributions would always be remembered in the history of Jainism.
Mūlarāja anointed his son Cāmuṃdarāja as his heir immediately after he completed his education and got him involved in administrative affairs under his supervision and made him an expert therein. In the end he anointed Cāmuṃdarāja as ruler and relieved himself from royal duties.
In the end, after seeing the growth of leprosy in the rear part of his feet, he developed detachment from worldly affairs. He accepted mental renunciation and started observing fasting. He died practicing pious death rituals.
In this way founder of the grand Anhillapura Pāṭaṇa empire, emperor Mūlarāja after establishing a long term dynasty and making Gujarat prosperous and powerful died at the age of 55 in Vikram 1053.
