Saint Scholar Pujyapāda as Recounted by Poet Devacandra
By S. A. Srimandhar Kumar
Summary
1. This biographical account, based on Devacandra’s Pūjyapāda Carite, narrates the life of Pujyapāda (Devanandi), a revered Jain saint and scholar from 4th-century Karnataka. 2. Birth and Early Life: Born in 378 C.E. to a Brahmin couple, Madhava Bhaṭṭa and Śrīdevī, Pujyapāda's birth was preceded by auspicious dreams. Though born in a Brahmin family, his parents temporarily adopted Jain practices, leading to his spiritual upbringing. 3. Education and Renunciation: Exceptionally gifted, he mastered the 64 arts including Jain scriptures, logic, mathematics, and medicine. Despite parental resistance, he embraced monkhood and chose a hill near Kollegala (later called Kanakagiri) for penance. 4. Spiritual Journey: He traveled to sacred Jain sites and East Videha to study advanced texts like Siddhāntasāra and Āgamasāra. He also completed grammatical works begun by his maternal uncle Pāṇinyācārya. 5. Legacy: Pujyapāda was known by both names—Devanandi and Pujyapāda—and is cited in multiple Jain literary works across centuries. He is credited with 16 influential works, including Sarvārthasiddhi, Jainendra Vyākaraṇa, and Iṣṭopadeśa.
Conclusion
Pujyapāda, also known as Devanandi, was a remarkable Jain scholar and ascetic of 4th-century Karnataka. Renowned for his spiritual discipline, literary mastery, and philosophical depth, he left a lasting legacy through his works and teachings. His life, as recounted by poet Devacandra, exemplifies the ideal of intellectual brilliance rooted in deep spiritual commitment.