प्रकाशकीय

Summary

This special issue of the research journal *Jain Vidya* is dedicated to Acharya Akalankadeva, a formidable logician and philosopher of the Jain tradition. Active in the late 8th century (720–780 CE), Akalankadeva established the principles of Jain philosophy through rigorous debates and critical examinations with proponents of all contemporary philosophical schools. He authored significant commentaries, including the *Ashtashati* on Acharya Samantabhadra’s *Devagama Stotra* and the *Tattvarthavartika* on Acharya Umaswami’s *Tattvarthasutra*. His original works, such as *Laghiyastraya*, *Nyayavinishchaya*, *Pramana Sangraha*, and *Siddhivinishchaya*, constructed a grand edifice of Jain logic. Akalankadeva is especially renowned in the Jain logical world for his epistemology, or *pramana-mimamsa*. Later acharyas have respectfully remembered him in their eulogies, and numerous inscriptions are adorned with his titles. The publication expresses gratitude to all scholars who contributed their writings to this issue, as well as to the editor, editorial board members, associate editors, and the managing committee of the Digambar Jain Atishay Kshetra Shri Mahavirji, including President Naresh Kumar Sethi and Minister Prakashchandra Jain.