जिनशासन के प्रभावक आचार्य अकलंक

Summary

The text discusses a specific verse used as a benediction in Jain inscriptions and texts, particularly in South India. This verse, which praises the Jain doctrine (Jinashasana) characterized by the profound Syadvada principle, was widely used from the 8th to the 12th century CE. It appears in numerous Jain inscriptions, with the earliest known example being from the Santara dynasty founder Jindattaraya, dated to around the mid-8th century. The verse's popularity extended beyond Jain records, being adopted in some non-Jain inscriptions with the substitution of "Shivashasanam" for "Jinashasanam." For a long time, the origin and author of this verse were unknown. It was eventually discovered to be the opening verse of the *Pramanasamgraha*, a work by the Jain scholar Akalanka. The text identifies this Akalanka as Akalankadeva (or Bhattakalankadeva) of the 7th-8th century CE, distinguishing him from later figures with the same name. He is credited with several important commentaries and independent works, including the *Tattvartharajavartika*, *Ashtashati*, *Laghiyastraya*, *Nyayavinishchaya*, *Siddhivinishchaya*, and the *Pramanasamgraha* itself. The text provides a list of later scholars and writers who referenced or were influenced by Akalanka, spanning from the 7th to the 13th century CE. These include figures like Jindasagani, Virasena, Haribhadrasuri, Vidyanandi, Somadevasuri, and Hemachandrasuri, among others. Many of these authors praised Akalanka's works, wrote commentaries on them, or acknowledged his influence on their own philosophical and logical writings. The list demonstrates Akalanka's significant and lasting impact on Jain intellectual tradition, particularly in the fields of logic and epistemology.