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Acharya Brahmadevji

चिदानंदेक रूपाय जिनाय परमात्मने,​

परमात्म प्रकाशाय, नित्यं सिद्धात्मने नमः ||​

~ Manglacharan of Shri Parmatmaprakash Tika, by Acharya Brahmadevji 🙏🏻

"Acharya Brahmadevji", a great name that is revered in the world of spiritual (Adhyatma) literature; was a great Digamber Jain Saint who composed various scriptures in both Nishchay (Absolute aspect representing truth) and Vyavhaar (Relative aspect representing truth) areas; in all 4 Anuyogas - clearly depicting the importance to know and follow both. This versatility in knowledge is unparalleled and we are truly indebted to what Acharyadev has given to us.

Bharat Kshetra

About​

According to the opinions of various Jain Scholars; because of being adamant in following "Brahmacharya" (Celibacy), Acharyadev was entitled with name "Brahma". He was a celibate from childhood and his name was "Devji" (Some scholars believe his name was "Brahmadevji" by birth itself).

Though there is no direct mention of the time in any of his works, but based on various references and scriptures; it is found that Acharyadev purified the land of India at the end of 11th Century A.D.

Acharya Paramapara​

  • In Bruhad-dravyasangrah, Acharyadev has mentioned Panchnamaskarmahatma granth, which is written by Acharya Shri Sinhnandi. So, we can assume that Acharyadev was born after Acharya Shri Sinhnandi.

  • Acharya Shubhchandra, in his Swamikartikeya Anupreksha Tika has mentioned verses from Bruhad-dravyasangrah numerous times. This tells us Acharyadev's time was before Acharya Shubhchandra.

  • From the Bruhadsangrah tika, it is clear that Acharyadev,Nemichandra Siddhantidev and King Bhoj existed in similar time frame i.e. 11th Century.

Works​

The Prakrit Tikas (commentary) of Acharya Kundkund, which were written by Acharya Jaysen (7th) and the Tika on Bruhad-Dravyasangrah scripture composed by Acharya Brahmadevji have a lot of similarity in terms of writing style and explanation patterns between each other.

It might be possible that Acharya Jaysen must have got Acharya Brahmadevji's Bruhad-Dravyasangrah Tika. In fact, the language and writing between these two Acharya's is so similar that someone might doubt if both of them are the same person!

Today, there are a total of 9 granths (scriptures) available to us:

  1. Bruhad-dravyasangrah Tika
  2. Tatvadeepak
  3. Gyaandeepak
  4. Trivarnachardeepak
  5. Pratishthatilak
  6. Vivahpatal
  7. Kathakosh
  8. Parmatmaprakash Tika
  9. Kartikeyanupreksha Tika
info

In Jainism, there are two types of literature found:

  1. Aagam Literature:

    This literature consists of scientific and logical concepts of Jainism. Jain Cosmos (Teen lok), Karma Theory, Gunasthans, Nyay-granths (Syllogism), etc. They are sub-categorized into further 2 types:

    1. Siddhant Granths

      Eg. Shatkhandagam, Gommatsar, Triloksar, Kshapanasar, Labdhisar, etc.

    2. Nyay Granths

      Eg. Ashtsahastri, Prameykamalmartanda, Parikshamukh, nyaydipika etc.

  2. Adhyatma Literature

    This literature consists of spirituality, knowing our soul, 7 Tatvas & 6 Dravyas etc. and Dhyaan (meditation). They are sub-categorized into further 2 types:

    1. Bhaavna Granths:

      Eg. Samaysara, Niyamsara, Pravachansara, Parmatmaprakash, Yogsara etc.

    2. Dhyaan Granths:

      Eg. Gyaanarnav, Tatvanushasan, Dhyanastav etc.

'बृहद-द्रव्यसंग्रह टिका' के रचयिता आचार्य ब्रह्मदेवजीको कोटि कोटि वंदन