Acharya Amritchandra – Life Introduction:
Among spiritual scholars, the name that is reverently mentioned after Acharya Kundkund is that of Acharya Amritchandra, because it was Acharya Amritchandra who refined and brought brilliance to the golden works of Acharya Kundkund. After a thousand years, he wrote commentaries on Acharya Kundkund’s scriptures and brought their grandeur before the world.
Acharya Amritchandra was a supremely spiritual saint, a profound metaphysical thinker, a poetic master of rasa (spiritual sentiment), a knower of truth (Tattvagyaani), and a successful commentator. His great personality was honoured with esteemed titles like Muneendra, Acharya, and Suri. Scholar Pandit Aashadharji respectfully referred to him as ‘Thakkura’.
His scholarship, eloquence, and lucid style are unparalleled. While his detailed life account is not found in any of his works, the brief autobiographical notes at the end of his commentaries reveal that he was a deeply detached and spiritual master. Acharya Amritchandra was a distinguished scholar of the 10th century Vikram Samvat (approximately 9th–10th century CE).
Literary Contributions:
Acharya Amritchandra’s works can be classified into two categories:
(A) Original Works:
- Purushartha Siddhi Upaya:
This is a scripture related to the conduct of householders (Shravakachaar), consisting of 226 verses in Arya metre. The first eight verses form an introductory section (utthaanika) which explains the nature of nischaya (absolute) and vyavahaar (practical) viewpoints, the soul as the doer and experiencer of karma, the essence of the soul, and the meaning of Purusharthasiddhyupaya.
The text is divided into five parts and beautifully explains the path of a householder along with the concepts of Right Faith (Samyak Darshan), Right Knowledge (Samyak Gyan), and Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra).
- Tattvartha Saar:
This independent work is based on the essence of Tattvartha Sutra by Acharya Umaswami (also known as Griddhapichchha Acharya). It contains 226 shlokas and elaborates the path of Right Faith, Knowledge, and Conduct along with the seven fundamental truths (Tattvas). It is divided into nine chapters (adhikaars).
(B) Commentarial Works:
- Samayasar Commentary – "Aatmakhyati":
Acharya Amritchandra’s commentary on Samayasar is known as Aatmakhyati. Written in lucid prose, instead of simply explaining each verse, he presents its deeper meaning in a refined literary style. The verse-style summaries of this commentary are also independently known as “Samayasar Kalash”.
- Pravachanasar Commentary – "Tattvapradeepika":
His commentary on Pravachanasar is called Tattvapradeepika, also written in a clear and fluid style. It reflects his spiritual sensitivity, deep personal experience of the soul, brilliant intellect, logical exposition of reality, and systematic presentation of nischay-vyavahar perspectives.
- Panchastikay Commentary – "Tattvadeepika":
Acharya Amritchandra also wrote a commentary on the 173 verses of Panchastikay, with the same depth and clarity as the above works. He has made every effort to expand and clarify the subject of Panchastikay through this work, titled Tattvadeepika.