Acharya Dharsen
Biographical Introduction:
Acharya Dharsen, known as Munipungava (foremost among monks), resided in Chandragupha cave located in Girinagar of the Saurashtra region. He was a distinguished scholar with profound knowledge of Jain canonical scriptures (Siddhanta texts). His knowledge of the Agamas was passed down to him through a lineage of Jain Acharyas. A towering intellectual figure of his time, Acharya Dharsen was deeply committed to preserving the sacred teachings.
Motivated by preaching compassion (pravachana-vatsalya) and a concern for the preservation of scriptural knowledge, he sent a letter to the Acharyas in the southern region of India (Dakshinapatha). In the letter, he expressed his desire that worthy disciples come to him to study the Pattakhandagama (a section of the Agamas).
Responding to this call, two Acharyas from Andhra Pradesh were sent to him by the southern Acharyas. Upon reaching him, these two disciples respectfully circumambulated him three times and offered salutations at his feet. Acharya Dharsen first tested their knowledge, and after they passed, he imparted to them the teachings of the Siddhanta (core doctrines).
Sensing that his end was near, Acharya Dharsen concluded the teachings, bid his disciples farewell, and peacefully renounced his body through samadhi (a meditative and conscious death).
Acharya Dharsen was an authority on both the Karma doctrine and Siddhanta philosophy. He was an accomplished teacher, a revered Acharya, and a master of many scriptures. He also had knowledge of mantras, tantras, and esoteric disciplines. Skilled in writing, preaching, and teaching, he was adept in the question-answer style of instruction, solving doubts through logical explanation. He excelled at presenting complex subjects concisely and was an expert in the arts of teaching, contemplation, and spiritual guidance.
Based on the Prakrit Pattavali and the text Shrutavatar by Indranandi, the period of Acharya Dharsen is estimated to be around 600 years after the nirvana of Lord Mahavira, which places him in the 1st century CE.
Introduction to His Work:
Acharya Dharsen authored a single known text:
Yoni-pahuda (Yoni-prabhrita):
This is the only surviving work of Acharya Dharsen. The Yoni-pahuda discusses the mystical powers of mantras and tantras (esoteric rituals and sacred sounds). This ancient scripture is preserved in the manuscript collection of the Research Institute, Pune, and was recently published by the Indian Knowledge Organization (Bharatiya Jnanpith).