Acharya Maantung (Māntunga Āchārya)
Biographical Introduction:
Acharya Maantung is renowned as a poet of devotional Jain literature. He is most famous for the Bhaktāmara Stotra, which is equally revered in both Digambara and Śvetāmbara Jain sects.
His stotra became so popular that entire compositions have been written on each individual verse and line of it.
He was the son of Dhanadeva and hailed from Kāśī (Varanasi).
Historians place him in the late 6th century or early 7th century CE, possibly as a contemporary of Emperor Harshavardhana or King Bhoja. Eminent scholar Pandit Nathuram Premi also supports this dating.
Famous Legend:
One widely known story recounts:
In the city of Ujjain, ruled by King Bhoja, Acharya Maantung was summoned to the royal court for a scriptural debate (śāstrārtha). Following strict Digambara monastic principles, he refused.
Despite repeated requests, the Acharya did not appear at court. Eventually, soldiers forcibly brought him to the palace.
Considering this against the vow of monkhood, the Acharya remained silent and entered deep meditation.
Offended by the silence, courtiers mocked him, and the king had him chained and imprisoned in a cell with 48 locked doors.
After three days, Acharya Maantung composed the Bhaktāmara Stotra. As he recited each of the 48 verses, one door unlocked with each verse. Chains broke, doors opened miraculously, and eventually, he walked freely into the court.
The radiance of his ascetic presence humbled the king, who bowed in reverence, apologized, praised the Acharya, and became a devout supporter of Jainism in his kingdom.
Major Works:
1. Bhaktāmara Stotra
- Comprises 48 verses written in Vasantatilakā metre.
- It is a devotional hymn praising Lord Ṛṣabhanātha (Adinātha).
- Also called Ādinātha Stotra.
- The work blends devotion (bhakti), philosophy (darśana), and poetic beauty (kāvya) into a spiritual masterpiece.
2. Bhayahara Stotra
- A Prakrit composition with 21 verses.
- Dedicated to Lord Pārśvanātha, the 23rd Tirthankara.
- The title means “Remover of Fear.”