Acharya Pushpadanta and Acharya Bhutabali
Biographical Introduction:
The names of Acharya Pushpadanta and Acharya Bhutabali are often mentioned together, although Acharya Pushpadanta is considered the senior of the two. Both went to study the Shruta (Jain scriptures) under Acharya Dharasena, having previously been students of Acharya Arhadbali.
The time of Acharya Pushpadanta is estimated to be after 633 years of Lord Mahavira’s nirvana, placing him around the 1st to 2nd century CE. His lifespan is believed to have been around 30 years. His birthplace is believed to be near Karhat, which is identified today as Karhad town in the Satara district of Maharashtra. Due to his beautiful teeth, he was named "Pushpadanta" (literally, "flower-like teeth").
Acharya Pushpadanta was a disciple of Acharya Arhadbali. It was Arhadbali who sent both Pushpadanta and Bhutabali to Acharya Dharasena to gain in-depth knowledge of the Jain scriptures. Under Dharasena's guidance, they studied the Mahakarma-prakriti-prabhrita (a core Jain canonical text). Therefore, their initiation guru (Diksha Guru) was Arhadbali, and their scriptural teacher (Shiksha Guru) was Dharasena.
Talent and Contribution:
Acharya Pushpadanta was highly respected among his contemporaries, and due to his stature, he was known as the President of the Jain monastic assembly (Muni Samiti).
He is credited with beginning the composition of the famous Jain text — the Shatkhandagama, one of the most significant scriptures in the Digambara Jain tradition. Known for his intellect and literary skill, Acharya Pushpadanta began composing this foundational work and also taught his composition Jinalit (a scripture).
Sensing that his life would be short, he entrusted his fellow monk and spiritual brother, Acharya Bhutabali, with the task of completing the remaining part of the scripture.