Muni Padmaprabh Maldhari Dev (Late 11th–12th Century CE)
Biographical Introduction:
- Muni Padmaprabh was a prominent disciple of Veernandi Vratindra, a scholar of the Kundakund Mula Sangha, Pustakagaccha, and Deshiya Gana traditions.
- The title “Maldhari” was commonly used as an honorific among several prominent Jain monks, including him.
- In his writings, he described himself using these terms:
- Sukavi-jan-payojamitra – an inspirer of great poets,
- Panchendriya-prasara-varjita – free from indulgence in the five senses,
- Gatra-matra-parigrahi – possessing only his body, i.e., a true Digambara monk.
His time is estimated to be before 1103 CE, though some sources place him within the 12th century CE.
📚 Literary Contributions:
1. Tatparya Vritti (on Niyamasara)
- A Sanskrit commentary on Acharya Kundakund’s Niyamasara.
- In this work, he:
- Quotes various scholars and their views with proper attribution.
- Composes his own poetic verses to summarize or conclude discussions.
- His commentary provides a clear and thoughtful exposition of the text.
2. Parshvanath Stotra
- A hymn of 9 verses dedicated to Tirthankara Parshvanath.
- It praises the inner (antaranga) and outer (bahiranga) qualities of Parshvanath.
- Discusses the past lives of Marubhuti and Kamatha, connecting them to Parshvanath’s story.