In short
Acharya Hemchandracharya was a 12th-century Shwetambar polymath honoured as Kalikala Sarvajna, "the all-knowing of the present age". He wrote authoritative works across grammar, poetics, history and law, and his counsel shaped the Gujarat court's policy toward Jainism. He is still honoured as the father of the Gujarati language.
At a glance
- Also known as
- born Changadeva
- Rank
- Acharya
- Tradition
- Shwetambar
- Stream
- Murtipujak
- Era
- 12th century CE, c. 1088–1173
- Key works
-
- Siddha-Hema-Shabdanushasana
- Yogashastra
- Trishashtishalakapurushacharita
Contribution
A true polymath, Hemchandracharya wrote authoritative works across grammar, poetics, history, mathematics, law and yoga. He held deep influence over the Chaulukya court, and his counsel is credited with shaping King Kumarapala's policies toward Jainism.
Life
Born Changadeva to a Vaishnava father and Jain mother in Dhandhuka, Gujarat, he was recognised as an exceptionally gifted child by the monk Devchandra, who — with his mother's reluctant blessing — initiated him as Somachandra before he later took the name Hemachandra as acharya.
Legacy
Still honoured as the father of the Gujarati language; his 900th birth anniversary was marked with celebrations worldwide in 1989.