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Paryushan 2026 Shwetambar 8–15 Sept · Digambar Das Lakshan 15–24 Sept

Acharya

Acharya Mallavadin

Championed the Jain theory of standpoints

In short

Acharya Mallavadin wrote the Nayacakra, an intricate Sanskrit treatise on the Jain theory of naya, or partial standpoints on truth. Tradition credits him with a decisive dialectical victory over rival Buddhist logicians of his day.

At a glance

Rank
Acharya
Tradition
Shwetambar
Era
5th–6th century CE
Key works
  • Nayacakra (Dvadasaranayacakra)

Contribution

Mallavadin authored the Nayacakra, an intricate Sanskrit treatise structured around the Jain theory of naya (partial standpoints on truth). Tradition credits him with a decisive dialectical victory over rival Buddhist logicians of his day.

Life

Very little independent biography survives beyond his reputation as a formidable debater; his own commentary on Siddhasena's Sanmatitarka has not survived.

Legacy

The Nayacakra was influential enough to receive its own major commentary, the Nyayagamanusarini, written later by Simhasuri.

Very little independent biographical record survives for this figure; treat the life details as tradition, not established history.

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