Acharya Nemichandra Siddhant Chakravarti

Nemichandra Siddhanta Chakravarti lived around the 10th century and was a contemporary of Chamundaraya. He served as Chamundaraya’s spiritual guide and mentor. When Chamundaraya visited Shravanabelagola for the installation of the statue of Gomateshwara Bahubali, Acharya Nemichandra was there and inspired and guided the construction. He also resolved Chamundaraya’s religious and philosophical doubts.

After the installation of the Bahubali statue, Nemichandra was the first to compose a Prakrit poem called “Gommata Stuti,” which praised the beauty and personality of Gomateshwara Bahubali. At Chamundaraya’s request, Nemichandra became the first head of the spiritual seat established by Chamundaraya and started the tradition of the monastery.

Nemichandra also wrote the great work “Gommatasara” (Essence of the Soul) in response to Chamundaraya’s questions about Jainism’s karma theory and other spiritual matters. His deep affection for Chamundaraya is evident in these works. He also authored many other texts, including “Dravya Samgraha.” However, not much is known about Nemichandra’s childhood or life in detail.