With great sadness, we announce the passing of Shri Sangh Sthavir Gachchadhipati Acharya Daulatsagar Surishwarji Maharaj, who attained Samadhi at 10.31 am on Sunday, 17th February 2024 in Pune, Maharashtra, reciting the Navkar Mahamantra. The death of this legendary monk was celebrated as a Mrityu Mahotsav. His Palkhi was taken to Katraj Agam Temple for Agni Sanskaar the next morning. 

A Life of Dedication and Inspiration

Acharya Bhagwant Shri Daulatsagar Surishwarji Maharaj, the revered spiritual leader and head of Sagar community, passed away at the venerable age of 103, completing his earthly journey and leaving behind a legacy that transcends time. Born into a Patel family, his spiritual odyssey began when he first heard the sacred Navkar Mantra at 14. His encounter with a Jain monk at 18 set the course for a life dedicated to the Jain faith. Renouncing worldly ties at 19, he embraced Diksha with unwavering devotion.

His early monastic life was marked by profound challenges, including opposition from his community. Undeterred, he sought refuge after Diksha initiation, walking 67 kilometers alone at night. With minimal knowledge of scriptures at the time of Diksha, he went on to memorize the entirety of the Jain scriptures, showcasing extraordinary intellect and commitment.

Acharya Bhagwant Shri Daulatsagar Surishwarji Maharaj's achievements are awe-inspiring. From memorizing numerous scriptures in remarkably short spans to performing the Varshi Tap and Kausagga, his spiritual feats exemplified unparalleled dedication and discipline. As the Gachhadhipati of the sect, he served as a beacon of wisdom and compassion, impacting the lives of more than 900 Jain monks and nuns under his guidance.



His passing is an immeasurable loss to the Jain community and the world, yet his teachings and legacy will endure. Acharya Bhagwant Shri Daulatsagar Surishwarji Maharaj's remarkable journey, from a non-Jain birth to becoming a revered Jain saint, remains an inspiration for generations to come. May his soul find Moksha, and may we carry forward the torch of his teachings with reverence and dedication.

Life Highlights and Achievements

Acharya Daulatsagar Surishwarji Maharaj, known for his extraordinary life and teachings, was born as Shankar into a Hindu Patel family in a village in Jetpur, Gujarat. His spiritual journey began at 14 when he heard the Namokar Mantra, and it deepened at 18 when he encountered Jain monks during the Chaturmas of Acharya Devendrasurishwarji. This encounter sparked the feelings of 'Vairagya' in him, leading him to renounce the worldly life and seek refuge with Acharya Anandsagar Suriji, where he was given Diksha.

Despite knowing only the Namokar Mantra & Karemi Bhante at the time of Diksha, he had an exceptional memory. Within days, he learned the Panch Pratikraman and Karma Granth, and in hours, he memorized the Nav Smaran, and Veetrag Stotra.

Acharya Daulatsagar Surishwarji Maharaj's life was marked by numerous achievements and acts of devotion. He established Aagam Mandirs, where all 45 Aagams were inscribed on copper plates, and Baarsa Sutra Mandirs. He read all 45 Aagams (70000 shlokas) more than 70 times and studied 6,75000 shlokas of Panchaangi Jinagam word to word 12 times. He performed the Jaap of 'Namo Arihantanam' padd 20 crore times and visited 119 Kalyanak Bhoomis on foot.

He has a record of longest time span of 84 years of Diksha life in current times. He is the only 3rd Gacchadhipati after Param Pujya (PP) Acharya Siddhisuriji and Param Pujya Acharya Bhadrasuriji to reach the milestone of 100 years.

He did 3 Chaturmaas in his Birthplace Jetpur, where not even a single Jain family resides. He influenced the Patels, Darbar, Thakurs and made them follow Jain dharma.

His commitment to Brahmacharya was exemplary, as he never looked at or spoke to anyone from the opposite gender. His life was a testament to his dedication to Jain dharma and his Guru, Acharya Devendrasagar Surishwarji.



Acharya Daulatsagar Surishwarji Maharaj's passing is a profound loss to the Jain community, but his teachings and life story continue to inspire countless people to this day.

Jaina appreciate assistance from Jain community members, Mital Lalan, a Jain scholar-Historian for this Memorial.