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Acharya Shri VidyasagarJi, Maharaj (Oct 10, 1946 - Feb 18, 2024) was a revered Digambara Jain Acharyaknown for his scholarship, profound tapasya (austerity), and spiritual leadership. He was known for his long hours in meditation. Born in Belgaum, Karnataka, his early years were marked by a deep spiritual inclination. He took diksha (vows of monkhood) in Ajmer, Rajasthan as a Digambara monk in 1968 at the young age of 22 under the guidance of Acharya GyansagarJi Maharaj, who belonged to the lineage of Acharya ShantisagarJi Maharaj. This was the beginning of a remarkable journey dedicated to the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. VidyasagarJi Maharaj was elevated to the Acharya status in 1972.
Acharya VidyasagarJi was instrumental in guiding and training hundreds of monks and religious disciples, serving as a beacon of inspiration to millions of followers across India and the world. The number of monks (munis) and nuns (āryikas) initiated and directed by him exceeds five hundred (130+ Digambar Muni Dishka, 170+ Aryikas, and numerous Ailaks & Kshulaks). They travel and sermonize in more than 60 locations in India during Chaturmas, spanning from Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Haryana, Karnataka, etc. Acharya VidyasagarJi generally spent much of his time in the Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh, where he is credited with bringing about a revival in educational and religious activities.
Acharya VidyasagarJi Maharaj adhered to very strict rules for his ascetic life. He abstained from consuming salt, sugar, fruits, green vegetables, milk, yogurt, oil, and ghee, in addition to avoiding root vegetables, as traditionally prohibited for Jain Munis. His daily routine included a single meal, given by Jain Shravaks, typically around 9:30 am to 10:00 am. During this meal, he stood upright and consumed plain dal and roti in very limited quantities, taking each morsel in the palm of his hand. He also drank water just once a day during his meal, by filling it in the palm of his hands. Most of his time was devoted to deep meditation, studying religious scriptures, instructing the monks in his Sangh, delivering public sermons, and journeying barefoot to the next destination. He typically slept for less than 3 hours per day.
Acharya VidyasagarJi traveled extensively across the country barefoot, adhering to the Digambara tradition by traveling nude. He would sleep on a wooden platform or directly on the floor without any cover or protection, regardless of the prevailing weather conditions - heat, cold or rain. During discourses, he would be provided with a raised wooden seat devoid of any padding. As per the traditional practices of Digambara Jain monks, Acharya VidyasagarJi never stayed in one location for more than a few days, except during the four months of the rainy season (Chaturmas). He never disclosed his next destination, although people often speculated about it.
The fiftieth anniversary of his diksha was celebrated in numerous cities across India and around the world with religious parades and festivities in July 2018. To mark this significant occasion, commemorative columns (Swarna Kirti Stambha) were erected in numerous temples and tirths throughout India.
Acharya Shree was a highly revered spiritual leader whose life exemplified the core tenets of Jainism, guiding countless individuals worldwide. His extensive knowledge, unwavering discipline, literary contributions, and compassionate nature have profoundly impacted all who were fortunate enough to receive his guidance and blessings.
Throughout his life, Acharya VidyasagarJi devoted himself to the study and application of Jain scriptures and philosophy. Proficient in languages such as Sanskrit, Kannada, Prakrit, Marathi, Hindi, and English, his scholarly works greatly enriched Jain literature with insightful commentaries, poetry, and spiritual writings. Among his notable works are Niranjana Shataka, Bhavana Shataka, Parishah Jaya Shataka, Suniti Shataka, and Shramana Shataka. Additionally, he authored the epic poem MookMati, which has been incorporated into the syllabi of Hindi MA programs at various institutions.
Some of his disciples have become well-known scholars in their own right, such as Muni SudhasagarJi, Muni PramansagarJi, and Muni KshamasagarJi, the latter of whom attained samadhi in 2015.
He served as a guiding light whose teachings transcended barriers of religion and culture. His tireless efforts to spread the message of Jainism enriched the lives of many, advocating for righteousness, non-violence, and spiritual enlightenment. Acharya VidyasagarJi tirelessly worked to promote Jain philosophy, championing social equity, and emphasizing the intrinsic harmony between humanity and nature.
Although he has departed from us, his profound teachings and enduring legacy will continue to inspire compassion and enlightenment for generations to come. His influence is evident in various initiatives such as the Kundalpur Temple - Bade Baba, Sidhhodaya at Nemavar, Panchbalayati at Ramtek, Sarvodya at Amarkantak, and Trikal Chaubisi at Dongargarh and many more temples and tirths across India.
Under his guidance, numerous other endeavors like Dayodya Mahasangh, comprising over 100 cowsheds, Hathkargha, promoting handloom cottage industry, and Pratibhasthali to preserve culture, sacraments and religious ordinations, based on Gurukul system girls boarding school have been established.
Many government officials across India, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, paid their respects (Sharadhnajali) and observed moments of silence upon hearing the news of Acharya VidyasagarJi Maharaj's passing. They also wrote articles eulogizing his life and contributions.
Prime Minster Narendra Modi emotional Shradhanjali of Acharya VidyasagarJi Maharaj at the BJP National Convention > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcP-DIX-QSA
Prime Minster Narendra Modi article on Acharya VidyasagarJi Maharaj > https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/acharya-vidhyasagar-maharaj-a-triveni-of-wisdom-compassion-service/articleshow/107862314.cms
Om Shanti!
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