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Acharya Vidyasagar

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Acharya Vidyasagar (10 October 1946 – 18 February 2024) was an influential Indian Digambara Jain acharya (monk), credited with having brought about a revival in educational and religious activities in Digambara Jainism.[1] He wrote the epic Hindi poem Mukamati.

Acharya
Vidyasagar
Personal
Born
Vidyadhar

(1946-10-10)10 October 1946
Sadalga, Belgaum district, Mysuru State, British India
Died18 February 2024(2024-02-18) (aged 77)
Chandragiri, Rajnandgaon district, Chhattisgarh, India
Resting placeChandragiri, Dongargarh, India
ReligionJainism
Parents
  • Mallappa (father)
  • Shrimanti (mother)
SectDigambara
Notable work(s)Mukamati (silent soil)
Religious career
PredecessorMuni Gyansagar
SuccessorMuni Samaysagar
Disciples
Initiation30 June 1968
Ajmer
by Acharya Gyansagar
Websitevidyasagar.guru

Early life

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Vidyasagar was born on 10 October 1946 during the full moon festival (Sharad Purnima) in Sadalga, in the Belgaum district, of Karnataka in a Kannada-speaking Jain family. The modest house where he was born, is now a temple and a museum.[2]

His childhood name was Vidyadhar.[3] He was the second of four sons, the eldest son being Mahavira Ashtage and the younger ones Anantanath and Shantinath.[4] As a child, he was fond of eating fresh butter which was used to make ghee (clarified butter).[5] He was not a demanding child and accepted what was given to him.[6] Vidyadhar used to visit temples and teach his younger siblings the principles of religion.[7] He called both younger sisters "Akka" (elder sister). He was attentive and was eager to undertake his studies. In his spare time he used to paint.[8]

Initiation

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Vidyasagar was initiated as a Digambara monk in 1968 at the age of 22 by Acharya Gyansagar, who belonged to the lineage of Acharya Shantisagar, at Ajmer.[9] His father Mallappa, his mother Shrimati, and two sisters took diksha and joined the sangha (community of the pious) of Acharya Dharmasagar.[10] All of his brothers, Anantanath, Shantinath and Mahavir Ashtage followed him and were initiated by Acharya Vidyasagar as Muni Yog Sagar. Muni Samay Sagar, and Muni Utkrasht Sagar respectively.[11]

He was elevated to the Acharya status in 1972.[12]

Ascetic life

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Acharya Vidyasagar made very strict rules for his ascetic life. He never drank milk. He also did not consume curd, green vegetables, ghee and dry fruits. He also drank water only once a day by filling it with his palm and finger. He used to eat very limited quantity of plain dal and roti. He travelled across the country on barefoot.[13]

The Acharya did not eat salt, sugar, fruits, milk, oil, ghee, in addition to what is traditionally prohibited (root vegetable and Panchudambar fal). He went out for a meal at about 9:30 a.m.–10:00 a.m. from Śrāvakas (lay votaries). He took food once a day in the palm of his hand, one morsel at a time.[14]

Vidyasagar slept on the floor or a wooden platform without any mattress or pillow. As a Digambar monk, for discourses he was provided a raised wooden seat withough any padding.[citation needed]

Public activities

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Travels

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Acharya Vidyasagar leading his sangha during his vihara, passers-by kneel in reverence

As a traditional Digambara Jain monk, Acharya Vidyasagar never stayed in a single location for more than a few days, except for the four months of the rainy season (Chaturmas). He never declared where he would be next, although people tried to guess his next destination.[15][16] After his initiation in 1968 he had: seven Chaturmas in Rajasthan (1968–74); one in Uttar Pradesh (1974); seven in Madhya Pradesh (1976–1982); one in Jharkhand (1983); nine in Madhya Pradesh again (1984–1992); two in Maharashtra (1993–94); one in Madhya Pradesh (1995); one in Gujarat (1996); 11 again in Madhya Pradesh (1997–2007); one again in Maharashtra (2008); and eight again in Madhya Pradesh (2009–2016).[17]

Official visits

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He was visited by Indian government officials, including Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 1999,[18] Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2016,[19] Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia in 2016,[20] Union Minister Uma Bharati in 2018,[21] Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Digvijay Singh in 2018, Congress State President Kamal Nath in 2019,[22] Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath in 2018,[23] Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in 2019,[24] Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in 2019,[25] Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Kamal Nath in 2020,[26] and Prime Minister Narendra Modi again in 2023.[27]

On 28 July 2016, he gave a religious speech (pravachana) in the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly by invitation from Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.[28][29]

 
Inscription on a Parshvanath idol at Orchha mentioning the lineage of Acharya Vidyasagar from Acharya Shantisagar. He is termed anasakta yogi, jyeshtha, shreshtha, sant shiromani

He was also privately visited by American ambassador Kenneth Juster in 2018[30] and by French diplomat Alexandre Ziegler.[31][32]

Education

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Acharya Vidyasagar opened a chain of schools for girls under the name Pratibhasthali Gyanodaya Vidhyapeeth.

Celebrations

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The fiftieth anniversary of his diksha was celebrated in many cities in India with parades and festivities in July 2018.[33] On this occasion, commemorative columns (Swarna Kirti Stambha) were erected in Ajmer,[34][35] Rewa,[36] Sravanbelgola and other locations.[37]

Works

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Acharya VidyasagaraJi was a scholar of Sanskrit and Prakrit and knew several languages including Hindi, Kannada, Marathi and English.[38] He wrote in languages such as Prakrit, Sanskrit, and Hindi. His works include Niranjana Shataka, Bhavana Shataka, Parishah Jaya Shataka, Suniti Shataka and Shramana Shataka.[39]

He composed nearly 700 haiku poems which are unpublished.[40][41][42]

He wrote the Hindi epic poem titled Mukamati.[12][43] This has been included in the syllabus of Hindi MA programmes at various institutions.[44] This has been translated into English by Lal Chandra Jain and was presented to Pratibha Patil, the President of India.[43][45][46]

Death

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Acharya Vidyasagar died in Dongargarh on 18 February 2024 at the age of 77, after three days of fast (sallekhana).[47][48] Before his death, he nominated Muni Samaysagar as his successor on 6 February 2024.

Reactions

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PM Modi with Acharya Vidyasagar, Nov 2023

His death met with formal condolences from the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi who wrote: "He [Acharya Vidyasagar] will be remembered by the coming generations for his invaluable contributions to society, especially his efforts towards spiritual awakening among people, his work towards poverty alleviation, healthcare, education and more."[49] Modi also wrote an article about Vidyasagar's impact on the society.[50] Condolences were sent also by the Governor and Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.[51] A one-minute silence was observed at the BJP's National Convention 2024 in Delhi.[52] The Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh Governments declared a half-day state mourning.[53]

Tradition

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Acharya Vidyasagar belongs to the tradition established by Acharya ShantisagarJi.[54] Acharya Shantisagar initiated Acharya Virasagar, who was then succeeded by Acharya Shivsagar, Acharya Gyansagar[55] and finally Acharya Vidyasagar.

Some of his disciples are well-known scholars in their own right. As of 2001, about 21% of all the Digambara monks were under Acharya Vidyasagar.[56] Muni Sudhasagar and Muni Pramansagar are also his disciples.[57] One of his best known disciples was Muni Kshamasagar who died in 2015.[58]

Acharya Pushadantasagar, the guru of Muni Tarun Sagar, was initiated as a kshullak (junior monk) by Acharya Vidyasagar, although he took muni diksha from Acharya Vimal Sagar. Upadhyaya Guptisagar took muni diksha in 1982 from Acharya Vidyasagar although he later joined the sangha (community) of Acharya Vidyanand.[59]

Acharya Vidyasagar has been a source of inspiration to the people for founding institutions for their welfare at different locations.[12] Since the number of monks (munis) and nuns (āryikas) initiated and directed by him exceeds two hundred (117 Digambar Muni, 172 Aryikas), they stay in more than 60 locations in India.[60] This ensures that only a few monks or nuns are staying in one place.

Acharya Vidyasagar gave carried out most Digambara monk initiations in the country, amounting to 505.[61]

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A documentary titled Vidyoday, directed by Vidhi Kasliwal,[62] was released on 25 November 2018 by Landmark Films.[63] The film had its first international screening at the Harrow Safari Cinema in London.[64]

See also

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References

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Notes

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  1. ^ Mishra, Neeraj (25 November 2002). "Aggressive movement to revive Jainism sweeps central India". India Today. Archived from the original on 25 September 2018. Retrieved 24 September 2018.
  2. ^ "कर्नाटक में जहां बचपन बिताया वह घर अब म्यूजियम, पुनीत जैन, Dainik Bhaskar, Oct 20, 2021". Archived from the original on 26 November 2021. Retrieved 26 November 2021.
  3. ^ Kshamasagar 2007, p. 23, 35.
  4. ^ Kshamasagar 2007, p. 34-35.
  5. ^ Kshamasagar 2007, p. 37.
  6. ^ Kshamasagar 2007, p. 40.
  7. ^ Kshamasagar 2007, p. 41-42.
  8. ^ Kshamasagar 2007, p. 42.
  9. ^ Kshamasagar 2007, p. 28.
  10. ^ Gita Jain 1978, pp. 8–14.
  11. ^ Kshamasagar 2007, p. 73.
  12. ^ a b c Natubhai Shah 1998, pp. 56–57.
  13. ^ "Ascetic Life".
  14. ^ "आचार्यश्री के आहारचर्या के लिए सजती हैं चौकियां, जानें किन चीजों को देख छोड़ देते हैं खाना, Patrika, 2016-06-05". 26 August 2014. Archived from the original on 27 March 2017. Retrieved 27 March 2017.
  15. ^ "दयोदय गौशाला पहुंचे आचार्यश्री, होली पर दिया यह संदेश, Patrika, 3/13/2017". 24 March 2017. Archived from the original on 27 March 2017. Retrieved 27 March 2017.
  16. ^ "आचार्य विद्यासागर जी का ससंघ प्रवेश आज, Bhaskar News Network, Jul 15, 2016". Archived from the original on 27 March 2017. Retrieved 27 March 2017.
  17. ^ "आचार्यश्री जी के चातुर्मास, September 28, 2017". Archived from the original on 14 February 2019. Retrieved 14 February 2019.
  18. ^ "Video : सन् 1999 में श्री अटल बिहारी वायपेयी जी ने गोम्मटगिरि इंदौर में आचार्यश्री के दर्शन किए थे". Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj | Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj Pravachan | Jain Religion in Hindi. Archived from the original on 3 May 2019. Retrieved 3 May 2019.
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  22. ^ "प्रदेश कांग्रेस अध्यक्ष कमलनाथ करेंगे आचार्यश्री के दर्शन". Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj | Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj Pravachan | Jain Religion in Hindi. Archived from the original on 11 October 2018. Retrieved 3 May 2019.
  23. ^ "आचार्य विद्यासागर जी महाराज को राजकीय अतिथि सम्मान, मुख्यमंत्री ने की घोषणा". patrika.com (in Hindi). Archived from the original on 26 November 2018. Retrieved 27 November 2018.
  24. ^ Singh, Chowkidar Rajnath (21 April 2019). "मध्य प्रदेश के चुनावी दौरे की व्यस्तताओं के बीच मुझे आज जैन मुनि, आचार्यश्री विद्यासागरजी महाराज के दर्शन का सौभाग्य मिला। आचार्यश्री के चरणों में कोटिश: नमन!pic.twitter.com/j4c5wPTn4N". @rajnathsingh (in Hindi). Archived from the original on 5 June 2019. Retrieved 22 April 2019.
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  27. ^ PM Modi Visits Dongargarh In Poll-Bound Chhattisgarh, Meets Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj
  28. ^ "देश के इतिहास को बनाए रखने के लिए पक्ष-विपक्ष साथ काम करें: आचार्यश्री", Rajasthan Patrika, 28 July 2016, archived from the original on 3 August 2016, retrieved 31 July 2016
  29. ^ "When Another Jain Monk Addressed A State Legislative Assembly And There Was No Controversy", The Huffington Post, 29 August 2016, archived from the original on 30 August 2016, retrieved 31 August 2016
  30. ^ "आचार्य विद्यासागर से प्रभावित हुए अमेरिकी राजदूत जस्टर; कहा- हफ्ते में एक दिन रहूंगा शाकाहारी". Dainik Bhaskar (in Hindi). Archived from the original on 4 December 2018. Retrieved 3 December 2018.
  31. ^ "खजुराहो में आचार्य विद्यासागर महाराज से आर्शीवाद लेने पहुंचे कमलनाथ, जबलपुर पहुंचे कांग्रेसजन news in hindi". palpalindia (in Hindi). Archived from the original on 3 May 2019. Retrieved 3 May 2019.
  32. ^ "French diplomat vows to turn vegetarian after meeting Jain muni - Times of India". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 9 November 2020. Retrieved 29 October 2018.
  33. ^ Vidyasagar Maharaj showed us the right path, say Jain devotees, TNN Jun 29, 2017
  34. ^ "अजमेर को मिला 71 फीट ऊंचा कीर्ति स्तंभ, Danik Bhaskar, Jul 01, 2018". Archived from the original on 26 September 2018. Retrieved 25 September 2018.
  35. ^ संयम स्वर्ण कीर्ति स्तम्भ : Amazing Architecture : Jain Temple In Ajmer, Rajasthan India, Jun 28, 2018
  36. ^ "Jain Samaj Founded 21 feet high sanyam kirti stambh in Rewa". 19 December 2017. Archived from the original on 25 September 2018. Retrieved 24 September 2018.
  37. ^ "आचार्य विद्यासागर के संयम स्वर्ण जयंती महोत्सव के समापन पर कार्यक्रम 13 से, Danik Bhaskar | 12 Jul 2018". Archived from the original on 25 September 2018. Retrieved 24 September 2018.
  38. ^ Kshamasagar 2007, p. 26.
  39. ^ Ek Tapahput kavi ki kavya Sadhna, Asha Malaiya, Tirthankar, Nov-Dec 78, p. 21-24
  40. ^ "Haiku Poems by Acharya Vidyasagar Ji". Pinterest. Retrieved 2 November 2018.
  41. ^ "हायकू". Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj | Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj Pravachan | Jain Religion in Hindi. Archived from the original on 7 August 2018. Retrieved 2 November 2018.
  42. ^ "हायकू स्वाध्याय - आचार्य श्री के हायकू और आपकी समझ - मेरे गुरुवर... आचार्य विद्यासागर जी महाराज". मेरे गुरुवर... आचार्य विद्यासागर जी महाराज. Archived from the original on 4 December 2018. Retrieved 2 November 2018.
  43. ^ a b "Acharya Vidyasagar's book "Silent Earth" presented to President", Web India 123, 15 June 2011, archived from the original on 14 July 2014, retrieved 12 December 2012
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  46. ^ Vidyasagar 2010.
  47. ^ "Jain seer Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj passes through 'sallekhna', PM Modi offers condolences". The Times of India. 18 February 2024. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  48. ^ जैन मुनि आचार्य विद्यासागर महाराज ने समाधि ली:डोंगरगढ़ के चन्द्रगिरि तीर्थ में 3 दिन उपवास के बाद शरीर त्यागा, पिछले साल Prime Minister Modi मिलने पहुंचे थे, Bhaskar, Feb 18, 2024
  49. ^ "On Twitter (X)".
  50. ^ PM Narendra Modi writes on Sant Shiromani Acharya Vidhyasagar Maharaj: Loss of a guiding light, Indian Express, February 21, 2024
  51. ^ "UP governor CM condole death of Jain seer Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj". The Week. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  52. ^ "Jain seer Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj passes through 'sallekhna', PM Modi offers condolences". The Times of India. 18 February 2024. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  53. ^ Today, Telangana (18 February 2024). "Chhattisgarh govt declares half-day state mourning on passing away of Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj". Telangana Today. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  54. ^ Kshamasagar 2007, p. 51.
  55. ^ "इस संत के जीवत रहते स्टूडेंट कर रहे हैं इन पर PHD, जानें क्या है इनकी खूबी", Dainik Bhaskar, 17 October 2016, archived from the original on 28 October 2016, retrieved 28 October 2016
  56. ^ Flügel 2006, p. 356.
  57. ^ "Jain Muni Pramansagar ji Maharaj disciple of Acharya Vidyasagar ji", The Times of India, 27 October 2010, archived from the original on 13 April 2019, retrieved 12 December 2012
  58. ^ [वर्णीभवन मोराजी में मुनिश्री क्षमासागर महाराज का समाधिमरण, Patrika, 2015-03-13]
  59. ^ "The Invincible Ascetic Aacharya Shri Vidyasagar". मेरे गुरुवर... आचार्य श्री विद्यासागर जी महाराज. Archived from the original on 5 December 2018. Retrieved 4 December 2018.
  60. ^ "शिष्य गण – चातुर्मास 2009". Archived from the original on 26 April 2017. Retrieved 27 March 2017.
  61. ^ "बनेगा अनूठा रिकॉर्ड:विद्यासागर महाराज देश के पहले ऐसे आचार्यश्री जिन्होंने अब तक 505 दीक्षाएं दीं, दूसरे नंबर पर कुन्थु सागर महाराज" [Unique record will be created: Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj is the first such Acharya Shri of the country who has given 505 initiations so far, Kunthu Sagar Ji Maharaj is at number two] (in Hindi). Archived from the original on 11 May 2022. Retrieved 11 May 2022.
  62. ^ Vidyoday, retrieved 1 November 2018
  63. ^ LandmarcFilms (22 September 2018), Vidyoday | Acharya Vidyasagar | Teaser 04 | Documentary | Landmarc Films, archived from the original on 9 November 2019, retrieved 1 November 2018
  64. ^ "Vidhi Kasliwal on Instagram: "LONDON calling! So excited about our first international screening!! Looking forward to the feedback!! #Vidyoday #AcharyaVidyasagar…"". Instagram. Archived from the original on 24 December 2021. Retrieved 17 December 2018.

Sources

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Live streaming of cremation ceremony

Further reading

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  • Mācave, Prabhākara; Rāmamūrti, Tripāṭhī, Mūkamāṭī-Mīmāṃsā (in Hindi), vol. 1, 2 & 3, Bhartiya Jnanpith
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