Bharatni Ek Viral Vibhuti Dhirajlal Shah

Based on the provided Gujarati text, here is a comprehensive summary in English of the book "Bharatni Ek Viral Vibhuti Dhirajlal Shah":

This book, "Bharatni Ek Viral Vibhuti Dhirajlal Shah," is a biographical publication celebrating the Amrut Mahotsav (75th birthday) of Shri Dhirajlal Shah. Published by the Shatavdhani Pandit Dhirajlal T Shah Amrut Mahotsav Samiti in V.S. 2077 (June 6th, 1981), it highlights the multifaceted and extraordinary life of Dhirajlal Shah, a revered figure in Indian, particularly Jain, literature, education, and spiritual practices.

Key aspects and achievements of Dhirajlal Shah as presented in the book:

• Early Life and Influences:

  • Born in Danawada village in Saurashtra, Gujarat, he lost his father at the tender age of eight.
  • His mother, Maniben, and grandmother, Diwalibai, instilled strong religious and moral values in him. His mother's steadfast adherence to Jain principles, even in the face of adversity, deeply influenced him.
  • Despite facing poverty and hardships, he showed a strong inclination towards learning and intellectual pursuits.
  • He developed an early love for nature, which later manifested in his poetry and artistic endeavors.

• Education and Early Career:

  • He received his early education in his village and later pursued further studies in Wadhwan and Ahmedabad.
  • He studied at the Seth Chimanlal N. Vidyalay, where he was also involved in nationalistic activities, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi.
  • He showed early aptitude for drawing and painting, completing elementary and intermediate exams from J.J. School of Arts, Mumbai.

• Artistic and Literary Prowess:

  • Initially working as a painter, he later transitioned to teaching.
  • He authored an impressive 365 books in 19 different subjects, with over 30 lakh copies sold, showcasing his prolific writing and wide appeal.
  • His literary works include poetry (dohas, lyrical poems), character-building booklets for children and students, and works glorifying Jainism.
  • He is credited with creating a significant series of books for child and student readership, significantly contributing to Gujarati literature.
  • His work on "Shri Pratikraman Sutra-Prabodh Tika," a detailed commentary on the Pratikraman Sutra, is considered a monumental contribution, revealing the deeper secrets of yogic and spiritual practices.
  • He also compiled "Shridhar-Vachanamrut," a collection of 1008 essential teachings of Lord Mahavir.

• Shatawadhani (Memory and Multi-tasking Prowess):

  • At the age of 29, he achieved the remarkable feat of becoming a Shatawadhani, able to remember and recall 100 different items simultaneously.
  • He demonstrated this ability through various public performances across India, earning praise from dignitaries and intellectuals, including a Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army and Chief Ministers.
  • His remarkable memory and talent were recognized as a source of pride for India.
  • The book details several instances of his Shatawadhani feats, including complex memory tests involving names, numbers, and even creating poetry on the spot based on requested themes.

• Mathematical Prowess (Mathemagic):

  • Beyond Shatawdhan, he also excelled in mathematics, performing "Mathemagic" (mathematical illusions or feats).
  • He developed surprising mathematical principles and demonstrated astounding experiments.
  • His mathematical abilities were highly regarded by prominent figures like Morarji Desai and K.K. Shah.
  • A significant anecdote describes a demonstration involving cricket balls and dates of matches, where he accurately recalled match details and player names.

• Spiritual and Religious Contributions:

  • Deeply rooted in Jainism, he renounced a higher-paying job to dedicate himself to religious teaching.
  • He made significant contributions to Jain literature, including works on mantra worship, spiritual practices, and the teachings of Jainism.
  • His books like "Namaskar-Mantra-Siddhi," "Maha Prabhavik Uvasaggaharas Stotra," and "Bhaktaamr-Rahasya" delve into the intricacies of Jain mantra vidya and sadhana.
  • He also engaged in performing specific Pujas and Anushthans for deities like Shri Parshwanath and Shri Padmavati Devi.

• Public Life and Social Service:

  • He was actively involved in journalism and served as the editor for various publications.
  • He held significant positions in Jain organizations, including the Secretary of the Ahmedabad Jain Yuwak Sangh.
  • He was instrumental in organizing and participating in various religious conferences and gatherings.

• Personal Life:

  • He married Champaben, who provided strong support throughout his endeavors.
  • He was blessed with seven children, although sadly, two passed away in infancy. The book mentions his son Narendra Kumar and daughters Bharati and Rashmika.
  • His life was marked by dedication, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to his principles, even when faced with financial difficulties or personal tragedies.
  • He lived a simple life, prioritizing spiritual growth and societal welfare over material wealth.

• Legacy and Recognition:

  • The book serves as a testament to his multifaceted genius and his immense contributions to Gujarati literature, Jain traditions, and the broader intellectual and spiritual landscape of India.
  • He received numerous honors and accolades throughout his life, recognizing his diverse talents and services.
  • His life is presented as an inspiration, demonstrating how one can achieve great heights through self-effort, intellectual pursuit, and unwavering faith, even from humble beginnings.

In essence, "Bharatni Ek Viral Vibhuti Dhirajlal Shah" is a comprehensive tribute to a remarkable individual who embodied a rare combination of literary talent, intellectual brilliance, spiritual depth, and unwavering dedication to service. The book aims to inspire readers by showcasing the extraordinary journey of a man who left an indelible mark on society.