Celibate Pandit Chandabai

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Celibate Pandit Chandabai" by Atmanandji:

The book "Celibate Pandit Chandabai" by Atmanandji tells the inspiring story of Pandita Chandabai, a prominent Jain woman who lived during a period of significant social and religious reform in India. Born in 1890 in Vrindavan to a wealthy Vaishnav family, Chandabai's early life was marked by devotion to Radha and Krishna. However, at the tender age of 11, she was married into a Jain family. Tragedy struck when her husband passed away within a year, leaving her a widow at 12.

Despite this immense personal loss and the societal constraints placed upon widows, Chandabai was encouraged by her religiously inclined brother-in-law, Shri Devkumarji, to pursue education. She persevered through difficulties and successfully obtained the title of "Pandita," signifying her deep learning and scholarship from Kashi-Benaras.

Chandabai was deeply affected by the prevailing ignorance and subjugation of women in society. She firmly believed that education and good culture were the keys to women's empowerment and self-reliance. In 1907, she established a girls' school in Agra, initially housed in two rooms of a Shantinath Bhagwan temple. This institution, later known as Jain Balashram in 1921, became a renowned center for girls' education, offering courses up to advanced degrees like Nyaya Tirth and Sahitya Ratna. Mahatma Gandhi himself praised the "peaceful atmosphere" of her Vanita Vishram, recognizing it as a unique institution for the upliftment of Jain women.

Beyond her educational endeavors, Chandabai was a devout spiritual practitioner and a patron of Jain religious art and literature. She commissioned the construction of a grand Jain temple on Ratnagir hill in Rajgruhi, erected an impressive Man Stambh at the Bala Vishram, and recreated an idol of Shri Gommat Swami (Bahubali Swami) in 1937, followed by a 13-foot idol of Bahubali Swami. Her literary contributions were significant, as she successfully edited the periodical "Jain Mahilodaya" for many years and authored several influential books for women, including "Updesh Ratna Mala" and "Adarsh Kahaniyan."

Chandabai was also a proactive social reformer and demonstrated remarkable foresight. When she learned of George Bernard Shaw's intention to write a book on Jainism and non-violence, she actively campaigned for the financial support and the selection of a highly learned Jain scholar to collaborate with Shaw, ensuring accurate representation of Jain principles.

Her life was characterized by immense compassion and selfless service. The text recounts an incident in 1943 where she tirelessly nursed a sick girl in her Balashram for three days and nights without rest or food, ultimately saving the girl's life, despite suffering from exhaustion herself. Even when critically ill in 1942, she prioritized her daily religious observances, steadfastly refusing medication when she felt it might interfere with her spiritual practices, demonstrating unwavering faith in the power of the soul.

Chandabai, fondly addressed as "Maa" (mother), lived a life dedicated to renunciation and the pursuit of truth and non-violence. She passed away peacefully on July 28, 1977. Her life is presented as a testament to Jain culture, embodying compassion, penance, continuous learning, and selfless service. She served as a silent, dedicated servant of humanity, inspiring women of all religions with her enlightened life and commitment to Jain principles.