Devsur Sangh Samachari

This document, "Devsur Sangh Samachari" by Nandighoshsuri, outlines the strict observances and traditions of the Shvetambar Moortipujak Tapagachha Jain Sangh, specifically referencing the practices established by Acharya Shri Vijaydevsurishwarji Maharaj. The core of the document is a set of nine rules that are to be followed by all monks and nuns within the Sangh and are to be enforced in all its affiliated places of worship, including temples, upashrayas (monastic residences), and ayambilshalas (places for fasting meals).

The document asserts that these rules are based on the "Suvishuddh Shastra va Paramparanusari Samachari" (pure scriptural and traditional observances) of the Shri Vijaydevsur Sangh. It explicitly forbids any deviation from these rules, both publicly and privately.

Here's a breakdown of the nine key rules:

1. No Adjustment of Auspicious Dates (Barah Parva Tithiyon ki Kshaya Vriddhi): It is forbidden to alter the dates of twelve significant Jain festivals (parva tithis) by either advancing or delaying them. This rule is a central point of contention discussed later in the document.

2. Observance of Sanvatsari Mahaparva: The grand annual festival of Sanvatsari must be observed according to resolutions made in conferences by the respected acharyas who follow the Shri Vijaydevsur Sangh Samachari.

3. No Navangi Gurupujan: The practice of "Navangi Gurupujan" (a specific type of worship involving nine limbs or aspects of the guru) is prohibited.

4. Recitation of Santikaram Stotra: At the conclusion of Pakshik (fortnightly), Chaturmasik (monsoon retreat), and Sanvatsari (annual) Pratikraman (confession and repentance ceremonies), the "Santikaram Stotra" must be recited.

5. Observances during Birth Purity Period (Janma Sambandhi Sutak):

   • If a birth occurs within the same lineage (sagotra), and the wife is at her parents' home with no one visiting, then 'Prabhupuja' (worship of deities) should not be performed for 12 days.
   • Monks and nuns are forbidden from giving food or water to anyone during this period.
   • The scriptures during Samayik (meditative practice) and Pratikraman should not be spoken loudly.
   • If one touches a woman or child in the birth impurity period, Prabhupuja and other activities should be refrained from for 42 days.

6. Observances during Death Purity Period (Maran Sambandhi Sutak):

   • If a death occurs within the same lineage (sagotra), purity is to be observed for 12 days.
   • If the deceased is not of the same lineage, but the person touched the deceased, purity is to be observed for 3 days.
   • If the contact was indirect, purity is to be observed for 24 hours.
   • Scriptures during Samayik and Pratikraman should not be spoken loudly.
   • Worship, prayer, and other religious activities should only commence 12 days after the death.

7. Observation during Solar or Lunar Eclipses: During solar or lunar eclipses, the temple (derasar) should remain auspicious (mangalik).

8. Use of Gurupujan Wealth: Wealth collected during Gurupujan should be used for the service of the gurus (Guru Vaiyavach).

9. No Pilgrimage to Siddhachal-Shatrunjay during Chaturmas: Undertaking a pilgrimage to Siddhachal-Shatrunjay during the Chaturmas period, or even discussing or encouraging such a pilgrimage, is prohibited.

Historical Context and Dispute (Page 4-6):

The latter pages of the document delve into a historical dispute within the Shvetambar Moortipujak Tapagachha Jain Sangh concerning the observance of auspicious dates. It states that prior to Vikram Samvat 1992 (1935 CE), the Shri Vijaydevsur Sangh followed a tradition where the twelve auspicious dates were never adjusted. However, Acharya Shri Vijayramchandra Suri, a disciple of Acharya Shri Vijaypremsuri, is accused of breaking this tradition by unilaterally introducing the practice of adjusting (kshaya-vriddhi) these dates, allegedly against the wishes of his own guru.

This led to a division within the Sangh:

• "Ek Tithi" (One Date) faction: Those who adhere to the traditional practice of not adjusting the dates. They are represented by the Shri Vijaydevsur Sangh Samachari.
• "Do Tithi" (Two Dates) faction: Those who follow Acharya Shri Vijayramchandra Suri and practice adjusting the dates.

The document strongly refutes the claims of the "Do Tithi" faction, calling their interpretations "Mahamithyatvi" (great falsehood) and accusing them of breaking the commandments of the Tirthankaras. It emphasizes that "Samachari" (practices) are subject to change based on time, place, and circumstances, decided by consensus among learned Acharyas, whereas "Siddhanta" (principles) are eternal and unchanging.

The text alleges that Acharya Shri Ramachandra Suri violated established procedures for changing practices by acting unilaterally. It further describes a controversial debate or "Shastrartha" (scriptural debate) between Acharya Shri Ramachandra Suri and Acharya Shri Sagarānanda Suri. The document claims this debate was rigged, with Acharya Shri Ramachandra Suri opting for a written debate and influencing the judgment, leading to a perceived victory for his side, which the proponents of "one date" view as unjust and invalid. The document quotes Acharya Shri Nandan Suri's willingness to engage in a public debate to prove the correctness of the "one date" practice.

The document also accuses the "Do Tithi" faction of creating private trusts and upashrayas, barring members of the "Ek Tithi" faction, and generally acting in a self-serving manner, including soliciting funds from "Ek Tithi" followers while not reciprocating. They are also accused of not recognizing the "Ek Tithi" monks and nuns as true ascetics.

The core of the "Do Tithi" argument, as presented in the document, is based on the "Udayat Tithi" (the date present at sunrise) principle, which the document refutes by highlighting the geographical variations in sunrise times and the universal nature of tithis.

Finally, the document encourages readers to consult specific books mentioned to understand the nuances of the date debate and the alleged misdeeds of Acharya Shri Ramachandra Suri's followers. It reiterates that the "Shri Vijaydevsur Sangh Samachari" and its nine rules have been followed for 350-400 years, while the "Do Tithi" faction represents a new departure from this established tradition.