Dharm Prabhavak Shri Kanjiswami

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Dharm Prabhavak Shri Kanjiswami" by Atmanandji:

Dharm Prabhavak Shri Kanjiswami highlights the life and significant contributions of Shri Kanjiswami, a highly influential Jain saint renowned for his ability to profoundly impact religious practices and beliefs. He was famously known as the saint of Songadh and played a crucial role in the construction of numerous Jain temples. A major part of his legacy lies in his dedication to the reprinting and revision of scriptures authored by the revered Acharya Kundkundacharya.

Early Life and Spiritual Inclination: Born in 1890 in Umrala village, Saurashtra, Gujarat, to Shri Motichandbhai and Ujambai, Kanjiswami (originally named Kahan) belonged to the Sthanakvasi Jain sect. Even from childhood, he displayed a strong religious inclination and a natural tendency towards renunciation. Orphaned at a young age, he worked in a shop with his elder brother but remained detached from worldly affairs, dedicating most of his time to spiritual discussions and serving saints and mendicants. He famously declared his intention to remain unmarried and pursue Diksha (initiation). After a thorough search for a Guru, he received Diksha in 1914 from Shri Hirachandji Maharaj of the Botad sect in his native village.

Study and Enlightenment: Kanjiswami undertook an in-depth study of the scriptures of the Shwetambar Sthanakvasi branch. His knowledge, restrained lifestyle, and compelling preaching style garnered significant admiration. A pivotal moment in his life occurred in 1922 when he studied Acharya Kundkund's "Samaysar." This study profoundly impacted his thinking, providing him with the spiritual insights he had long sought. The later reading of Shri Todarmalji's "Moksha Marg Prakashak" in 1926 further solidified his evolving philosophical stance.

Transformation and Advocacy for Digambar Jainism: In 1935, on the birthday of Lord Mahavir, Kanjiswami renounced his position as a Sthanakvasi mendicant and embraced the Digambar sect of Jainism, declaring himself a Digambar Jain Shravak. This decision, made on the principles of truth, faced strong opposition from his former sect, but he remained steadfast. He then established his permanent residence in Songadh, which subsequently transformed into a significant pilgrimage site for Jains.

Influence and Legacy: Kanjiswami's deep knowledge, spiritual lectures, and powerful personality attracted many, including born Digambar Jains, who became his devoted followers. His speeches were characterized by their spiritual fervor, philosophical depth, and sharp intellect. He dedicated himself to lecturing on Kundkundacharya's scriptures like Samaysar, Pravachansar, and Niyamsar, viewing Samaysar as the ultimate guide to Moksha (salvation).

His influence was revolutionary, leading many Sthanakvasi Shwetambar Jains to adopt the Digambar sect, resulting in the construction of six Digambar Jain temples across various states. Under his inspiration, numerous scriptures were published, and existing ones were translated into Gujarati prose and poetry. A monthly periodical, "Atma Dharm," was launched in multiple languages.

He was instrumental in establishing publication houses like Kundkund Kahan Jain Shashtramala and Pandit Todarmal Smarak Trust. The Digambar view of Jainism experienced considerable advancement due to his efforts, with a focus on regular religious practices and self-study camps. A system for training new Jain teachers was established in Songadh and Jaipur.

Final Years and Demise: Kanjiswami traveled extensively across India, visiting holy sites and inspiring others towards religious practices and philosophical study. He dedicated his entire life to the service of Jainism and its community, striving to foster interest in the study of Jain scriptures. He passed away on November 28, 1980, at the age of 91, after being admitted to Jashlok Hospital in Mumbai due to illness. His demise was a significant loss to the Digambar sect of Jainism.