Dharmveer Sheth Venichandbhai

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Dharmveer Sheth Venichandbhai" by Prabhudas Bechardas Parekh, published by Shree Jain Shreyaskar Mandal, Mehsana, in Samvat 1984 (1927 CE), based on the provided pages:

Overview:

This book is a biographical account of Seth Venichandbhai Surachand, a devout Jain philanthropist and administrator from Mehsana, Gujarat. The author, Prabhudas Bechardas Parekh, meticulously details Venichandbhai's life, highlighting his significant contributions to the Jain faith and community. The book is written in both prose and verse, with the prose section authored by Prabhudas Bechardas Parekh and the poetic section by Rasik Jhaveri Bhagilal Dhanji. The work aims to present Venichandbhai in his true essence to the Jain society.

Key Aspects and Themes:

1. Purpose of the Biography: The preface emphasizes the author's intention to highlight the unique qualities and contributions of Venichandbhai, believing that his life story serves as an inspiration and a guide for the Jain community. The goal is to ensure that the legacy of Jainism and its practices is preserved and passed on to future generations.

2. Venichandbhai's Place in Jainism: The author positions Venichandbhai as a prominent figure, ranking him first in the second category of current administrators of the Jain Shasan (governance of the Jain faith). He is placed below the ascetic monks and nuns but is considered a highly influential and dedicated layperson (Gṛhastha).

3. Early Life and Family Background:

   • Born in Mehsana in Samvat 1914 (1857 CE) to Surachand and Manekbai.
   • His paternal grandfather, Virchand Jetha, was a prominent figure who lived in Palavas village and was involved in business.
   • His father, Surachand, possessed a strong sense of sādharmik vātsalya (love and compassion for fellow Jains), welcoming guests with great hospitality.
   • Venichandbhai had three brothers and two sisters.
   • His wife, Parasanbai, was also devout and supportive of his religious activities. They had a deep spiritual bond, having taken a vow of celibacy (chaturthavrat-brahmacharya).
   • Tragically, his children did not survive long, and after his wife's passing at the age of 33, Venichandbhai remained without a family, dedicating his life to service.

4. Business and Professional Life:

   • Venichandbhai was a businessman involved in trade, particularly in commodities like mustard and castor seeds, and brokerage.
   • He ran his business in Mehsana and also spent time in Mumbai for trade.
   • Despite his business activities, he prioritized his religious duties, often sacrificing financial gains for the sake of dharma. He believed that true business prosperity stemmed from upholding dharma.
   • He lived a life of svāvalambana (self-reliance) and niḥsvārtha (selflessness), even in his final years.

5. Dedication to Jain Shasan (Service to Jainism): This is the central theme of the book. Venichandbhai's life was devoted to various forms of service to the Jain faith and its institutions. His activities can be broadly categorized:

   • Temple and Pilgrimage Services: This included meticulous work on idol consecration (chakshu ṭīkā), providing essential items for worship (like keshar, sukhada, dhoop, phool), renovation of temples (jirnoddhār) at major pilgrimage sites like Shatrunjaya, Girnar, Abu, Ranakpur, and others. He was instrumental in facilitating the welfare of pilgrims, including establishing kitchens and helping remove hindrances to darshan.
   • Support for Monastics and Asceticism: He actively supported monks and nuns (sādhus and sādhvīs) by providing necessities, medicines, and equipment. He also had a special fund to assist the families of those who took religious vows. His own life was highly disciplined, with frequent fasts (paushadh, āyambil, māsakṣapaṇa) and adherence to strict religious practices.
   • Promotion of Knowledge and Education: This was a major area of his work. He founded the Shri Yeshvijayji Jain Sanskrit Pathshala in Mehsana (Samvat 1954), which became a significant center for training Jain scholars and monks. He also supported other pathshalas, initiated the publication and dissemination of Jain literature, and played a role in establishing institutions like the Agamoday Samiti (for publishing ancient Jain scriptures) and the Jain Kelavani (Shreyaskar Mandal) department for propagating Jain education.
   • Animal Welfare (Jivdayā): He extended his compassion to all living beings, supporting activities like saving animals from slaughter, providing food for birds and stray dogs, and ensuring the welfare of animals in shelters (pāñjarāpol).
   • Community Welfare: He organized relief efforts during times of famine (like the "Chhappaniya Dushkal") and supported guests (mānmān).

6. Work Ethic and Personality:

   • Perseverance and Determination: Venichandbhai was known for his unwavering resolve. He would pursue his goals with immense physical and mental effort, often working late into the night, traveling extensively, and facing criticism or opposition with patience and resilience.
   • Humility and Simplicity: Despite his significant achievements and influence, he remained humble, simple, and avoided publicity or personal glorification.
   • Financial Acumen for Philanthropy: He possessed an extraordinary ability to raise funds for charitable causes, approaching wealthy individuals with persistence and effectively conveying the importance of the cause.
   • Integrity and Trustworthiness: His word was his bond. People trusted him implicitly with their donations and responsibilities.
   • Vision and Planning: He demonstrated foresight in organizing institutions, establishing financial systems (like funds and endowments), and ensuring the long-term viability of his projects.

7. Criticisms and Debates: The book acknowledges differing perspectives on Venichandbhai's approach, particularly regarding his adoption of certain modern organizational methods. One viewpoint suggests he was too conservative and didn't fully embrace necessary changes, while another argues he was a pioneer in adapting methods to the changing times while remaining true to Jain principles. The author navigates these debates by emphasizing Venichandbhai's core intent: the upliftment and preservation of Jainism.

8. Final Days and Legacy:

   • Towards the end of his life, his health declined significantly, yet he continued to engage in religious practices and manage his responsibilities.
   • He made arrangements for the continuity of the institutions he established, appointing his nephew Ambalal and brother Kishordas to oversee the pathshala and other activities.
   • He passed away in Samvat 1983 (1927 CE) at the age of approximately 70, leaving behind a profound legacy of service and dedication.
   • His passing was mourned by the entire Jain community, with numerous tributes and condolences pouring in.
   • The book concludes with the hope that his example will inspire future generations to continue his work and uphold the principles of Jainism.

Poetic Section (Rasik Jhaveri Bhagilal Dhanji):

The poetic section complements the prose by narrating Venichandbhai's life story in verses, highlighting his devotion, charitable activities, and the impact of his work. It uses traditional Gujarati poetic meters to praise his virtues and contributions to the Jain faith, emphasizing his steadfastness in his spiritual and philanthropic pursuits.

Overall Significance:

"Dharmveer Sheth Venichandbhai" is a tribute to a remarkable individual who dedicated his life to the service of the Jain community and its eternal principles. The book serves as a historical document, a source of inspiration, and a testament to the power of selfless dedication in upholding and propagating religious and social values. It provides valuable insights into the socio-religious landscape of Gujarat during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.