Gnanoddharak Muni Shri Punyavijayji

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Gnanoddharak Muni Shri Punyavijayji" by Atmanandji, based on the provided pages:

This text is a tribute to Muni Shri Punyavijayaji, a revered Jain mendicant known as a "Gnanoddharak" (up-holder of learning and knowledge). His life is presented as an ideal, characterized by devotional, selfless, and pure learning, leading to fearlessness, love, piety, and mercy. His detachment was not lifeless but filled with pleasure and courage, fueled by deep devotion. He achieved a life of Sat (truth), Chit (knowledge), and Anand (pleasure).

Early Life and Family: Muni Shri Punyavijayaji was born Manilal in 1896 in Kapadwanj, Gujarat, a town known for its religious inclination and a high number of individuals who took Diksha (renunciation). His parents were Shri Dahyabhai Doshi and Shrimati Manekben. His mother, Manekben, was particularly religious, having studied up to the sixth standard and gaining knowledge of Jain religious rites and principles, despite limited educational opportunities for women at the time. The family faced hardship when his father, Dahyabhai, passed away when Manilal was only 2-4 months old, leaving Manekben a widow at 26.

A Miraculous Childhood Event: While Manilal was an infant, his mother left him in a cradle while she went to wash clothes. A fire broke out, engulfing their house. A kind Vohra gentleman, moved by the child's cries, risked his life to rescue Manilal from the burning house. Manekben, upon hearing of the fire, was overcome with grief, believing she had lost her only child. The Vohra gentleman cared for the child, ensuring he received water from a Hindu source and goat's milk, and eventually located Manekben. This incident is described as Manilal receiving protection from Lord Rama in the form of the Vohra gentleman. Following this, Dahyabhai took Manilal and Manekben to Mumbai, where Manilal received his primary education.

The Path to Renunciation: After the untimely death of Dahyabhai, Manekben, a devout woman, felt the futility of worldly life. Despite her young son, she decided that both she and Manilal should embrace the path of renunciation.

Diksha and Spiritual Training: In 1909, Manilal took Diksha in Chhani, near Vadodara, becoming Muni Shri Punyavijayaji. His mother, Manekben, also took Diksha shortly after, becoming Shri Ratnashreeji. Muni Shri Punyavijayaji's spiritual journey was guided by his grandfather-teacher, Shri Kantivijayaji Maharaj, and his teacher, Shri Chaturvijayji Maharaj. Both were deeply devoted to spirituality, non-violence, penance, truth, and the expansion of scriptural knowledge.

Extensive Study and Research: Muni Shri Punyavijayaji dedicated his life to the study and research of Jain scriptures. He describes his commitment as studying one subject continuously for years with a concentrated mind, delving into ancient texts with research. His success is attributed to his extraordinary intelligence, a heartfelt desire for truth, and a deep eagerness to understand subjects thoroughly, possibly influenced by past lives or the blessings of elders. He studied numerous significant texts under the guidance of his grandfather-teacher and teacher, laying a strong foundation for his scriptural knowledge. He also studied under Pandit Sukhlalji Sanghvi, who played a crucial role in his achievements, particularly in translation and research. Muni Shri Punyavijayaji held both Shri Chaturvijayji Maharaj and Pandit Sukhlalji Sanghvi in the highest regard.

Preservation and Expansion of Scriptures: Muni Shri Punyavijayaji's primary contribution was in preserving, organizing, and expanding the ancient Jain scriptures. He tirelessly worked in various libraries and collections across Gujarat, Saurashtra, and Rajasthan, examining and organizing vast stocks of books, both handwritten and printed. He meticulously created lists, arranged for proper storage, and saved many valuable scripts from deterioration. He worked for 16 months continuously to preserve manuscripts in Jesalmer, facing numerous difficulties. He also established the Bharatiya Sanskriti Vidya Mandir, donating thousands of books to it.

Research and Modernization of Scriptures: He undertook the critical study and revision of approximately 45 major Jain scriptures, a task that involved modernizing their readings. He collaborated with writers to prepare new editions and commentaries, often without financial resources, relying on the generosity of patrons like Sheth Shri Kasturbhai Lalbhai. His work on the Nandi-Sootram, with its original text and commentaries, was published between 1966-68, earning him the title "Agam Prabhakar." He dedicated all received funds for celebrations to the publication of scriptural books. His efforts included preserving handwritten books, creating informative lists, facilitating access for scholars, and using conservation methods to protect ancient texts from damage. He also collected and classified ancient and modern pictures, art pieces, and manuscripts for research.

Recognition and Appreciation: Muni Shri Punyavijayaji's significant contributions were widely recognized during his lifetime. He served as an examiner for Ph.D. theses in archaeology, presided over the archaeology-history department at Gujarati Sahitya Parishad, and received prestigious awards and titles such as a gold medal from the Jain community of Bhavnagar, "Agam Prabhakar" from Vadodara Sangh, and "Shrut Sheel Varidhi" from the Mumbai community. He was also made an honorary member of the American Oriental Society in 1970.

Last Days and Legacy: Muni Shri Punyavijayaji continued his scholarly pursuits despite ill health, suffering from piles for a year and a half. He passed away peacefully on June 14, 1971, after performing his religious rites, a life of total renunciation and unwavering devotion. His 62 years of Diksha were a continuous journey of religious deeds, and he remained a dedicated intellectual and student until his death. He is remembered as a saint of Anekantvad, a dedicated scholar, an ideal devotee, and an invaluable jewel lost to humanity, whose life and works continue to inspire.