Gunsagarsuriji

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, focusing on the life and achievements of Acharya Shri Gunsagarsuriji:

This text, derived from "Shramana Bhagwanto - Part 2," extensively details the life and significant contributions of Acharya Shri Gunsagarsuriji of the Achalgachh. He is hailed as a paramount influence on Jainism in the 21st century, a distinguished ruler of the Achalgachh, and a revered Acharya.

Early Life and Spiritual Inclination:

• Acharya Shri Gunsagarsuriji was born in Samvat 1969 (Magha Sud 2, Friday) in Dedhiya village, Kutch.
• His father was Lalji Devshi, belonging to the KVO community, and his mother was Dhanbai. His lay name was Gangji.
• He moved to Mumbai with his father, who ran a business. Gangji received only four years of formal schooling and assisted his father in the shop.
• At the age of thirteen, Gangji contracted smallpox and was so critically ill that his father believed he had passed away and preparations were made to carry him to the cremation ground. However, he showed signs of life and eventually recovered after six months of severe illness.
• This near-death experience ignited a spiritual inclination in young Gangji. He began reading religious texts for his grandmother and participating in austerities with her, fostering a deep commitment to renunciation and detachment.
• His dedication to asceticism was so profound that even when his mother accidentally spilled hot oil on him, he did not break his vow of fasting or seek medical treatment.
• In his youth, he undertook pilgrimages to sacred sites in Kutch and later to Ramtek Shikhar and surrounding areas. He actively participated in religious festivals and regularly observed vows like Samayik and Paushadh in Mumbai.

Diksha and Ascendancy within the Achalgachh:

• While in Jamnagar, he came into contact with the then Achalgachhadhipati, Acharya Shri Gautamagarsuriji, and his disciple Ganivarya Shri Nit Sagarji Maharaj.
• Expressing his desire to take initiation to his father, Gangji received Diksha on Chaitra Vad 8, Samvat 1993, in his father's village, Dedhiya (Kutch). He was named Muni Shri Gunsagarji, becoming a disciple of Shri Nit Sagarji Maharaj.
• He spent his Chaturmas (monsoon retreat) in various places like Kutch-Mandvi, Jamnagar, Bhuj, Kutch-Ghodhra, and Meta Asambia.
• Recognizing his exceptional brilliance, his Guru arranged for him to undertake intensive studies in Sanskrit and Prakrit languages under a scholar.
• He was later conferred the title of Upadhyay and in Samvat 2003, Acharya Shri Gautamagarsuriji entrusted him with the responsibility of the Gachh.
• In Samvat 2012, he was awarded the Acharya title by the Shree Sangh in Mumbai.
• In Samvat 2030, he officially became the Achalgachhadhipati, Acharya Shri Gunsagarsuriji Maharaj, at the Bhadreshwar Tirth.

Extensive Contributions and Achievements:

• As Achalgachhadhipati, he traveled extensively across Kutch, Rajasthan, and the greater Mumbai region. He enlightened many affluent individuals and facilitated numerous significant religious activities.
• He established the Shri Aryarakshit Jain Tattvadnyan Vidyapeeth in Kutch-Merau.
• He organized a Sangh (pilgrimage group) from Bhujpur to Bhadreshwar Tirth and another from Merau to the Shatrunjay Tirth.
• He founded a Shravika-Vidyapeeth (institution for nuns) in Merau.
• He facilitated the undertaking of many religious activities such as the construction of Jin temples, Upashrayas (monasteries), Gyan Mandirs (knowledge centers), Dharmashalas (resthouses), libraries, Anjanshalaka pratisthas (consecration ceremonies), and reconstruction of dilapidated structures. He also oversaw numerous initiations and conferrals of titles.
• He initiated his father's mother, giving her the name Sagri Dharmashriji.
• In the last decade of his life, he achieved the remarkable feat of leading a Sangh from Mumbai to Samet Shikharji and another from Samet Shikharji to Shatrunjay Tirth.
• He initiated the construction of 20 Jin temples and a Dharmashala in Samet Shikharji and started the construction of 72 Jin temples, along with Upashrayas and Dharmashalas, in Kutch.
• He actively promoted Jain unity through commendable activities and advocacy, inspiring various conferences and conventions.
• He was honored with various titles by the Sangh and the community at different times.
• The President of India, Gyani Zail Singh, attended two conventions under his patronage. In Samvat 2043, on Akshaya Tritiya, the President was invited to the Tirth of 72 Jin Temples to preside over the conclusion of his seventh Varsi Tap (a year-long fast).
• Through his guidance and inspiration, many young men and women took initiation. He personally initiated over 115 nuns and around 50 monks, including his disciples Acharya Shri Gundayasagarji and Acharya Shri Kalaprabhsagarji. This led to the growth of a vast community of monks and nuns within the Achalgachh.

Literary Contributions:

• Acharya Shri Gunsagarsuriji made significant contributions to Jain literature. He was a scholar of Shrut Sahitya (scriptural literature), a master of Sanskrit and Prakrit languages, and a poet.
• He authored numerous works in Gujarati and Sanskrit.
• He wrote biographies of Aryarakshitsuri, Kalyansagarsuri, and Gautamagarsuri in Sanskrit.
• His other literary works include Samaraditya Charitra (short prose), Trishashti Saroddhar, Parvakathasangrah, Shripal Charitra, and Parshwanath Charitra.
• He also composed many Stotras (hymns), Pujas (worship rituals), Chedaliya (songs of praise), Stutis (devotional songs), Duhas (short verses), and prayers.
• He is credited with creating over one lakh (100,000) pieces of literature in Sanskrit and Gujarati, in both prose and poetry, which is considered a great achievement. Many of his Stotras are sung by devotees during religious ceremonies.

Personality and Legacy:

• Acharya Shri Gunsagarsuriji was known for his incredibly simple heart and affectionate nature. He cared for his disciples like a father, ensuring their progress in all aspects of their lives.
• His name is destined to be etched in golden letters in the history of the 21st century for his more than half a century of service to Jainism.
• He passed away peacefully in Mumbai in Samvat 2044 (Bhadarva Vad 30, Monday) at the age of 77.

The text concludes with a respectful salutation to the revered Acharya's soul. The compilation is based on an article by Dr. Ramanlal Ch. Shah in "Prabuddha Jeevan."