Gyanvimalsuri

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text about Acharya Gyanvimalsuri, based on the given pages:

The text details the life and contributions of Acharya Gyanvimalsuri, a prominent figure in Jainism.

Early Life and Initiation:

• Acharya Gyanvimalsuri was born in V.S. 1694 (Victorian Samvat) in Bhinmal Nagar, Marwar.
• He belonged to the Visha Oswal community.
• His father's name was Vasav Sheth, and his mother's name was Kanakavati. His birth name was Nathumal.
• At the age of 8, he renounced worldly life and accepted monasticism from Munishri Dhivimalji, being named Muni Navemal.

Education and Ascendancy:

• After accepting monasticism, he studied scriptures under Shri Amrutvimal Gani and Shri Meruvimal Gani.
• Recognizing his potential, his guru conferred upon him the title of Panyas (a high monastic rank) in V.S. 1727.
• His guru passed away in V.S. 1739.
• The Jain Sangh, acknowledging his complete knowledge, conduct, austerity, and suitability for leadership, requested Acharya Shri Vijayaprabhsuriji to bestow the title of Acharya upon Panyas Nayavimal Gani.

Acharya Title and Legacy:

• In V.S. 1748, on the fifth day of the bright half of the month of Fagun, in the village of Sakher, Acharya Shri Vijayaprabhsuriji honored him with the Acharya title, renaming him Gyanvimalsuri. This name was given due to his vast knowledge, which Acharya Shri Vijayaprabhsuriji had personally experienced.
• Nagji Parekh sponsored the Acharya ceremony.
• During his time, there was a decline in the strict observance of religious practices among the Jain monks. Acharya Gyanvimalsuri is credited with revitalizing these practices and demonstrating the true and pure path to liberation through his asceticism.

Contemporaries and Literary Contributions:

• His contemporaries included esteemed scholars like Mahamahopadhyaya Shri Yashovijayji Maharaj, Upadhyaya Shri Vinayavijayji, Shri Devchandji, and Shri Anandghanji. They all respected each other and were deeply knowledgeable in Jain scriptures.
• The text notes a mention in 'Shri Chandrakavali Ras' that his Acharya title was conferred in Patan on the fifth day of the bright half of Fagun in V.S. 1949 (note: there seems to be a typo here as V.S. 1748 is mentioned earlier for the same event. The date in the quote is Phagun Sud Panchmi in Vikram Samvat 1949).
• Acharya Gyanvimalsuri held immense respect for Mahamahopadhyaya Shri Yashovijayji Maharaj and his pure teachings, often referring to him as 'Vachakraj'.
• He wrote extensive commentaries on many hymns composed by Upadhyaya Shri.
• After the passing of Upadhyaya Shri, he and Shri Devchandji jointly composed the 'Navpadji Puja' (worship of the nine supreme beings), using a melodic structure from Shri Shripal Ras, and attributed it to Mahamahopadhyaya Shri Yashovijayji.

Pilgrimages and Activites:

• He undertook numerous pilgrimages to Shri Siddhachalji Tirth (Mount Girnar).
• He performed 17 consecration ceremonies ('Anjanshalaka') and many other installation and founding rituals ('Pratishthadi').
• He initiated many monks into the prestigious titles of Pandit and Vachak.
• In V.S. 1770, he inspired Shri Premji Parekh of Surat to organize a pilgrimage to Shri Siddhachalji.
• His travels primarily covered Gujarat, Saurashtra, and Marwar.
• He stayed in Surat multiple times. In V.S. 1775, he composed a 'Tirthmala' (garland of pilgrimages) in Surat. He performed installations in Surat in V.S. 1733 and V.S. 1780.

Literary Prowess and Works:

• His poetic talent was extraordinary. The text compares his stature in folk poetry of his era to that of Kalikal Sarvagna Shri Hemchandracharya in Sanskrit literature.
• He composed numerous works in Sanskrit and Gujarati. Notable among these are:
  • Narabhavadi Vayanamala
  • Prashna Kavishika Stotra
  • Prashna Vyakarana Sutra Vritti
  • Jinapujavidhi
  • Sansaradavanala Stuti Vritti
  • Vishsthanak Tapavidhi
  • Shripal Charitra
  • Gyanvilas
  • Sanyam Tarang
  • Tirthmala
  • Navatattva Balavabodh
  • Suryabhanataka
  • Anandghan Vishi Balavabodh
  • Sadhu Vandana
  • 350 Gathas of Stavan Balavabodh
  • Jambuswami Ras
  • Divalikalpa Balavabodh
  • Shri Chandrakavali Ras
  • Adhyatmakalpadrum Balavabodh
  • Do Chovisio
  • Pakshikasutra Balavabodh
  • Dashdrushtanta Sajjhay
  • Dhyanmala par be
  • Gadrishti Sajjhay
• He also composed numerous stotras (hymns), rasas (narrative poems), and stutis (praise poems) related to Siddhachal.

Death and Commemoration:

• He lived for 88 years, with 80 years dedicated to his monastic life.
• He passed away in V.S. 1782 in Khambhat, on the fourth day of the dark half of Aso, in the morning, after observing a vow of fasting and with a peaceful mind.
• He was greatly loved by his followers. Upon his death, an 'Amaripravartan' (a period of mourning and cessation of normal activities) was observed in Khambhat for 40 days. Even the fishermen in Khambhat's sea stopped their trade in his honor.
• In Surat, at the Nandiishwardwip Jinalaya in Sayedpura, a shrine with his footprints ('Paglanaderi') was established in the same year of his passing, likely due to his significant presence in Surat, particularly in Sayedpura.
• The artistic Nandiishwardwip temple there was also built under his inspiration and supervision.
• The text concludes by stating that he illuminated the 18th century with his pure life, spiritual fervor, illuminating knowledge, and numerous virtues.

The text also mentions that further details about his literature can be found in an article by Dr. Kumarpal Desai titled "Contribution of Acharya Gyanvimalsuriji in Jain Literature" published in 'Prabuddhajivan' on May 16, 1987.