Jain Dharma Bhushan Shitalprasadji Maharaj

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text about Shri Shitalprasadji Maharaj:

The book, "Jain Dharma Bhushan Shri Shitalprasadji Maharaj," authored by Atmanandji, introduces Shri Shitalprasadji as a significant figure in Jainism during a period of social and religious transition in India.

Early Life and Education: Shri Shitalprasadji was born in 1879 in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, to Lala Makhanlalji and Narayanidevi. Despite limited details of his early childhood, he was an academically gifted individual. He excelled in his studies, passing his matriculation with distinction at the age of 18 and later completing an Accountancy examination from Roorkee Engineering College. He soon entered government service.

Spiritual Awakening and Dedication: However, Shri Shitalprasadji was destined for a different path. His deep contemplation and commitment to virtue are evident from his early writings, like the one published in the "Hindi Jain Gazette" in 1896, where he urged Jain scholars to protect, promote, and awaken the Jain dharma through selfless service and pure conduct.

Personal Tribulations and Vairagya (Detachment): He married a cultured and devoted daughter of Shri Chhedilalji of Calcutta. Tragically, his wife passed away in 1904 due to the plague. Within a month of this loss, he also lost his mother and younger brother. These profound personal losses, coupled with his continued study of scriptures, intensified his detachment (vairagya). Despite facing temptations from wealthy families who sought to marry him to their daughters, he remained steadfast.

Renunciation and Social Service: In 1905, he resigned from his government job to dedicate himself to social service and scriptural study. At a Digambar Jain Mahasabha session that year, he caught the attention of the renowned philanthropist Seth Manikchand of Mumbai. Recognizing his genuine passion for social service, youthful vigor, efficiency, enthusiasm, simplicity, love for Jainism, and detachment, Seth Manikchand invited him to stay with him in Mumbai. For four years, Shri Shitalprasadji served various organizations under Seth Manikchand's patronage, earning immense public admiration.

Discipline and Vow of Celibacy: Influenced by his grandfather Lala Mangalsenji from childhood, he imbibed values of dharma, philosophy, abstaining from vices, avoiding forbidden foods, using purified water, self-study, and contemplation. Through his social service, he cultivated a spirit of renunciation. At the age of 32, in 1911, in Solapur, he took the lifelong vow of celibacy (brahmacharya) in the presence of Acharya Shri Pannalalji. He adopted simple saffron-colored dhoti and shawl made of khadi. He progressively embraced stricter disciplines in his life, including purity in diet, punctuality in his spiritual practices, continuous study, a firm resolve not to eat any food while traveling, and complete fasting on auspicious days. He adhered to these principles faithfully until the end of his life.

Religious Propagation and Literary Contributions: Shri Shitalprasadji traveled extensively across India to propagate Jain dharma. He also visited Sri Lanka and Burma to study Buddhism. Although he had aspirations to visit Western countries, unfavorable circumstances prevented him. His generosity, tolerance, and commitment to universal welfare made him popular wherever he went. He meticulously documented his travels, and his notes on ancient Jain pilgrimage sites in regions like Mumbai, Madras, and Karnataka were published in book form. He inspired people to undertake the restoration of old pilgrimage sites.

His literary contributions are categorized into two main areas:

1. Editing Jain Periodicals: He skillfully edited the "Jain Mitra" for twenty years (1909-1929), providing readers with extensive religious literature through special editions. He also managed other publications like "Jain Gazette," "Veer," and "Sanatan Jain." Despite his travels for propagation work, his writing remained consistent, ensuring regular publication of his articles and edited magazines. He actively encouraged and motivated young writers.
2. Commentaries, Translations, and Original Works: He authored and edited 77 books across various subjects: 26 on spirituality, 6 on history, 18 on Jain philosophy and religion, 9 on Taran Swami's literature, 7 on ethics, 5 on biographies, and 6 on other topics. These works showcased his scholarship, experience, linguistic proficiency, spiritual practice, and adherence to principles. He presented complex scriptural knowledge in simple Hindi, greatly assisting spiritual aspirants in their self-practice and ethical conduct. He published numerous important texts, including "Pravachansar," "Samaysar," "Niyamsar," "Paramatma Prakash," "Samadhi Shatak," "Ibhadopadesh," "Tattvabhavana," "Tatvasar," and "Svayambhu Stotra," often with commentaries and translations. His Gujarati translation of "Sahaj Sukh Sadhan," prepared in collaboration with Shri Laghurajswami, a devoted follower of Shrimad Rajchandra, proved very beneficial to seekers. He is considered a pioneer in making spiritual texts accessible in simple Hindi. Despite being mocked by conventional pandits as a mere "spiritualist" for his focus on texts like "Samaysar," he remained unaffected, dedicated to his practice and service.

Admirable Social Service and Honors: From a young age, he dedicated himself to social service. His ability to complete tasks independently and to generously involve others highlighted his excellent qualities. He gained renown throughout India for his work in promoting education, eradicating social evils, fostering unity by resolving differences, assisting the poor and middle class through various organizations, and guiding both old and new generations at annual events and religious gatherings.

He established several key institutions, including:

• Swalad Vidyalaya, Banaras
• Shri Rishabh Brahmacharyashram, Hastinapur
• Jain Shravikashram, Mumbai
• Jain Bala Ashram, Arrah
• Shri Jain Vyaparik Vidyalaya, Delhi

He also founded numerous Jain boarding schools and pathshalas. In recognition of his diverse services, a large assembly held in Banaras on December 28, 1913, presided over by Dr. Hermann Jacobi, honored him with the prestigious title of "Jain Dharma Bhushan" (Adornment of Jain Dharma). Guru Gopaldasji Barreria also extended him a respectful tribute at this gathering. Notably, he did not publicize this honor in his own newspaper, demonstrating his disinterest in fame.

Despite his commendable social work, he faced opposition from his detractors, particularly from the older generation who disagreed with his progressive ideas. However, his efforts were for scripturally sound reforms rooted in generosity and detachment. His opponents later regretted their actions.

Final Days: At the age of 62, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Despite medical efforts in various locations like Mumbai, Delhi, and Rohtak, his condition did not improve. The tremor, initially in his hands, gradually spread to other parts of his body, making movement increasingly difficult. Babu Ajitprasad Vakil took on the primary responsibility for his care, bringing him to his Ajitashram in Lucknow. Due to the progression of his illness, he fell on December 6th, fracturing his hip bone. His health deteriorated daily, and he peacefully passed away on February 10th at 4:00 AM, achieving salvation.

Conclusion: Shri Shitalprasadji embraced celibacy at a young age and dedicated his life to social and religious service. He tirelessly worked for the development of children, youth, and women. He devoted his life to Jain periodicals, art, literature, philosophy, and education. For over four decades, he lived a detached and spiritually devoted life, renouncing all personal desires. Figures like him, dedicated to both spiritual practice and service, were rare in that era. However, the Jain community, like Indian society in general, was slow to recognize this "modern Samantabhadra," thus missing an opportunity for its own benefit. This lack of appreciation, coupled with discord and a lack of foresight among the affluent and servants, led to the missed chance of forming a strong and unified Jain society under his guidance. Consequently, the all-round development of Jain dharma and community in an independent India of the 20th century suffered a significant setback. This is a bitter but true fact.

On the occasion of his centenary, a conference was organized in Indore under the guidance of Acharya Shri Vidyanandji. The concluding remarks express hope that this conference will undertake concrete and constructive work in line with Shri Shitalprasadji's ideals, thus partially alleviating society's debt to his legacy.