Jinruddhisuriji - Book Summary

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

The text is a biographical account of Acharya Shri Jinriddhisuri, originally named Ramkumarji, penned by Bhanvarlal Nahta.

Early Life and Renunciation:

Born into a Brahmin family in Churu, Ramkumarji was initiated into the monastic life by Yativarya Chimniramji.
His elder spiritual brother, Riddhikaranji, was a highly detached and renunciate individual. Riddhikaranji foresaw that Ramkumarji would likely achieve higher spiritual status than himself and potentially inherit the leadership (gaddi), thus encouraging Ramkumarji to renounce worldly life before him.
Ramkumarji left Churu and went to Bikaner, then walked to Abu to visit Dadaji, as he lacked the funds for train fare. From there, he visited Girnarji and later embarked on pilgrimage to Siddhachal.

Ascent and Spiritual Endeavors:

In 1946 AD (Samvat 1946), he was initiated and became Shri Riddhi Muni. He was declared a disciple of Shri Yashomuni Ji.
He diligently pursued his studies, practiced asceticism, and remained dedicated to serving his Guru, Shri Yashomuni Ji.
He accompanied his Guru on travels for seven Chaturmasas (monsoon retreats) and was often granted permission to travel separately.
He played a significant role in the installation of Shri Yashomuni Ji as an Acharya.
In 1956 AD (Samvat 1956), he participated in a temple consecration with his Guru in Rohida.
He visited Churu multiple times, staying for twenty days and undertaking pilgrimages.
In 1961 AD (Samvat 1961), he successfully engaged in scriptural debates and resolved disputes within the Sangha (community) in Nagaur.
In 1963 AD (Samvat 1963), after the passing of Shri Mohanlal Ji Maharaj, he undertook a rigorous Chaturmas to unite the Gujarati and Marwari communities. He also performed the consecration of the feet of Mohanlal Ji Maharaj. He facilitated the consecration of new temples for the Marwari community and a new temple for the Sangha, performing a miraculous consecration. He also established Yashomuni Ji as an Acharya.

Significant Contributions and Travels:

He played a crucial role in resolving disputes and fostering harmony within the Jain community, particularly between different sects and groups.
He undertook numerous temple consecrations, installations of deities, and flag-hoisting ceremonies across various regions, including Gujarat and Rajasthan.
He established schools and vocational training centers, such as a Hunarshala and Pathshala in Surat in 1985 AD (Samvat 1985).
He was known for his severe ascetic practices, including fasting for extended periods.
He initiated new temples and Upashrayas (monastic residences) and oversaw renovations of existing ones.
He successfully encouraged the participation of various communities in communal meals and festivals, bridging past differences.
He established a Jain Boarding house in Gholwad.

Elevation to Acharyaship:

In 1965 AD (Samvat 1965), despite his initial reluctance, the Mumbai Sangha, along with other prominent figures, requested him to accept the position of Acharya. The consecration ceremony was conducted with great grandeur on the 5th of Phalgun Shukla in Samvat 1965.
He became renowned as Acharya Shri Jinriddhisuri Ji, the successor of Acharya Shri Jinryash Suri Ji.

Later Life and Legacy:

He continued to travel and spread the Jain faith, undertaking many religious activities.
He was instrumental in the appointment of Muni Ratnamani Ji as Acharya and Muni Labdhimani Ji as Upadhyaya (teacher).
He performed the consecration of the Thana temple in 1994 AD (Samvat 1994), which was noted for its exquisite artistry.
He also initiated the construction of a temple in Borivali, Mumbai.
His statue is installed in the Mahavir Swami temple.
His biography, "Shri Jinriddhisuri Jeevan Prabha," was published in 1909 AD (Samvat 1965).
Muni Labdhimani Ji composed a Sanskrit biographical work on him, which remains unpublished.
Acharya Shri Jinriddhisuri Ji passed away in 2008 AD (Samvat 2008).

In essence, the text highlights Shri Jinriddhisuri Ji's profound spiritual journey, his dedication to asceticism and scholarship, his immense contribution to the propagation and consolidation of Jainism, his leadership in resolving community issues, and his role in the establishment and consecration of numerous Jain institutions. He is portrayed as a highly respected and influential figure in Jain history.