Kailassagarsuriji

This Jain text, "Kailassagarsuriji," authored by Nandlal B. Devluk, focuses on the life and achievements of the revered Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuriji Maharaj. The text is divided into two parts, found in the PDFs "Shramana_Bhagwanto_Part_1_004596.pdf" and "Shramana_Bhagwanto_Part_2_004597.pdf."

Here's a comprehensive summary:

Introduction and Legacy:

The text begins by praising Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuriji Maharaj as a great influence on Jainism ("Shasanprabhavak") who brought welfare to himself and others. His legacy continues through his vast lineage of disciples, including currently active revered Acharyas like Shri Subodhsagarsurishwarji Maharaj, Shri Durlabhsagarsurishwarji Maharaj, and others, along with 55 monks and 96 nuns. The author offers immense salutations to this great guru who established many pillars of fame for the Jain faith.

Early Life and Renunciation:

Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuriji Maharaj, described as a person of profound peace and gentleness, was born on December 19, 1913, in Jagraon village, Ludhiana district, Punjab. His father was Ramkrishnadasji and his mother was Ramkhidevi. His birth name was Kashiram. He was born into a Sthanakvasi Jain family, meaning he was initially a staunch opponent of idol worship. Kashiram was raised with strong Jain values in a large family of two brothers and four sisters. He received his primary education in his village and later went to Lahore for higher studies, where he excelled in his B.A. degree with honors.

Despite his academic success, Kashiram was inclined towards renunciation from a young age. Although he was married due to his parents' insistence, his core belief as a Sthanakvasi Jain led him to oppose idol worship. His deep desire for self-welfare was fulfilled on January 1, 1938 (Pish Vad 10, Samvat 1994), after reading the books of Acharya Shri Buddhisagarsuriji Maharaj, which profoundly influenced him. He received initiation in Ahmedabad in the presence of Acharya Shri Kirtisagarsurishwarji Maharaj, becoming a disciple of the ascetic Muni Shri Jitendrasagarji Maharaj. He was then named Muni Shri Kailassagarji.

Ascension Through the Ranks:

After his initiation, Muni Shri Kailassagarji's spiritual development progressed rapidly. He possessed remarkable intelligence and diligently studied sacred texts like Siddh-Hem Vyakaran, Agamas, philosophical treatises, and literature. His insatiable thirst for knowledge and constant engagement with studies earned him recognition among learned monks. He would travel to any place that offered new avenues of knowledge without hesitation.

Recognizing his merit, Acharya Shri Kirtisagarsurishwarji Maharaj conferred upon him the title of Gani (a learned monk) on February 15, 1948 (Maha Sud 13, Samvat 2004). He was further honored with the title of Nyas in Mumbai on December 25, 1948 (Magshar Sud 10, Samvat 2005). He ascended to the position of Upadhyaya (a teacher of scriptures) in Sanand on February 15, 1955 (Maha Sud 5, Samvat 2011). Finally, on February 19, 1966 (Maha Vad 11, Samvat 2022), he was elevated to the prestigious position of Acharya, becoming known as Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuriji Maharaj.

Leadership and Impact:

Seven years after becoming Acharya, the responsibility of the entire Jain community fell upon him. In 1974 (Samvat 2030), he became the leader of his sect. On June 11, 1983 (Jeth Sud 11, Samvat 2039), on the holy land of Mahudi (Madhupuri) Tirth, in the presence of a large congregation, he was formally honored as the head of the Sagarsamudaya tradition.

Under his guidance, approximately 24 consecrations (Anjanshalaka), 80 renovations and installations of Jin temples, over 20 observances of Upadhan Tap, the construction of numerous monastic residences (Upashrayas), and the consecration of over 9000 idols (Jinbimb) took place.

Asceticism and Principles:

Despite holding the highest position, Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuriji Maharaj remained free from worldly desires. He observed strict vows, rarely eating anything less than a single meal a day. He also had a unique principle of abstaining from items like almonds and rice, which were offered to the deities, to avoid any perceived defilement of divine wealth. This principle even led him to avoid visiting Punjab, his father's birthplace, because those items were sold from temples there. He never consumed "adrakam" (a type of food) throughout his life. Even during his travels, he subsisted on simple food like chickpeas, rotlas, buttermilk, and jaggery. He never had anything specially prepared for his father.

He always sat on the ground, never using any seating arrangement. He maintained a humble demeanor, always looking downwards. He preferred to write with pencils or ballpoint pens. His humility and respect were exceptional. He would often say, "Ranodarad Sarvatpunaam" (meaning, he considered himself a servant of all monks). Whenever he learned something new from someone, he would immediately acknowledge them as his "Vidya Guru" (teacher of knowledge).

He never allowed anyone to interfere with his father. If he ever experienced anger, he would perform three Ayambil (a fast with specific dietary restrictions) as atonement. He was known for never compromising on his principles. Once, when compelled to pose for photographs, he undertook 21 Ayambil fasts. Despite his high status, he never displayed any trace of arrogance, which made him immensely popular. His simple and straightforward personality was a magnet for his followers. He remained free from ambition and expectations, which enabled him to enthusiastically perform various acts of religious propagation.

Artistic and Promotional Contributions:

The Acharya was also skilled in the art of architecture and craftsmanship. The Shri Simandhar Swami Tirth in Mehsana, which stands today as an unparalleled architectural marvel across India, was a result of his vision.

Extensive Ministry and Passing:

During his long spiritual journey of 47 years, Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuriji Maharaj traveled extensively across states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Bengal, and Maharashtra. He actively engaged in religious activities to keep the flames of Dharma burning brightly and to illuminate human lives with spiritual wisdom.

In 1985 (Jeth Sud Beej, Samvat 2041), in a state of meditation, his life's journey concluded at the Ankur Society in Ahmedabad. His mortal remains were cremated at the "Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra" in Keba (Gandhinagar) after a procession that stretched over 15 kilometers, a testament to his immense popularity.

On the night before his passing, he expressed his desire to attain liberation and embrace the ascetic life at the feet of Lord Simandhar Swami in Mahavideh. He stated he had no attachment to life and no fear of death. It is believed that his words held true, as he attained his heavenly abode while in Kayotsarg (a meditative posture). Thus, he was a true Acharya free from worldly desires, possessing unparalleled knowledge and austerity, yet remaining humble.

The text concludes by mentioning that his biography, titled "Aatamgnani Shraman Kahave," was written by the esteemed writer Shri Kumar Pal Desai. The author offers countless salutations to the lotus feet of such a great and revered Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuriji Maharaj. The compilation is attributed to the esteemed Panyas Shri Dharanendrasagarji Maharaj.

Mention of Current Acharya:

The text also briefly introduces the current leader and great propagator of the faith, Acharya Shri Subodhsagarsurishwarji Maharaj, mentioning his birth in Juna Dissa, a city known for its many Jain temples and religious institutions. It highlights his parents, Chunilal Chhaganlal Mehta and Jamnaben, and his birth name, Vardhichand. It emphasizes the profound impact of his mother's religious upbringing and the influence of family values on his spiritual progress, comparing it to adding fragrance to gold. The text concludes by stating that spiritual progress is true and eternal, surpassing material progress.