Kshamakalyanji Aur Unka Sadhu Samudaya

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, focusing on Upadhyay Kshamakalyanji and his monastic community:

Title: Upadhyay Kshamakalyanji and His Monastic Community Author: Agarchand Nahta Publisher: Z_Manidhari_Jinchandrasuri_Ashtam_Shatabdi_Smruti_Granth_012019.pdf

This text, authored by Agarchand Nahta, details the life and legacy of Upadhyay Kshamakalyanji, a significant figure within the Kharatargachchha tradition of Jainism, and the monastic community that followed him.

Core Tenets of Jain Asceticism and the Kharatargachchha:

The author begins by highlighting a recurring characteristic of Lord Mahavir's teachings: the appearance of revolutionary saints whenever laxity crept into ascetic practices. Jain monasticism, as established by Mahavir, is inherently strict and blameless. The text emphasizes that anyone who diligently studies and reflects on Mahavir's teachings is inspired to uphold pure asceticism. When faults arise, their rectification is deemed essential.

The Kharatargachchha tradition is particularly renowned for its adherence to pure ascetic practices, also known as the "Suvihit Vidhimarg" (path of proper conduct). Historically, when laxity ("githilachar") emerged, the acharyas and monks of the Kharatargachchha restored pure asceticism through "kriyoddhara" (revival of disciplinary practices).

The Lineage Leading to Kshamakalyanji:

The text traces the lineage to Upadhyay Kshamakalyanji through Vachak Amritdharmji. In the early 19th century (specifically around Samvat 1838), Vachak Amritdharmji, a disciple of Preetisagar Upadhyay (who was himself a disciple of Jinbhaktisuriji), set a profound example of adherence to conduct by completely renouncing possessions. It was from this Vachak Amritdharmji that Upadhyay Kshamakalyanji emerged as his disciple. The monastic community associated with Kshamakalyanji continues to exist today, known as the "Sukhsagarji Sangh."

Life and Contributions of Upadhyay Kshamakalyanji:

• Birth and Early Life: According to the Sanskrit text "Kshamakalyanacharitra" by Pandit Nityanandji, Kshamakalyanji was born in Samvat 1801 in Bikaner, in the village of Samoth, to the Maloo clan of the Osvanshiya community. His birth name was Khushalkumar.
• Initiation and Gurus: He received yati-diksha (ascetic initiation) in Samvat 1815-16 under Shri Jinlabh Suriji. His spiritual preceptor and guru was Vachak Amritdharmji. His academic gurus were Upadhyay Rajasom and Upadhyay Ramvijay (Rupchand).
• Travels and Vihars: From Samvat 1826 to 1840, he journeyed with Vachak Amritdharmji, Shri Jinlabh Suriji, and Shri Jinchandra Suriji across Rajasthan, Gujarat, Saurashtra, and Kutch. He visited various pilgrimage sites during these travels.
• Eastern India Sojourn: In Samvat 1843, he traveled to Eastern India with his guru, observing Chaturmas in Baluchchar and performing the recitation (vachana) of the Bhagavati Sutra. He spent five years in Bengal and Bihar, during which he consecrated numerous temples, idols, and footprints. Inspired by the local patrons (shravaks), he also composed various works in Hindi and Rajasthani.
• Return and Later Life: He observed Chaturmas in Bikaner in Samvat 1850 and in Jaisalmer in Samvat 1851. His guru, Shri Jinlabh Suriji, attained nirvana in Jaisalmer in Magh Sud 15 of Samvat 1851. The Amrit Dharmaśālā in Jaisalmer still exists in his memory.
• Elevated Positions: In Samvat 1855, Shri Jinchandra Suriji conferred upon him the title of Vachak. A couple of years later, Shri Jinchandra Suriji honored him with the title of Upadhyay. He served as an Upadhyay alongside Suriji in Jaisalmer from Samvat 1858-59.
• Literary and Constructive Activities: From Samvat 1826 to 1873, he was continuously engaged in literary creation. He was involved in consecrations at places like Ajimganj, Mahimapur, Mahajan Toli, Patna, Devikot, Ajmer, Bikaner, Jodhpur, and Mandovar. He also had idols installed in the Upashraya of Shri Simandhar Swami and Sugharji.
• Spiritual Guidance: Many lay followers (shravaks and shravikas) took vows from him. He undertook pilgrimages to all prominent sacred sites.
• Discipleship and Mentorship: He imparted knowledge to many worthy disciples, including Sumativardhan and Umedchandra, who are known for their significant compositions.
• Later Years and Nirvana: Due to ill health, he returned to Bikaner from Kishangarh in Samvat 1868 and remained there until his final days. He attained nirvana in Bikaner on Poush Vad 14, Tuesday, in Samvat 1873. His cremation took place at the place where the "Rail Dada Ji" temple is located.
• Artistic and Published Works: The text mentions that he had beautiful handwriting. His letters, block prints, portraits, and lists of his compositions are available. A detailed biography of his life is published in the Hindi translation of his "Prashnottar Sarth Shatak" by Shri Punyashvarn Gyanpeeth, Jaipur. Several of his Sanskrit compositions and stotras (hymns) have also been published. His disciples included Kalyanvijay, Vivek vijay, Vidyavardhan, and Dharmavishal. The lineage continued through Dharmanda, Rajsagar, Riddhisagar, and Sukhsagarji.
• Legacy: Upadhyay Kshamakalyanji was a profound scholar and a virtuous individual of his time.

Visual Documentation:

The text includes references to the availability of portraits from his youth and old age. It also specifically mentions a final leaf of the "Anandvardhan Krit Chovisī" (a work by Anandvardhan) written in the handwriting of Shri Devchandji (Samvat 1770), which is preserved at the Abhay Jain Granthalaya in Bikaner. This indicates the value placed on preserving his lineage and associated artifacts.

In essence, the text celebrates Upadhyay Kshamakalyanji as a pivotal figure who upheld the rigorous standards of Jain asceticism, contributed significantly to its literature and practice, and left behind a dedicated monastic community that continues his tradition.