Labdhimuniji

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text about Upadhyay Shri Labdhimuni Ji Maharaj, based on the content from the three pages:

Upadhyay Shri Labdhimuni Ji Maharaj: A Pillar of Jainism in the 20th Century

This text celebrates the life and legacy of Upadhyay Shri Labdhimuni Ji Maharaj, a highly respected and influential figure in the Kharatargachh tradition during the 20th century. He is described as a prominent Mahapurush (great soul) and a jewel of the Kharatargachh.

Early Life and Renunciation:

Born in Moti Khakhar village in Kutch, his birth name was Ladhai. His father, Danabhai Dedhiya, was from the Vissa Oswal community. Ladhai, alongside his siblings Nanji and sister Ratanbai, was raised with strong religious values. At a young age, he moved to Bombay with his father and began working in the shop of Seth Ratansi. A close friendship developed with Seth Bhimsi Karamshi's son, Devjibhai, who shared similar spiritual inclinations. The devastating plague of 1958, which claimed the life of Seth Ratansi, profoundly impacted Ladhai, highlighting the impermanence of life. This realization, coupled with conversations with his friend Devjibhai who was also becoming disinclined towards worldly affairs, led them to approach Param Pujya Shri Mohanlalji Maharaj, who was in Bombay for his Chaturmas. Both friends requested to renounce worldly life and take diksha.

Diksha and Ascetic Life:

Under the guidance of Pujya Shri, Ladhai was sent to Mandhar village near Abu to learn from Shri Rajmuniji. On Vaishakh Sudhi 3 of Samvat 1958, both Ladhai and Devjibhai received diksha from Rajmuniji, with Ladhai becoming Ratnamuni (later Acharya Shri Jinratnasuri Ji) and Ladhai becoming Labdhimuni. His first Chaturmas was dedicated to intensive study of scriptures, including Panche Pratikramanadi, Kavya, Kosh, Nyaya, Alankar, Vyakaran, and Jain Agams.

Spiritual and Intellectual Journey:

Shri Labdhimuni Ji Maharaj was a highly learned, profound, and vigilant ascetic. He was particularly praised for his dedication to teaching and his generosity in imparting knowledge. He studied under the great scholar Upadhyay Shri Yashomuniji (Acharya Shri Jinayashahsuriji Ji) and later had his "badi diksha" (major initiation) in Samvat 1960. For many years, until the demise of Shri Jinratnasuri Ji in Samvat 1976, he largely accompanied his Guru-bhrata (spiritual brother), undertaking Chaturmas in various regions including Rajasthan, Saurashtra, Gujarat, and Malwa. He also spent time with Pandit Shri Riddhiuniji and Kantimuniji. Even after his Guru's passing, he continued to spread his spiritual influence across Kutch.

Contributions and Achievements:

Shri Labdhimuni Ji Maharaj was a multifaceted personality, excelling in scholarship, spiritual practice, and societal service.

• Literary Works: He was a prodigious writer, known for his contributions in Sanskrit and Gujarati. He authored historical epics, including:
  • Shripalcharitra (1660)
  • Shrimad Jinachandrasuri Granth (1212 shlok, 6 sarg)
  • Shri Jinakushalsuri Charitra (633 padyas)
  • Manidhari Shri Jinachandrasuri Charitra (201 shlok)
  • Shri Jindatsuri Charitra (468 shlok)
  • Shri Jinratnasuri Charitra
  • Shri Jinayashahsurij Charitra
  • Shri Jinriddhisuri Charitra
  • Shri Mohanlalji Maharaj Jeevan Charitra (shlokbaddh) He also composed works like Atmabhavana, Dwadash Parva Katha, Chaitya Vandan Chauvisi, Sthanak Chaitya Vandan, Stutis, and Pancheparva-stutis. His Sanskrit compositions, like the verse-based "Sushadh Charitra" and the 108 Khamasamana verses of Siddhachalji, demonstrate his mastery of language. He also compiled the Kharatargachh Pattavali in 1745 shlokas and a commentary on the Kalpasutra.
• Temple Consecrations and Renovations: He played a vital role in the construction and consecration of Jain temples, Dadabaris, and Murtis across various locations. Notably, he supervised the consecration of the Jinadatsuri temple in Mandvi, Kutch, and the installation of Shri Jinratnasuri Ji's murti in the Kharatargachh Upashray. He also oversaw the anjanashalaka of various deities in the Jinamalaya built by Hemchandbhai in Kutch-Bhuj.
• Spiritual Guidance and Preaching: He was known for his simple and comprehensible preaching, making complex philosophical concepts accessible to the common people. His discourses inspired the construction and renovation of numerous temples.
• Personal Qualities: Despite his vast scholarship, he remained humble, gentle, and serene. He was described as a "bal-brahmachari" (lifelong celibate) and possessed a calm and tranquil nature. He had a deep understanding of spiritual practices like "Jaap" and was proficient in Sanskrit poetry.

Later Life and Demise:

Shri Labdhimuni Ji Maharaj, a lifelong celibate and a distinguished scholar, spent 65 years in rigorous spiritual practice. He passed away at the age of 88 in Moti Asambiya village in Samvat 2023. His life was a testament to his unwavering devotion to Jain principles, his profound knowledge, and his selfless service to the Sangha. His influence extended to promoting the Dharma and the Gachchh.