Maha Tapasvi Acharya Shri Shantisagarji Maharaj

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Introduction: Maha Tapasvi Acharya Shri Shantisagarji Maharaj was a highly revered Jain saint born about 115 years prior to the text's writing, in an era when Digambar Jain traditions were in decline and there was a scarcity of saints to uphold the teachings of Lord Mahavir and Kundkund. He was born in South India and is credited with reviving and strengthening Digambar Jain traditions, earning him respect as a great saint of old.

Birth and Childhood: Born Satgonda in 1871 AD in Belgul village, Belgaum District, South India, he came from a respected warrior family. He was a healthy, brave, intelligent, and peace-loving child, known for his honesty and reserved nature. From a young age, he was drawn to religious activities, meditation, and scripture study, and was deeply influenced by his mother's teachings. His family was prosperous and devoted to Lord Jinendra. Satgonda possessed an extraordinary memory and displayed qualities of a great man from childhood, drawing people to him with his amiable behavior.

Detachment, Celibacy, and Study: Although married at nine to a six-year-old girl who died within six months, Satgonda refused a second marriage at 18, dedicating his life to complete celibacy. He aspired to take Dixa (ascetic vows) at 17 but was prevented by his parents. Despite his detachment, he managed his father's cloth shop with utmost honesty and integrity, using the time for self-study and religious contemplation. He even delivered lectures to a group of 15-20 people at the shop.

Young Age and Dixa: At 32, he undertook a significant pilgrimage to Samet Shikhar, vowing to abstain from ghee and edible oil for life and later a vow of eating only once a day. His father also adopted a similar austere practice. After his parents' passing (both achieved meditation-death), Satgonda, then 37, was free to pursue his spiritual path. In 1915 AD, at the age of 43, under the guidance of Digambar Muni Shri Devapa Swamy, he took Dixa in Uttoor village, becoming a mendicant named Shanti Sagar. He renounced all worldly possessions, embracing the earth as his home and seeking eternal freedom.

Ascension to Acharya and Charitra Chakravarti: During his travels, at the holy land of Girnar, he took Elak Dixa. Later, at the Panch Kalyan Pratishtha Mahotsava in Parnal village, he requested and received Nirgranth Dixa (full mendicantship) from Devendra Kirti Maharaj, becoming Muni Shanti Sagar at 45. His detachment was profound, and he was ready to face extreme hardship to uphold his vows. He became famous for his austerity and spiritual teachings, granting Dixa to many and establishing the Shraman Sangh. At 52, he was given the title of Acharya, and in 1951, the prestigious title of Charitra Chakravarti at the Gajpantha celebrations. His arrival in towns and villages was met with great enthusiasm, marked by religious lectures, discussions, and devotional activities.

Shrutoddhar and Significant Works: A pivotal achievement of Acharya Shri Shanti Sagarji was the preservation of ancient Jain scriptures. He recognized the imminent destruction of a significant religious text written on old leaves and trees and initiated its re-writing on copper sheets to ensure its longevity. This act of "Shrutoddhar" (preservation of scripture) is considered his most important life's work. He faced numerous difficulties but met them with fearlessness, patience, and tolerance, establishing his greatness.

Character and Acts of Non-Violence and Forgiveness: The text highlights several instances of his profound non-violence and forgiveness. When a Brahmin named Chhindha attacked him and his disciples, Acharya Shri intervened to secure the Brahmin's release. He also endured a severe attack by thousands of red ants on his body during meditation without moving for hours. In another incident, a black snake wrapped itself around him for over 20 minutes while he remained in deep meditation. These events demonstrated his victory over extreme physical pain and mental distress, leaving a deep impression on people. He was admired by commoners and even European officers for his philosophical preachings and restrained life, treating all religions equally.

Demise in Meditation (Samayik-Maran/Sannllekhana): In his final years, Acharya Shri Shanti Sagarji embraced the ultimate vow of Yam-Sannllekhana (fast unto death). Having already renounced sweets, ghee, salt, fruits, and vegetables over the years, and with his eyesight weakening, he began the ritualistic process of Sannllekhana. He gradually reduced his intake of food to grape juice, then water at increasing intervals, for about two months. In his final stage, he adopted Yama-Sannllekhana (Ingiti-Maran/Sanyas), stopping all water intake and remaining in deep meditation. He passed away on September 18, 1955 AD, at the holy place of Kunthalgiri in Maharashtra. Just before his demise, he touched a Jinendra Murti and was muttering "Namah Siddhebhya:" (Respects to the Absolute).

Legacy: Acharya Shri Shanti Sagarji Maharaj is remembered as an ideal mendicant who observed rigorous vows and lived a life of total celibacy for forty years. He conquered his senses and the "six enemies" (kama, krodha, lobha, moha, mada, matsarya). Even after 55 days of Sannllekhana without food or water, he remained peaceful. He is seen as a guiding light for mendicants and followers, having "re-incarnated" Digambar traditions during a time of ignorance and resistance to its practices. He initiated many into ascetic life, including prominent saints like Shri VeerSagar, Shri ChandraSagar, Shri NemiSagar, Shri KunthuSagar, and SamantBhadra, and numerous nuns and possessionless individuals, securing his permanent place among the foremost Digambar Jain Saints.