Mahan Pratapi Mohanlalji Maharaj

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, focusing on the life and impact of Mohanlalji Maharaj:

The text "Mahan Pratapi Mohanlalji Maharaj" by Bhanvarlal Nahta, presented as part of the Z_Manidhari_Jinchandrasuri_Ashtam_Shatabdi_Smruti_Granth, details the life and significant contributions of a prominent Jain monk, Mohanlalji Maharaj, who lived during a period of potential decline in Jainism.

Early Life and Initiation: Mohanlalji Maharaj was born in the village of Chandrapur near Mathura in 1887 Vikram Samvat to parents who were of the Sanadhya Brahmin lineage. His given name was Mohanlal. At the age of seven, his parents brought him to Nagaur and formally dedicated him as a disciple to Acharya Shri Rupchandji. Impressed by Mohanlal's aptitude, Acharya Rupchandji began his education. His progress was swift, earning him the favor of his Guru.

Guru Lineage and Kriyoddhar: Mohanlalji Maharaj belonged to a significant lineage of Jain ascetics. He was a disciple of Yati Shri Rupchandji, who himself was a disciple in the traditional line of Yati Karmachandraji, Ishwardasji, Vriddhichandji, and Lalchandji. His spiritual lineage can be traced back to Acharya Shri Jinsurmishri, a highly influential figure of the time. Acharya Shri Jinmahendrasuri was a powerful influence, and Yati Shri Rupchandji was a follower of his. The text highlights that Mohanlalji Maharaj, along with his gurus, was instrumental in the "Kriyoddhar" (restoration or revival of religious practices), a crucial act during that era. His formal renunciation (Diksha) is believed to have taken place in Nagaur in 1600 Vikram Samvat.

Spiritual Path and Renunciation: Mohanlalji Maharaj initially took Yati Diksha and spent many years in Malwa, residing at the pilgrimage site of Makaji Tirth. He then traveled and preached in Calcutta and Bengal, regions known for their non-violent traditions. It was during his time in Bengal that his spiritual inclination intensified, leading him to undertake further pilgrimages and eventually renounce the worldly path more decisively. He later moved to Ajmer and continued on his spiritual journey.

Key Contributions and Achievements:

• Renowned for Austerity and Devotion: Mohanlalji Maharaj was known for his rigorous asceticism and deep meditation. He could endure extreme conditions, even foregoing water at night during his penance. The text notes that his spiritual power was such that a nearby lion became calm in his presence while he was in a state of Kayotsarg (a meditative posture).
• Revival of Ancient Temples: He played a pivotal role in the restoration and consecration of numerous Jain temples. A notable example is the temple in Osiyan, which had become dilapidated and covered in sand. Mohanlalji Maharaj renounced his worldly comforts until the temple was renovated and the idol of the deity was restored and consecrated with rituals. An idol of him is still present in the Osiyan temple today.
• Influence and Preaching: He traveled extensively throughout Marwar, Gujarat, Kathiawar, and other regions, unhindered by caste or sectarian divisions. He had a profound impact in major cities like Bombay, being among the first Jain monks to widely travel there. His teachings led many to embrace the paths of limited (deshvirati) and full (sarvavirati) renunciation.
• Large Disciple Community: He cultivated a vast community of disciples, both monks and nuns, who carried on his spiritual legacy. His disciples are still prominent in both the Khartargachcha and Tapagachcha traditions.
• Promotion of Jain Dharma: Through his unwavering discipline and asceticism, Mohanlalji Maharaj significantly influenced the Jain faith. He inspired the establishment of knowledge repositories (Gyanbhandars) and contributed to the preservation and promotion of Jain literature.
• Consecration of Idols: He personally oversaw the consecration (Anjanshilaka Pratishtha) of numerous idols of Jain Tirthankaras, including those at the pilgrimage site of Shatrunjaya, sponsored by prominent lay patrons like Seth Nahata of Bombay.

Later Life and Nirvana: Mohanlalji Maharaj spent 30 years in the Yati stage of his life. In 1930 Vikram Samvat, he moved from Calcutta to Ajmer and embraced a more rigorous spiritual path (Samvegpaksha). He continued his intense meditation and spiritual practices. He attained Nirvana (passed away) in Surat on the 14th of Krishna Paksha in the month of Vaishakh in 1664 Vikram Samvat.

Disciple Yashomuniji: The text also briefly introduces Acharya Shri Yashomuniji, a principal disciple of Mohanlalji Maharaj. Yashomuniji was born in 1912 Vikram Samvat in Jodhpur. After his father's death, he supported himself and pursued religious studies. He was a devout individual who undertook a 45-day fast in the name of Lord Parshvanath and participated in the pilgrimage to Sammedshikharji and other holy sites.

In essence, the text portrays Mohanlalji Maharaj as a "Mahan Prataapi" (greatly glorious and powerful) spiritual leader who played a crucial role in strengthening and revitalizing Jainism through his personal austerity, influential preaching, extensive temple renovations, and the cultivation of a dedicated community of disciples. He is presented as a luminary who ensured the continuity and flourishing of the Jain tradition during his time.