Mohanlalji Maharaj - Book Summary

This document, titled "Mohanlalji Maharaj," is a biographical account of a prominent Jain monk, Muni Shri Mohanlalji Maharaj. The text, presented in Gujarati, details his life, spiritual journey, and significant contributions to the Jain faith, particularly in Gujarat and Mumbai.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the key points:

Introduction and Early Life:

Early Life and Spiritual Inclination: Muni Shri Mohanlalji Maharaj was born in 1831 in Chandpur, Uttar Pradesh, to Shri Badarmal and Sundari. Despite being born into a wealthy Brahmin family, he became a fervent propagator of Jainism.
Moving to Nagaur: At the age of nine, his parents moved to Nagaur in the Jodhpur state.
Initiation into Jainism: In Nagaur, he was introduced to the renowned Jain ascetic, Shri Rupchandji. His parents, recognizing his spiritual inclination, entrusted him to Rupchandji for religious upbringing and training.
Education: Mohan received his initial education in Hindi in Chandpur. He also studied history, geography, and mathematics. Rupchandji imparted religious and spiritual knowledge, and Mohan quickly memorized numerous Jain scriptures and studied texts like the Tattvarthasutra. He also learned grammar, poetry, astrology, palmistry, and Swarodaya Shastra.

Spiritual Training and Becoming a Monk:

Move to Mumbai and Indore: After completing his studies, Rupchandji took Mohan to Mumbai. From Mumbai, Rupchandji sent him to Indore to meet Acharya Mahendrasuri of the Khartargachchha.
Yati Deeksha: In 1847, at the age of sixteen, Acharya Mahendrasuri initiated Mohan into the monastic order as Yati Shri Mohanlalji at the Makshi Tirth near Indore.
Continued Guidance and Challenges: He initially stayed with Acharya Mahendrasuri and then returned to Mumbai to be with his guru Rupchandji. Rupchandji took him to Gwalior, where he passed away. Later, Acharya Mahendrasuri also passed away. This period after 1859 proved challenging for Mohanlalji.

Significant Life Events and Contributions:

First Pilgrimage to Shatrunjaya: In 1860, he participated in a pilgrimage to Shatrunjaya (Palitana) organized by Babu Butthanji. This journey deeply impacted his mind and life.
Wider Wandering and Transformation: After the Shatrunjaya pilgrimage, he spent about twelve years wandering in and around Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh. He then moved to Kolkata, where he was inspired to transition from a Yati to a full-fledged Sadhu (monk).
Becoming a Samvegi Sadhu: He dedicated all his ancestral property to the faith. Later, in Ajmer, in 1874, he formally became a Samvegi Sadhu-Shraman (a more rigorous order of Jain monks) in front of the congregation, receiving initiation from Shri Sukhsagarji Maharaj. He became known as a brilliant monk in the Samvegi tradition of the Khartargachchha.
Impact on Sirohi: During his Chaturmas (monsoon retreat) in Sirohi in 1883, he influenced the ruler, Shri Kesarisinhji, to ban animal slaughter for 15 days each year and to grant permission for the construction of a Jain temple in Rahida village. He also played a role in transferring the administration of a Jain temple from Brahmins to Jains.
Disciples and Further Activities: He gained popularity wherever he traveled. After Sirohi, he observed Chaturmas in Pali, Sadadi, Jodhpur, and Ajmer. His first disciple was Diwan Amalchandji of Jodhpur, who became Muni Anandchandraji. Jethmalji of Jodhpur also became his disciple. In 1879, he performed his Chaturmas at the Osia Tirth, his ancestral place, and inspired the renovation of the Osia temple.
Embracing Tapagachchha Practices: In 1883, after completing his Chaturmas in Patan, North Gujarat, he began following the religious practices of the Tapagachchha at the request of the local Jain community. He maintained an equal outlook towards all his disciples and strengthened the influence of Jainism without being bound by sectarian divisions. His work in Surat and Mumbai was greatly appreciated due to this shift.
Establishing Institutions: He was instrumental in the establishment of various Jain institutions, including Dharmashalas (rest houses), Bhojanshalas (community kitchens), Upashrayas (monastic residences), and libraries, in Surat, Navsari, Palitana, Siya Ji, and Mumbai. He also established a knowledge repository (Jnana Bhandar) in Surat by collecting rare books.
Historic Entry into Mumbai: A significant achievement was his pioneering entry into Mumbai in 1891. At that time, many believed Mumbai was a city of indulgence and that monks visiting it would be corrupted. Despite this belief and the challenges of crossing inlets, he accepted the invitation from the Mumbai Jain community, understanding their need for spiritual guidance. He inspired the renovation of an old temple in Navsari on his way to Mumbai. His arrival in Mumbai was met with a grand welcome, attended by not only Jains but also prominent Hindus, British officials, lawyers, judges, Parsis, and Muslims. This event marked a historic occasion for Mumbai.
Activities in Surat and Mumbai: He spent a total of six Chaturmas in Surat, during which he established several institutions like the Upashraya of Seth Nemchand Melapchand, the Mohanlalji Upashraya, a library, a Jain dining hall, and the Kunvar Jain Knowledge Industry School. He also oversaw the renovation of the Surajmandal Parshvanath Jinalaya in 1900. Surat became his beloved place of work. He observed eight Chaturmas in Mumbai, during which Jainism flourished. The entire Jain complex at Lalbaug, including the temple, Upashraya, library, Dharmashala, and dining hall, developed under his inspiration. The Adinath Jain Temple at Walkeshwar was also built and consecrated under his guidance.
Pilgrimage to Shatrunjaya and Consecration: In 1892, he participated in a walking pilgrimage from Surat to Shatrunjaya, which took over a month. He participated in the consecration ceremony of the idol of Adinath at the Dhanvashi Tunk (Babu's temple) built at the foothills of Shatrunjaya. He also initiated Shri Trishimuni in Palitana.

Later Life and Legacy:

Passing Away: Muni Shri Mohanlalji Maharaj passed away in Surat in 1907. A memorial was erected at the cremation site near the Tapi river.
Enduring Memorials: The "Mohanlalji Upashraya" in Surat stands as a living monument to him. His marble idols have been installed in temples in Mumbai, Surat, and Palitana, preserving his memory.
Commemoration and Recognition: A commemorative book, "Shri Mohanlalji Ardha Shatabdi Smarak Granth," was published by Muni Shri Mrigendramuniji Maharaj. In 1991, the 100th anniversary of his entry into Mumbai was celebrated with a grand event in Mumbai, attended by prominent Jain scholars and monks.
Overall Impact: Muni Shri Mohanlalji Maharaj is remembered as a courageous and influential monk who broke barriers by entering Mumbai, thereby opening avenues for other Jain monks. He made significant contributions to the propagation of Jainism in Mumbai and South Gujarat. He is celebrated as a rare spiritual leader who embodied equanimity, equality, and right faith.

The latter part of the document also briefly introduces two other significant Jain Acharyas:

Acharya Shri Nipunprabhsurishwarji Maharaj: Described as an austere ascetic, scholar, and celibate, his birth, education, and eventual initiation and rise to Acharya are briefly mentioned.
Acharya Shri Munisundarsurishwarji Maharaj: Highlighted for embodying equanimity, impartiality, and right faith, his life journey, including significant personal losses and the development of his detachment, is touched upon. He was born Vasantilalji in Roonija, Madhya Pradesh.

In essence, the text provides a detailed and reverent account of Muni Shri Mohanlalji Maharaj's life, emphasizing his pioneering spirit, his dedication to spreading Jain principles, and his lasting impact on the Jain community, particularly through his historic entry into Mumbai.