Nemichandraji Maharaj

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text about Shri Nemichandji Maharaj:

The text is a biographical and critical appreciation of Shri Nemichandji Maharaj, a prominent spiritual figure and poet from the Sthanakvasi tradition of Jainism. Authored by Shri Devendramuni Shastri, it is part of the "Shri Pushkarmuni Abhinandan Granth."

Shri Nemichandji Maharaj: A Visionary Saint and Poet

The author extols saints as the lifeblood of Indian literature, illuminating the path of spiritual pursuit with their wisdom, conveyed in simple and accessible language for the benefit of all. Shri Nemichandji Maharaj is presented as a revolutionary thinker and visionary saint who fearlessly challenged societal ills and established norms. His unwavering steadfastness, likened to Meru and Himadri mountains, showcased his exceptional tolerance, fearlessness, and candor. He did not hesitate to speak the bitter truth. His poetry is characterized by the irreverence of Kabir, the ecstatic joy of Anandhan, and the naturalness of Samaysundar, imbued with vigor, brilliance, and emotion.

Poetic Prowess and Style

The text emphasizes that true poets are born, not made. While there's no record of Nemichandji Maharaj receiving formal training in poetics, his deep inner feelings, when expressed through the support of meaningful words, naturally manifested as poetry. His poetry was an extension of his personality, flowing seamlessly like water and its waves. He possessed a unique style, rhythm, resonance, and musicality.

His poems showcase flights of imaginative fancy, vivid descriptions of nature, and intricate wordplay. They convey a range of emotions, from devotion and peace to valor and pathos. While adept at describing nature, his forte lay in portraying human emotions. His spiritual radiance, purified speech, and musicality were hallmarks of his compositions.

A Multifaceted Personality

Shri Nemichandji Maharaj was a saint of extraordinary talent, described as an "ashukavi" (spontaneous poet), a powerful orator, a profound scholar of Jain scriptures and philosophy, and a creator of simple, lyrical, and popular poetry. His physical appearance—tall stature, dark complexion, large, magnificent eyes, a cheerful countenance, and white attire—immediately impressed onlookers. Closer interaction revealed his innate simplicity, sincerity, guilelessness, affectionate nature, lofty thoughts, and deep sense of belonging.

Life and Spiritual Journey

Born in Vikram Samvat 1325 (1325 AD) in Baguguda, Udaipur state, to Devi Lalji Lodha and Kamladevi, Nemichandji was drawn to saints and ascetics from childhood. He found solace in listening to their teachings as much as playing in the lap of nature. His spiritual awakening was ignited by the renunciatory discourses of Acharya Shri Punamchandji Maharaj. Despite his parents' reluctance due to their affection for him, his strong desire for renunciation eventually led him to receive initiation (diksha) on Phalguna Shukla Shasthi, Vikram Samvat 1640 (1640 AD), in Baguguda village.

Intellectual Prowess and Scholarly Achievements

Nemichandji possessed exceptional memory, memorizing over thirty-one thousand verses during his student life. He quickly mastered numerous scriptures like Acharanga, Dashavaikalika, Uttaradhyayana, Jambudvipaprajnapti, and Vipaka, along with hundreds of other smaller texts. His feat of memorizing the "Athano Bol ka Baisathiya" in a single moment astonished everyone.

His spontaneous poetic ability allowed him to compose verses effortlessly during conversations or lectures. The text narrates an instance during a cold winter night in Samadri where, after a monastic staff broke accidentally, he immediately composed a relevant couplet, showcasing his quick wit and poetic skill.

Lost Literary Works and Debates

The author laments the loss of many of his significant poetic works, including the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Ganadhar Charitra, Rukmini Mangal, and biographies of Rishabhdev and Mahavir. These extensive works, composed in various meters, were either not written down or lost over time.

He was also known for his quick-wittedness in resolving complex questions. His solutions were always grounded in scripture and logic, enabling him to defeat opponents in debates in places like Gogunda, Panchbhadra, and Parlu. The text recounts an incident where Nemichandji Maharaj artfully corrected a Jain monk from another sect who had used disrespectful language about his Acharya by employing similar terminology in reference to the monk's Acharya, leading to the monk's apology and a lesson in proper speech.

Spiritual Practices and Fearlessness

Influenced by his elder spiritual brother, Shri Jyeshthamalji Maharaj, a yogi who meditated standing all night and was known as a Kevali of the fifth era, Nemichandji also dedicated himself to meditative practices. This meditation enhanced his spiritual aura, allowing him to practice in intimidating environments with complete fearlessness.

Overcoming Fear and Spreading Peace

The text highlights his ability to dispel fear and superstition through spiritual practice. During his Chaturmas in Nimbhahera, he stayed in a six-story mansion rumored to be haunted. Despite local fears, his presence and spiritual power rendered the place peaceful. Similarly, he made a feared house in Kambol village free from apprehension during another Chaturmas.

Impact on Disciples and Public Discourse

In Vikram Samvat 1956, in Tirpala, his teachings inspired Shri Pyarchandji and Bherulalji to take monastic vows, and Mata Teejbhai and Sohankunwarji received initiation from Mahasati Ramkunwarji Maharaj. Mahasati Sohankunwarji is described as fortunate, talented, and steadfast in her conduct.

His lectures were highly engaging, simplifying the profound mysteries of Jain scriptures into vernacular language, captivating his audiences. His voice, described as a deep, resonant thunder, could be heard miles away. His narrations of the life of Lord Krishna were particularly moving.

A Poet of the People

Shri Nemichandji Maharaj is lauded as a great poet whose arrival in the literary sphere was like that of the autumn moon, illuminating the world with the serene glow of his pure personality and work. He appealed to both the learned and the unlearned, the ignorant and the wise. His poetry resonated with the call for self-awakening and humanity, inspiring hope and encouraging people to overcome challenges with courage and enthusiasm.

"Nemvani" - A Collection of His Works

The author has compiled all of Nemichandji Maharaj's available works into a collection called "Nemvani." Reading "Nemvani" is described as an experience of transitioning from a suffocating confinement to the refreshing breeze of a flower garden, filling the reader with peace and revitalization. The collection evokes the scents of various flowers, symbolizing the rich and varied nature of his poetry.

Linguistic Style and Themes

Composed between Vikram Samvat 1940 and 1675 (1640-1675 AD), his verses stand out for their novelty, beauty, and fresh vocabulary. While primarily using Rajasthani, he also incorporated pure Hindi and Urdu words. As a saint-poet, the emphasis was on the emotional depth rather than strict adherence to linguistic rules.

"Nemvani" is divided into two parts: miscellaneous poems on various themes (Part 1) and character sketches (Part 2). Part 1 includes devotional hymns where the poet's fervent heart expresses the virtues of the divine, inspiring others to join in praise. His poems often carry messages of awakening, urging people to recognize their duties, as seen in verses like: "Who knows the day of tomorrow, of this body, of wealth..." and "In a single day, a god was born, or this city of gold..."

He admonishes those consumed by ego, urging them to remember their true selves. He presents complex Agamic philosophical concepts in simple, musical language, explaining spiritual progress (Gunsthanas) and the journey from a right believer to a Jinendra. He also describes "Bhav Naukri" (service of the soul) in a manner akin to worldly employment.

Spiritual Interpretation of Festivals and Concepts

Nemichandji Maharaj offers a spiritual interpretation of worldly festivals like Sheetala. While Sheetala is traditionally worshipped with cool items, he proposes worshipping the "mother" of forgiveness (Kshamya Mata) with devotion, humility, charity, and asceticism, purifying the seven stages of conduct and overcoming eight karmas.

He also explains the ten causes of renunciation as described in the Sthananga Sutra in poetic language. Based on the Jambudvipaprajnapti, he composed "Marat Pachisi," a concise account of Emperor Bharat's conquest of the six continents.

Narrative Poetry and Historical Significance

He created devotional songs about the story of Daulat Muni and Hans Muni being implicated in camel smuggling, showcasing his spontaneous poetic talent. A brief biographical sketch of Acharya Shri Punamchandji Maharaj is included, which is historically significant. The "Nihav Saptadhaliya" is also noted for its historical importance.

Nemichandji Maharaj is a champion of humanity, his words fiery against its opponents. His heart was filled with revolutionary fervor to break the chains of vice and expose hidden evils. He spoke with a spirit of rebellion, sharply critiquing weaknesses and presenting a profound discourse on non-violence (Ahimsa). His "Pakkhi ki Chauvisi" includes historical, mythological, and Agamic tales, emphasizing the importance of forgiveness and incorporating folk narratives.

The second part of "Nemvani" features character stories. He illustrates the concept of forgiveness through examples like Gajsukkumar, King Pradesh, Skandak Muni, and Acharya Amarsinghji Maharaj. Stories on charity, virtuous conduct, asceticism, and contemplation are also included, with three stories dedicated to the Namaskar Mahamantra. He beautifully depicts the story from the Gyatadharm Katha to protect the vows of Mahavrata.

He vividly portrays the scene of Lakshman using the Chakra against Ravana, inspiring courage in the reader. The roars of war drums, the valor of brave hearts, and the palpitation of the fearful are palpable in his descriptions. His "Lavani of the King of Jodhpur" offers a vivid depiction of the shadow of cruel time, reflecting on human contemplation of the future and the unknown.

The "Chetan Charitra" focuses on emotional portrayal and truly showcases the poet's genius, predominantly imbued with Shantarasa (the mood of peace and tranquility). His descriptive style is captivating.

Legacy and Conclusion

In conclusion, Shri Nemichandji Maharaj's poetry is praised for its bright and noble artistic and thematic aspects. As a Jain monk, his poetry is primarily didactic, aiming for the culmination of human life. His life was one of constant spiritual practice. During his Chaturmas in Chhipa ka Akola village in Vikram Samvat 1985, he attained Sallekhana (voluntary fasting to the end of life) and passed away on Kartik Shukla Panchami. His travels spanned Mewar, Marwar, Malwa, Dhundhar, and other regions.

He was a brilliant saint of his era who created a vast body of poetic literature. His poetry was for his own inner joy, and through his personality, he significantly propagated Jainism. He was a philosopher, an orator, a poet, and above all, a saint. His personality and work were truly captivating to the heart and mind.