Panyasji Maharaj Shree Kanchanvijayji Ganivaryanu Tunk Jivan Charitra

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Book Title: Panyasji Maharaj Shree Kanchanvijayji Ganivar's Short Biography (Panyasji Maharaj Shree Kanchanvijayji Ganivaryanu Tunk Jivan Charitra)

Author: Unknown Publisher: ZZZ Unknown Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/034916/1

This book is a short biography of Panyasji Maharaj Shree Kanchanvijayji Ganivar, tracing his life from his early years to his spiritual journey and eventual monastic achievements. The biography is presented in a chronological and detailed manner, highlighting key events and influences in his life.

Early Life and Family:

• Birth: He was born in 1888 AD (Samvat 1944) in Gadhada, Saurashtra, to a respected Velanu family. His parents were Bhavsar Rugnath Dulabhdas and Bai Madhi.
• Parental Background: Rugnathbhai had roots in the Sthanakvasi Jain tradition, while his wife Madhi was influenced by the Murtipujak (idol-worshipping) tradition. Despite their differing beliefs, they lived a harmonious and religious life.
• Siblings: He was the eldest of five sons (Harjivandas - his pre-monastic name, Nanalal, Jagjivan Das, Narottam Das, and Zaverchand) and two daughters (Kekaben and Ajawali).
• Early Education and Business: His father, Rugnathbhai, was a prosperous grain merchant. Initially, the family resided in Gadhada, but due to financial setbacks and the lack of adequate educational facilities there, they moved to Bhavnagar. Harjivandas received his early education in Bhavnagar, excelling in his studies and earning the respect of his teachers. He later enrolled in an Anglo-Vernacular school to pursue English education.

Marriage and Early Career:

• Marriage: Harjivandas was married in 1901 AD (Samvat 1957) to Bai Ratan, daughter of Bhavsar Trikamdas Narsidas of Bhavnagar.
• Mill Work: Due to increased family responsibilities and to support his family after the passing of some of his brothers and his father's employment situation, Harjivandas left his studies and took up employment. He began working in a mill in Bhavnagar, where he learned various aspects of the mill operations. His keen observation and practical approach led him to be appointed as a "Jombar" (likely a supervisor or foreman).
• Move to Ahmedabad and Career Progression: Facing limited job prospects and lower wages in Kathiawad, Harjivandas decided to move to Ahmedabad, a major industrial hub. In 1904 AD (Samvat 1960), he moved to Ahmedabad with his wife Ratan and daughter Hira. He secured a position as Head Jombar at a monthly salary of Rs. 250 at the Mangaldas Girdharlal mill. He was known for his generosity, often helping fellow community members find employment and providing them with shelter and food. He also worked in other mills in Ahmedabad.

Spiritual Awakening and Renunciation:

• Growing Detachment: Harjivandas was always drawn to the Vitarag Paramatma (Tirthankaras) and idol worship, a stark contrast to his father's initial Sthanakvasi leanings. His faith deepened over time.
• Influence of Spiritual Teachers: He was profoundly influenced by the teachings of Acharya Maharaj Shree Vijayvir Surishwarji Maharaj and later Muni Maharaj Shree Devendra Vijayji Maharaj and Muni Maharaj Shree Bhaktivijayji Maharaj.
• Practicing Austerities: His spiritual inclination grew, leading him to observe strict religious practices like fasting (Ekasna, Ayambil), giving up nighttime meals, drinking only warm water, and undertaking pilgrimages.
• Decision for Diksha (Ordination): The death of his beloved daughter, Hira, in 1916 AD (Samvat 1972) was a significant turning point, reinforcing his sense of detachment from worldly life. The spiritual guidance of Muni Maharaj Shree Bhaktivijayji Maharaj further solidified his resolve to seek initiation.
• Family Consent: Following the advice of his Guru, he obtained the consent of his wife, Ratan, and other family members for his renunciation.
• First Diksha (Munishri Kanchanvijayji): In 1919 AD (Samvat 1975), Harjivandas took Bhagvati Diksha (initiation into monkhood) in Jotana from Muni Maharaj Shree Bhaktivijayji Maharaj. He was given the monastic name Munishri Kanchanvijayji.
• Vadi Diksha (Senior Ordination): Later, on March 12, 1920 (Samvat 1976), he received Vadi Diksha (a higher level of ordination) from Acharya Shree Vijayvir Surishwarji Maharaj in Sami.

Spiritual Journey and Achievements as a Monk:

• Extensive Travels and Teachings: Munishri Kanchanvijayji embarked on a lifelong spiritual journey, traveling extensively across various regions of Gujarat, Rajasthan, and other parts of India. He preached the Jain dharma, conducted religious discourses (Vyakhyan), and guided numerous individuals towards spiritual upliftment.
• Academic Pursuits: He was a dedicated scholar, pursuing studies in various Jain scriptures and philosophical texts, including Uttardhyayan Sutra, Jeeva Vichar, Kosh Granths, Sarasvat Vyakarana, Shalibhadra Charitra, and Yogashastra. He showed a deep interest in Sanskrit studies as well.
• Conducting Religious Festivals and Ceremonies: He actively participated in and led various religious ceremonies, festivals, and events such as Upadhan (a rigorous spiritual discipline), Pratishtha (consecration of idols), Aangi Rachan (decoration of idols), and Sadharmik Vatsalya (community meals and acts of charity).
• Promoting Righteousness and Resolving Disputes: A significant aspect of his ministry was his ability to resolve disputes and foster harmony within the Jain community. He often intervened in conflicts and guided communities towards unity and spiritual progress.
• Initiating Others: He initiated many individuals into the monastic order, both male (Munis) and female (Sadhvis), and guided them in their spiritual development. His disciples included Munishri Kalyanavijayji, Munishri Anandvijayji, Munishri Udyotvijayji, Munishri Mahoday vijayji, Munishri Prahladvijayji, Munishri Brahankarvijayji, Munishri Kailashvijayji, Munishri Bharatvijayji, Munishri Chandravijayji, Munishri Meghshriji, Munishri Indrashriji, Munishri Sumangalashriji, Munishri Suryodayashriji, and Munishri Sulochanshriji.
• Promoting Jain Principles: He was a staunch advocate of Jain principles, emphasizing virtues like non-violence (Ahimsa), truthfulness (Satya), non-stealing (Asteya), celibacy (Brahmacharya), and non-possession (Aparigraha). He encouraged the practice of austerities, fasting, and selfless service.
• Addressing Social Issues: He actively worked to address social issues, such as encouraging vegetarianism, discouraging harmful practices, and promoting education.
• Receiving Titles: He was honored with the titles of Ganivar (a respected scholar monk) and Panyasji (a high-ranking monastic title indicating significant spiritual and scholarly achievement). He received the Gani-pad and Panyas-pad from Acharya Shree Vijaybhaktisurishwarji Maharaj.

Later Life and Legacy:

• The biography details his continuous travels, ministrations, and spiritual activities, highlighting his dedication to the Jain faith. It showcases his profound influence on the Jain community through his teachings, actions, and the establishment of various religious and charitable initiatives.
• The text emphasizes his role as a spiritual guide, reformer, and scholar, leaving behind a rich legacy of spiritual and social contributions.

This detailed account provides a comprehensive insight into the life and significant contributions of Panyasji Maharaj Shree Kanchanvijayji Ganivar to the Jain religion and society.