Punjabna Char Krantikarai Mahatma

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Punjabna Char Krantikarai Mahatma" by Ramanlal C. Shah, focusing on the life and contributions of the four revolutionary Mahatmas from Punjab:

Book Title: Punjabna Char Krantikarai Mahatma (Four Revolutionary Great Souls of Punjab) Author: Dr. Ramanlal C. Shah Publisher: Z_Vijyanandsuri_Swargarohan_Shatabdi_Granth_012023.pdf Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/230154/1

This book delves into the lives of four significant Jain spiritual leaders from Punjab who played a pivotal role in the revival and reform of Jainism, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The summary will focus on the first Mahatma detailed in the provided text, Shri Buterayji Maharaj, and touch upon the other prominent figures mentioned, including Shri Mulchandji Maharaj (Mukti Vijayji Gani), Shri Vriddhichandji Maharaj (Vriddhivijayji Gani), and Shri Atmaramji Maharaj (Vijayanandsuri Maharaj).

Part 1: Shri Buterayji Maharaj (Born Bootasinh/Dal Singh/Talsingh)

• Context: In the latter half of the 19th century, the number of renounced Jain monks in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Punjab had dwindled. The influence of lay Jain practitioners (Yatis) had increased. In this scenario, Mahatmas from Punjab, who were not born Jain, embraced Jain renunciation and brought about a significant resurgence of the pure, Sanatana Jain Dharma. Shri Buterayji Maharaj was a leading figure among them.

• Early Life and Background:

  • Born in 1863 AD in Daluya village near Ludhiana, Punjab.
  • His father was Tek Singh, and mother was Karma. They belonged to the Jat community.
  • His parents faced immense sorrow due to the repeated loss of their children shortly after birth.
  • A prophecy from a Siddha-vachani ascetic predicted they would have a son who would live but become a renunciate, advising them not to hinder his spiritual path.
  • The child was named Talsingh, as per the ascetic's prediction, symbolizing the joyous music that would accompany his spiritual journey. However, due to common usage and a change of residence, the name evolved to Dalsingh and eventually Bootasingh (Buta).
  • Bootasingh showed an early disinterest in worldly pleasures and a deep attraction towards renunciates and tales of detachment.
  • His father passed away when he was about eight years old. His mother was Sikh, and he accompanied her to the Gurudwara, where he learned Gurmukhi script and became familiar with Sikh scriptures.

• Quest for a True Guru and Renunciation:

  • Around the age of sixteen, Bootasingh expressed his desire to renounce the world and become a monk to his mother.
  • His mother, recalling the prophecy, initially urged him to live as a renunciate within the home after her passing. However, Bootasingh's determination led her to grant permission, with the condition that he seek a truly virtuous and learned Guru and inform her before renouncing.
  • For about seven to eight years, Bootasingh embarked on a rigorous search across Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir, meeting various ascetics, yogis, and renunciates. He observed their lifestyles, often finding them entangled with worldly desires, addictions, or lacking true renunciation.
  • At the age of twenty-four, he encountered Jain monks, specifically those from the Sthanakvasi tradition, known as the "Bais Tolawala" (followers of 22 sects). He met Rishi Nagarmalji, a monk of high repute.
  • Impressed by Nagarmalji's simple, humble, renunciate, and disciplined life, and his profound knowledge, Bootasingh felt a deep connection. His mother also approved of this path.

• Initiation and Early Jain Spiritual Life:

  • In 1888 AD, at the age of 25, Bootasingh received initiation from Rishi Nagarmalji in Delhi, becoming Rishi Buterayji Maharaj.
  • He diligently studied Jain scriptures, including the Acharyanga and Suyagada Sutras, under his Guru. He also learned Sanskrit and Ardha Magadhi languages.
  • His sharp intellect, thirst for knowledge, and strong memory greatly pleased his Guru.
  • He developed questions about Jain conduct and principles, which his Guru, Nagarmalji, allowed him to seek answers for elsewhere.

• Intellectual and Doctrinal Evolution:

  • Buterayji Maharaj engaged in debates with Sthanakvasi and Terapanthi monks. He met Muni Jitmallji of the Terapanthi sect, whose practices impressed him, but he also found shortcomings.
  • He began questioning the strict adherence to wearing a muh-patti (mouth covering) and the prohibition of Jina-pratima (idol worship) as not explicitly found in the Agamas. His Guru, Nagarmalji, could not satisfactorily resolve these doubts.
  • He returned to his Guru Nagarmalji, who was aging and unwell. Buterayji served him devotedly. On his deathbed, Nagarmalji praised Buterayji's dedication and advised him to remain steadfast in his convictions, seek pure Dharma, and avoid dogmatic attachment. He also gifted Buterayji five valuable manuscripts.

• Rigorous Austerities and Practice:

  • After his Guru's demise, Buterayji Maharaj commenced severe austerities in Patiala. He undertook frequent fasts (Chhath, Ashtam, Pandra-divas), practiced Ayambil (eating only food boiled with only water), and took vows with strict disciplines, like collecting alms only after others had finished eating, from a single vessel, and consuming dry food.
  • He voluntarily endured hardships of cold and heat and wore only one garment during the day. He also practiced rigorous meditation, even meditating naked in a closed room during winter nights to enhance his spiritual strength.

• Encounter with Sthanakvasi Leaders and Doctrinal Assertions:

  • During his travels, he met Rishi Ramsinghji, a poet and Sthanakvasi monk in Delhi. He was impressed by the knowledge and intellectual prowess of Rishi Amarsinghji, who had taken initiation from Ramsinghji.
  • Buterayji shared his views on muh-patti and Jina-pratima with Amarsinghji. Amarsinghji, belonging to a prominent wealthy family with a large following, found Buterayji's views challenging and eventually parted ways, even engaging in propaganda against him.
  • In Patiala, Buterayji faced opposition from Amarsinghji and his followers, who attempted to force him to wear the muh-patti and threatened him. Buterayji, however, remained resolute, asserting his faith in the core principles of Jinagama and his Guru's teachings. He was supported by a loyal disciple, Banatiram, who defended him. The opposition, realizing they couldn't force him, plotted to confront him again in Ambala.
  • In Ambala, Buterayji calmly faced the hostility and declared his firm conviction. He was advised by his disciple Prehchandji and loyal devotees to leave the city. Buterayji refused to be intimidated and asserted his identity as a son of Punjab, ready to defend himself if attacked. This stance, coupled with the potential for police intervention, deterred his opponents.

• Continued Travels and Disciples:

  • Buterayji Maharaj, along with his disciple Muni Prehchandji, continued his travels. He initiated Muni Moolchandji in Ramnagar, who later became a highly influential figure. He also initiated Muni Vriddhichandji.
  • He observed that many monks lacked deep scriptural understanding and adherence to the original vows. This motivated him to strengthen the monastic order.

• Transition to the Murtipujak Tradition:

  • Buterayji Maharaj's profound study of scriptures and his lingering doubts about muh-patti and idol worship led him to seek further clarification.
  • He, along with his disciples Moolchandji and Vriddhichandji, traveled to Gujarat, seeking spiritual guidance from respected Murtipujak saints like Panthashri Manivijayji Dada and Gani Saubhagya Vijayji.
  • Their quest for truth and resolution led them to accept initiation into the Murtipujak Samuday in 1912 AD in Ahmedabad. Buterayji Maharaj was renamed Buddhi Vijayji, Moolchandji became Mukti Vijayji, and Vriddhichandji became Vriddhi Vijayji. However, they remained more widely known by their original names.
  • This transition marked a significant turning point, influencing many other Sthanakvasi monks, including Shri Atmaramji Maharaj, to follow suit and adopt Murtipujak practices.

• Life in Gujarat and Legacy:

  • After their transition, they undertook numerous Chaturmas (four-month retreats) in Gujarat, diligently studying ancient Jain scriptures and philosophical works under renowned scholars.
  • Buterayji Maharaj extensively studied works by Haribhadrasuri, Hemchandracharya, and particularly Upadhyay Yashovijayji, whose works on logic and philosophy deeply influenced him.
  • He contributed significantly to the propagation of Jain Dharma in Gujarat, emphasizing pure conduct, scriptural study, and the importance of idol worship.
  • He spent his final years in Ahmedabad, deeply engaged in spiritual contemplation and guiding his disciples. He passed away in Ahmedabad in 1938 AD at the age of 75.

Part 2: Shri Mulchandji Maharaj (Mukti Vijayji Gani)

• Early Life and Renunciation: Born in 1886 AD in Sialkot, Punjab, into a Jain family. He showed exceptional intelligence and a strong inclination towards spiritual life from childhood. At 16, he took initiation from Shri Buterayji Maharaj.
• Scholarly Pursuits and Dissemination: A staunch advocate of discipline and scriptural study, Mulchandji Gani was instrumental in increasing the number of qualified Jain monks by initiating worthy individuals. He emphasized rigorous study and the importance of monastic discipline.
• Leadership and Systematization: He played a crucial role in organizing the monastic community, establishing clear guidelines for conduct, and managing resources effectively. His disciples noted his sharp administrative skills and ability to make quick decisions.
• Notable Incidents and Teachings: The text highlights numerous instances of his adherence to vows, his disciplinary approach to his disciples, his insightful responses to challenges, and his emphasis on ethical conduct and the spirit of Jainism. His interactions with devotees and other spiritual leaders showcase his wisdom, humility, and commitment to truth.
• Legacy: Mulchandji Gani is remembered as a key figure in the revival of the monastic order, a guardian of Jain traditions, and a significant contributor to the spiritual upliftment of the community. He passed away in Bhavnagar in 1945 AD.

Part 3: Shri Vriddhichandji Maharaj (Vriddhi Vijayji Gani)

• Early Life and Dedication: Born in 1890 AD in Ramnagar, Punjab, as Kruparam. Despite initial family resistance and worldly prospects, his strong spiritual inclination led him to renounce the world. He received initiation from Shri Buterayji Maharaj, becoming Vriddhichandji Maharaj.
• Contribution to Gujarat: After arriving in Gujarat with his Gurus, Vriddhichandji Maharaj dedicated himself to spreading Jainism, particularly in Kathiawar and Bhavnagar. He was known for his gentle demeanor, deep scriptural knowledge, eloquent preaching, and ability to win hearts.
• Reforming Practices and Establishing Institutions: He actively worked to counter the influence of Yatis and promoted genuine monastic practices. He established schools, libraries, and institutions like the Jain Dharma Prasaraka Sabha in Bhavnagar, significantly contributing to religious and educational revival.
• Devotion and Austerity: The text details his unwavering devotion to his Gurus, his rigorous austerities, and his profound spiritual insights. A notable incident describes his self-sacrificing act of drinking impure milk meant for his Gurus, which led to chronic health issues but exemplified his ultimate devotion.
• Legacy: Vriddhichandji Maharaj is revered for his deep spirituality, his role in spreading Jain Dharma in Gujarat, and his efforts to establish and strengthen Jain institutions. He passed away in Bhavnagar in 1949 AD.

Part 4: Shri Atmaramji Maharaj (Vijayanandsuri Maharaj)

• Background and Transformation: Born Dittaram (later Daivdas, then Atmaram) in 1892 AD in Punjab, into a Sikh family. He was the son of a brave warrior, Ganeshchandra. Influenced by Jain monks and his foster father's Jain connections, he developed a strong spiritual inclination.
• Intellectual Prowess and Doctrinal Research: Atmaramji Maharaj was exceptionally intelligent, possessing remarkable memory and a deep thirst for knowledge. He studied various religions and philosophical texts, including Jain Agamas, Vedic scriptures, and Abrahamic religions. This extensive study led him to question the prevailing Sthanakvasi doctrines regarding idol worship and muh-patti.
• Discussions and Re-initiation: After extensive research and discussions, particularly with Pandit Ratnachandji, he concluded that idol worship was consistent with the original Jain teachings. Consequently, in 1912 AD, he, along with seventeen other Sthanakvasi monks, received re-initiation into the Murtipujak tradition from Shri Buterayji Maharaj in Ahmedabad. He was renamed Anandvijay, but remained widely known as Atmaramji Maharaj.
• Spiritual Leadership and Social Reform: Atmaramji Maharaj was a formidable scholar, orator, and reformer. He traveled extensively across Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, spreading pure Jainism, promoting idol worship, and bridging divides between different Jain sects and even other religions. He actively discouraged meat consumption and alcohol.
• Key Contributions: He was instrumental in establishing Jain temples and religious institutions, promoting scriptural study, and advocating for ethical conduct. He also participated in interfaith dialogues, notably at the Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893, where he deputized Virchand Raghavji Gandhi. He authored numerous books explaining Jain philosophy and countering misconceptions.
• Unwavering Principles and Humility: He was known for his adherence to promises, his sharp wit, his ability to handle opposition with grace, and his profound humility, even when holding high positions.
• Legacy: Atmaramji Maharaj (Vijayanandsuri) is considered a pivotal figure in the modern resurgence of Jainism, particularly for his role in re-establishing Murtipujak practices and fostering interfaith harmony. He passed away in Gujranwala (now in Pakistan) in 1953 AD. His legacy continues through various institutions and scholarly works bearing his name.

In essence, "Punjabna Char Krantikarai Mahatma" is a historical account celebrating the transformative lives of these four Jain luminaries who, originating from Punjab, left an indelible mark on the Jain tradition in Gujarat and beyond through their renunciation, scholarship, adherence to principles, and dedication to spiritual revival.