Punjabratna Muni Vruddhichandraji Charitra - Book Summary

This document is the Gujarati text of the biography of Muni Vruddhichandraji, titled "Punjabratna Muni Vruddhichandraji Charitra" (The Jewel of Punjab, Biography of Muni Vruddhichandraji), authored by Shravak Pandit Kunvarji Anandji and published by Shri Bhadrankaroday Shikshan Trust, Godhra, in 2013. It is the fourth edition of the book.

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Book Information and Publisher Details:

Title: Punjabratna Guru Dev (Munirajshri Vruddhichandji Charitra)
Author: Shravak Pandit Kunvarji Anandji
Publisher: Shri Bhadrankaroday Shikshan Trust - Godhra
Edition: 4th Edition
Year: 2013 (Vikram Samvat 2070)
Copies Printed: 500
Pages: 12 + 104 = 116
Price: Rs. 80
Available at: Shri Vijaynemisuri Swadhyaymandir, Ahmedabad; Shri Saraswati Pustak Bhandar, Ahmedabad.
Printer: Kirit Graphics, Ahmedabad.

Foreword to the First Edition (Page 3):

The members of the publishing society (Jain Dharma Prasar Sabha) were eager to publish this biography.
The biography was written and sent by Sh. Zaverbhai Dahyabhai of Dholera, based on scattered notes.
Due to the need for linguistic and other changes, the president of the society, Sh. Kunvarji Anandji, rewrote the entire biography.
While some details might be incomplete due to the nature of the notes, the overall aim of presenting the life of the Muni has been achieved.
The foreword emphasizes the benefit of reading such biographies, highlighting the inspirational words and teachings that should be contemplated by readers.

Foreword to the Second Edition (Page 5):

The biography of this benevolent great soul was first published 36 years prior (in 1954 VS).
Due to the unavailability of copies, a second edition was necessary.
The second edition was published promptly within eight days, inspired by the family of Acharya Shri Vijaynemisurishwar, who were in Bhavnagar during the 1989 VS monsoon.
A new block was made for the Muni's photograph.
The text remains largely unchanged from the first edition, except for minor word or sentence structure adjustments. The present tense used in the original is maintained, and readers are advised to consider the time of the event or the first publication.

Further Content and Insights (Pages 6-12):

Lineage and Disciples: The foreword discusses the spiritual lineage, noting that none of Muni Vruddhichandraji's guru-brothers are alive. It mentions that among his ten main disciples, only Muni Nemvijayji (now Acharya Shri Vijaynemisuri) and Muni Kapurvijayji are alive. The expansion of their lineage is vast, numbering around 125-150, including five Acharyas, three Upadhyayas, and four Panyasas.
Comparison with Guru-brothers: The text highlights Muni Shri Atmaramji (Shri Vijayānandasuri) as a prominent disciple from a guru-brother's lineage, noting the significant growth of his followers. It also mentions the academic achievements of Muni Shri Atmaramji's lineage and Muni Vruddhichandraji's own lineage, with many learned monks studying various scriptures and illuminating the faith.
Key Life Events and Teachings:
- It emphasizes the importance of emulating such great souls.
- It provides examples of maintaining equanimity during severe illness, drawing parallels with both Muni Vruddhichandraji and Muni Moolchandji's conduct during their final days.
- The text praises the devotion of the community (Shri Sangh) during these times.
- The establishment and growth of the Jain Dharma Prasar Sabha and the "Jain Dharma Prakash" monthly magazine are attributed to Muni Vruddhichandraji's grace.
Inclusion of Hymns: The second edition includes two Sanskrit hymns with their meanings, praising the Guru.
Concluding Wish: The foreword concludes with a prayer for the continued growth of Muni Vruddhichandraji's lineage in numbers, knowledge, and conduct, and for their diligent efforts in spreading the Jain faith.

Beginning of Muni Vruddhichandraji's Life Story (Pages 13 onwards):

Birth: Muni Vruddhichandraji, born as Kruparam, was born in the prosperous Oswal community in Ramnagar, on the banks of the Chenab River in Punjab, in Vikram Samvat 1890 (1733 CE) on the 11th day of the bright half of Paush. His parents were Dharmanas and Krishnadevi.
Early Life and Character: He was born with auspicious signs, leading his parents to name him Kruparam, signifying his inherent virtues. He was the youngest of seven children. From childhood, he was strong, handsome, and showed signs of a great personality, as predicted by astrologers. He was less inclined towards games and more towards introspection as he grew.
Education and Business: He received a basic education and entered business at the age of 14, dealing with gold, silver, cloth, and jewelry. He was sharp-witted and quickly adapted to the trade.
Childhood Faith and Renunciation: Initially, his family followed the Dhundhia sect. However, influenced by Muni Buterav, who renounced the Dhundhia sect in 1903 VS (1846 CE) and embraced the Tapa Gachchha tradition, Kruparam's family also developed faith in idol worship. This event marked a significant turning point.
Kruparam's Disenchantment with Worldly Life: Kruparam's renunciation was not driven by hardship or misfortune but by a deep understanding of the impermanence of worldly pleasures and the suffering inherent in samsara. He saw the fleeting nature of wealth, relationships, and life itself, drawing inspiration from the renunciation of great kings and emperors for the ultimate happiness of liberation.
Initiation: After obtaining his parents' permission, Kruparam went to Delhi to receive initiation from Muni Buterav. He was initiated in Vikram Samvat 1908 (1851 CE) on the 13th day of the bright half of Ashadh, and was given the name Muni Vruddhichandraji, signifying his potential for spiritual growth.
Spiritual Journey: The text then details his travels, studies, and spiritual activities, including:
- His initial Chaturmas in Delhi and further studies.
- His journey to Jaipur and the incident where Muni Buterav fell ill, showcasing Muni Vruddhichandraji's devotion.
- His studies with a learned Yati, Hira Chandji, in Jaipur.
- His travels through various cities in Rajasthan and Gujarat.
- His interactions with different monastic traditions and his role in strengthening the Tapa Gachchha influence in regions where Dhundhia influence was dominant.
- His dedication to scripture study, including the Dashavaikalik Sutra.
- His first discipleship initiation under Muni Buterav in Ahmedabad in 1912 VS, where he was named Muni Vruddhivijayji, though his original name, Vruddhichandraji, remained popular.
- His contributions to establishing Jain education and promoting righteous conduct.
- His significant role in the establishment of the "Shri Jain Dharma Prasar Sabha" and the monthly magazine "Shri Jain Dharma Prakash."
- His struggles with health, particularly the chronic disease of Sangrahani, which limited his ability to travel extensively but did not diminish his spiritual focus.
- His profound devotion to his gurus and fellow monks.
- His efforts in resolving disputes and guiding the community towards righteous practices.
- His passing away in Bhavnagar in Vikram Samvat 1945 (1888 CE) after a prolonged illness, with deep sorrow expressed by his disciples and the community.
- The establishment of a Jain school in Palitana and later in Bhavnagar, a testament to his commitment to education.
- His inspiring example of equanimity, wisdom, and selfless service, which left a lasting legacy.

Appendices:

Appendix 1: Muni Vruddhichandraji's Disciples: Lists his prominent disciples and their initiation details.
Appendix 2: Shaantamurti-Shri Vruddhichandrasad Gurvashtakam: An eight-verse hymn in Sanskrit (with Gujarati translation) praising Guru Vruddhichandraji by Acharya Shri Vijaydharmasuri.
Appendix 3: Shrivruddhi Stotram: A hymn in Gujarati praising Muni Vruddhichandraji (also known as Vruddhivijayji) by Acharya Shri Vijaynandansuri.
Appendix 4: Shrimadguru Vruddhivijayji Viyogashtakam: An eight-verse poem in Gujarati lamenting the departure of Guru Vruddhichandraji.
Appendix 5: List of Chaturmas Observed by Munirajshri Vruddhichandraji: A chronological list of his Chaturmas (monsoon retreats) from 1908 VS to 1948 VS, indicating his extensive travels and contributions across various regions, with a significant focus on Bhavnagar.

Overall Theme:

The book is a detailed account of the life and spiritual journey of Muni Vruddhichandraji, a revered Jain monk. It highlights his spiritual discipline, his renunciation of worldly life, his profound knowledge of Jain scriptures, his role in spreading Jainism, his exemplary conduct, his devotion to his gurus, and his contributions to the community and the Jain faith. The text also emphasizes the importance of virtuous conduct, spiritual knowledge, and selfless service as exemplified by his life, encouraging readers to emulate his path.