Puratattva Acharya Shri Jinvijayji

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Puratattva Acharya Shri Jinvijayaji" by Atmanandji:

Puratattva Acharya Shri Jin Vijayaji: A Life Dedicated to Knowledge, Culture, and National Service

The book "Puratattva Acharya Shri Jinvijayaji" by Atmanandji chronicles the extraordinary life of Muni Shri Jin Vijayaji, a highly influential Jain scholar, archaeologist, and patriot. Born Kishansinh on January 27, 1888, in Rajasthan, to a family with a history of involvement in India's independence struggle, his early life was marked by hardship and a profound thirst for knowledge.

A Journey of Learning and Spiritual Awakening:

Despite his father's early demise and the family's financial struggles, Kishansinh's intellectual prowess was recognized by a Jain mendicant named Shri Devihans, who took him under his care for studies. After Devihans' untimely death, Kishansinh continued his education with other mendicants, developing a deep interest in Jainism. He eventually became a Sthanakvasi mendicant, memorizing several Jain texts. However, his insatiable desire for broader knowledge led him to seek further studies, prompting him to leave the Sthanakvasi sect.

His quest for learning took him through various places, eventually leading him to Pali in Marwar, where he adopted dixa (renunciation) under Acharya Sundarvijayaji and received the name Jin Vijayaji. He later came into contact with the renowned Jain Acharya Vijay Vallabh Suriji, under whom his interest in religious studies and historical research flourished. He delved deeply into the history of Rajasthan, meticulously studying available handwritten manuscripts.

Pioneering Research and Cultural Preservation:

Muni Shri Jin Vijayaji was a prolific writer and editor, contributing extensively to Gujarati and Hindi publications. He played a crucial role in making important Jain texts accessible to a wider audience. His work on the Jain grammar Shaktayan and his compilation of a list of Jain bookstalls in Patan were significant contributions. He edited and published "Kumarpal Pratibodh" and established the Jain Sahitya Sanshodhak Samiti in Pune, which published a research magazine and a book series.

A Patriot and Advocate for Indian Independence:

A pivotal moment in his life occurred in Pune when he met prominent freedom fighters Lokmanya Tilak and Arjunlal Shethi. These encounters ignited a strong sense of patriotism and a desire to actively participate in India's struggle for independence. He declared his decision to leave the mendicant life and dedicate himself to the freedom movement, a move that gained the attention of Mahatma Gandhi.

Mahatma Gandhi invited him to Ahmedabad, where he was appointed to the archaeological section of Gujarat Vidyapith. This marked a new chapter as he became the Head of the archaeology department, renouncing his mendicant robes. He spent eight years at Gujarat Vidyapith, building a remarkable collection of archaeological books. His passion for the history and languages of Gujarat further led him to study German and interact with German scholars. He even established "Hindustan House" in Berlin to foster Indo-German relations.

Continued Service and National Recognition:

Upon returning to India, Muni Shri Jin Vijayaji chose to actively participate in the freedom struggle, joining Mahatma Gandhi's Dandi March in 1930, which led to his imprisonment. During his time in jail, he engaged in intellectual discussions with Kanaiyalal Munshi.

After his release, he continued his academic pursuits, collaborating with Shri Bahadursinh Sindhi at ShantiNiketan, which led to the establishment of the Sindhi Jain Gnanpith and the publication of the "Prabandh Chintamani." Due to health reasons, he shifted his work from Calcutta to Mumbai and Ahmedabad, eventually aligning the work of Sindhi Jain Granthmala with Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.

Later Life and Legacy:

Muni Shri Jin Vijayaji remained dedicated to his research and public service even in his later years. He played a key role in establishing the Rajasthan Puratattva Mandir (Archaeological Department of Rajasthan) in Jaipur, collecting invaluable historical manuscripts and books. His contributions to Indian archaeology and languages earned him an honorary membership in the prestigious Oriental Society of Germany and the Padma Shree award in 1961.

He also established the Sarvodaya Sadhana Ashram near Chittore and the Shri Haribhadra Suri Smarak Temple in Chittore, a place of pilgrimage and historical significance. He also founded Bhamasha Bharatiya Bhavan in memory of the philanthropist Shri Bhamasha.

Despite facing deteriorating health and vision in his eighties, Muni Shri Jin Vijayaji continued his tireless work for Indian archaeological study, Jain philosophy, the history of Chittore, and national issues. He passed away on June 3, 1976, in Ahmedabad, leaving behind a profound legacy as a scholar, historian, cultural preserver, and patriot who dedicated his life to the pursuit of knowledge and the service of his country and society.