Satyavijayjigani

This is a summary of the provided Jain text, focusing on the life and contributions of Pandit Satyavijayjigani:

The text describes Pandit Satyavijayjigani as a prominent monk of the Samvegi (or Samvegī) branch of the Tapa Gachha tradition. He is lauded as a great proponent of the Samvegi path, an exceptional ascetic, meditator, and profound scholar.

Born as Shivraj in 1656 in Lallu (Rajasthan) to Virchand Ashval Jain and Viramadevi of the Dugad gotra, he received initiation in 1671 at the age of 14 from Acharya Shri Vijaydevsuriji, under the command of Shri Vijay Sen Suri. He became a disciple of Acharya Vijay Singh Suri and was named Muni Satyavijay.

Muni Satyavijay spent time with his gurus, Shri Vijaydev Suri and Shri Vijay Singh Suri, until 1710, during which he deeply studied Jain philosophy and principles. He was inspired by his gurus' teachings and prepared to embrace the Samvegi way of life, which involves a pure and intense commitment to monastic vows.

Acharya Shri Vijaydev Suri had a strong desire to revive the Tapa Gachha tradition by reinstating the "Kriyoddhar" (restoration of practices) and re-establishing the pure Samvegi path. He inspired his disciples, including Acharya Vijay Singh Suri, Pandit Satyavijay Gani, Pandit Virvijay Gani, and Pandit Riddhivijay Gani, to become Samvegi monks.

In 1706, a set of 45 rules for Samvegi monks and nuns was created by Acharya Vijay Singh Suri, which bore the signature of Pandit Satyavijay Gani. After Acharya Vijay Singh Suri's passing in 1708, Acharya Vijaydev Suri proposed Pandit Satyavijay Gani as the next leader of the Gachha. However, being deeply devoted to self-realization and an exceptional renunciate and meditator, Pandit Satyavijay Gani declined the leadership, preferring to focus on his spiritual path and supporting Pandit Virvijay Gani's ascension.

Pandit Virvijay Gani was appointed Acharya in 1710, receiving the name Vijayprabh Suri. In 1711, Acharya Vijaydev Suri appointed him as Bhattarak and the leader of the Gachha.

Following the directives of his guru, Acharya Vijaydev Suri, and with his guidance, Pandit Satyavijay Gani officially embraced the Samvegi path in 1711 in Patan, accompanied by 18 other monks and numerous nuns. This event marked the beginning of the Samvegi branch within the Tapa Gachha.

Despite being younger in age, initiation, and experience compared to Pandit Satyavijay Gani, Acharya Vijayprabh Suri took charge of the Gachha. However, the Gachha's tradition dictated that all monks, regardless of seniority, respected the leader's commands. Acharya Vijayprabh Suri often consulted Pandit Satyavijay Gani for advice on important decisions. Pandit Satyavijay Gani is described as a dignified, influential, intelligent, knowledgeable, experienced, and a fervent follower of pure practices.

According to Shri Atmaramji Maharaj, Shri Satyavijayji Gani, after initiating the Kriyoddhar, spent many years in the wilderness with Shri Anandghanji, engaging in intense penance and study. In his old age, when his mobility decreased, he settled in Anahilpur Patan. He spent his final monsoon seasons in Ahmedabad in 1754 and Patan in 1755. He fell ill in Paush 1756, remained sick for five days, and attained liberation (passed away) in Patan on Paush Sud 12, a Saturday, by accepting a fast unto death (anashan) with equanimity. Pandit Jinavijay Gani composed a "Nirvana Ras" (ode to liberation) on his passing.

It is also mentioned that Shri Satyavijay Gani was a spiritual brother to Shri Anandghanji during his worldly life. His adoption of the Samvegi path is credited with initiating the Samvegi branch within the Tapa Gachha.

The information is compiled from "Jain Parampara Ne Itihas" (History of Jain Tradition), Part 3, by Triputi Maharaj.