Shatabdi Yashogatha

This document, "Shatabdi Yashogatha" (A Hundred Years of Glory), published by Shri Shrimad Yashovijayji Jain Sanskrit Pathshala and Shri Jain Shreyaskar Mandal, Mahesana, in 1998, celebrates the centenary of the Shrimad Yashovijayji Jain Sanskrit Pathshala in Mahesana. It is a comprehensive account of the institution's glorious century of service to Jainism.

Here's a summary of the key aspects covered in the text:

1. Establishment and Vision:

• The pathshala was founded on a spiritually auspicious day in Vikram Samvat 1954 (1998 AD) under the inspiration and guidance of highly revered Jain ascetics, Poojya 1008 Shri Ravisagarji Maharaj and Poojya 1008 Shri Danvijayji Maharaj.
• The primary objective was to promote religious knowledge and nurture Jain scholars, sadhvis, shravaks, and shravikas, thereby strengthening the Jain faith and tradition.
• The pathshala was named in honor of the renowned Jain scholar and philosopher, Upadhyay Shrimad Yashovijayji Maharaj, who lived about 300 years prior and whose works are highly respected across all Jain sects.

2. Historical Milestones and Celebrations:

• The text highlights significant milestones in the institution's history, including the Golden Jubilee celebration in Vikram Samvat 2012 (1956 AD).
• A praiseworthy effort by former students to support the institution financially was noted in Vikram Samvat 2022 (1966 AD), where Rs. 1,11,000 was donated.
• The inauguration of a new dining hall building and a gathering of former students took place on Vikram Samvat 2017 (1971 AD), which also included honoring religious teachers who had completed 20 years of service.
• The Diamond Jubilee celebration (Amrit Mahotsav) was grandly celebrated in Vikram Samvat 2036 (1980 AD), during which Rs. 11,11,111 was collected, again thanks to the efforts of former students and the guidance of revered Acharya Bhagvants.
• The centenary year began on Vikram Samvat 2054 (1997 AD) Kartik Sud 3, marking the completion of 100 years and the commencement of the 101st year. The centenary celebrations were planned for three days in February 1998.

3. Contributions and Achievements:

• The pathshala, through the Shri Jain Shreyaskar Mandal, has published over 101 religious textbooks and other valuable literature.
• The institution has earned a high place in the hearts of sadhus, sadhvis, shravaks, and shravikas through its diverse activities in philosophy, knowledge, and conduct.
• It has been instrumental in producing numerous learned Jain pandits and scholars who have contributed significantly to spreading Jain scriptures and knowledge across India.
• Many students who studied at the pathshala later embraced asceticism and achieved high spiritual heights, with some reaching the esteemed position of Acharya.
• The pathshala is described as a "mother institution" that has given birth to numerous other pathshalas established in villages and cities.
• The institution has remained steadfast in its objective within the limits of Lord Vitrag's teachings, weathering numerous storms over the past 100 years.

4. Key Figures and Supporters:

• Founding Inspiration: Poojya 1008 Shri Ravisagarji Maharaj and Poojya 1008 Shri Danvijayji Maharaj.
• Founder: Seth Shri Venichand Surachandji, described as a religious personality with qualities like compassion, humility, diligence, frugality, and deep devotion to Jin, who dedicated his life to the institution's financial stability and operational effectiveness.
• Editors of the Book: A dedicated editorial team is listed, including Shri Dhirajlal Dahyalal Mehta, Shri Rasiklal Shantilal Mehta, Shri Ramaniklal Manilal Sanghvi, Shri Ratilal Chimanlal Doshi, Shri Vasantlal Mafatlal Doshi, Shri Jitendra Babulal Shah, Shri Vasantlal Narottamdas Shah, Shri Dhirendra R. Mehta, and Shri Chandrakant S. Sanghvi.
• Publishing Committee: Shri Shatabdi Mahotsav Samiti of Shrimad Yashovijayji Jain Sanskrit Pathshala and Shri Jain Shreyaskar Mandal, Mahesana.
• Donors and Supporters: The text acknowledges the support of various individuals and organizations, including former students, scholars, and patrons from across India, who contributed generously for the pathshala's development and the centenary celebrations.

5. Impact and Legacy:

• The pathshala has played a crucial role in preserving and propagating Jain scriptures, logic, grammar, and philosophy.
• It has been a source of qualified teachers who serve in Jain pathshalas across India, often forming the backbone of these educational institutions.
• The pathshala's commitment to its founding principles, adapting to changing times while upholding Jain teachings, is highly commended.
• The text expresses gratitude to the editorial committee for their meticulous work in compiling this commemorative volume, which aims to capture the institution's achievements and provide valuable historical information.

6. Specific Details about the Book:

• Title: Shatabdi Yashogatha (Centenary Glory)
• Authors: Jain Shreyashkar Mandal, Mahesana
• Publisher: Shri Shatabdi Mahotsav Samiti, Shrimad Yashovijayji Jain Sanskrit Pathshala and Shri Jain Shreyaskar Mandal, Mahesana (North Gujarat)
• First Edition: 1998 AD / Vir Samvat 2524
• Print Run: 1500 copies
• Price: Rs. 150/-
• Printer: Chandrika Printry, Ahmedabad

In essence, "Shatabdi Yashogatha" is a tribute to a century of dedicated service by the Shrimad Yashovijayji Jain Sanskrit Pathshala, highlighting its role in the preservation and propagation of Jain knowledge, the spiritual and intellectual development of its students, and its significant contribution to the Jain community and society at large.