Shrimad Laghurajswamiji

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Shrimad Laghurajswamiji: A Life of Devotion and Spiritual Pursuit

This text details the life and spiritual journey of Shrimad Laghurajswamiji, a significant figure in modern Jainism. Born as Lallubhai in Vataman village, Ahmedabad district, in 1853 (VS 1910), he came from a respected Vaishnav family. Despite a promising start in life and early marriage, his father passed away before his birth due to cholera.

Early Life and Innate Virtues:

Lallubhai's childhood showed early signs of his virtuous nature. He exhibited politeness, love, respect for guests, and a commitment to maintaining harmony within the community. His formal education was brief, as he lacked interest in studies and soon began assisting in the family business.

Grasthavastha (Householder Life) and a Brush with Mortality:

In accordance with the customs of his time, Lallubhai married. After the untimely death of his first wife during pregnancy, he remarried Nathi Bai. He engaged in money lending as his livelihood. Despite his honest and compassionate nature, where he wouldn't take harsh measures to recover debts, a severe illness, Anemia (Pitpandu Rog), struck him in 1879 (VS 1937). This debilitating illness, which lasted for twelve months and resisted various treatments, led him to vow to renounce the world and become a monk if he recovered. Miraculously, a simple medicine cured him, and true to his vow, he decided to seek initiation.

Renunciation and Monastic Life:

Accompanied by his neighbor Devkaranji, Lallubhai approached Muni Shri Harkhanchandji in Surat to express his desire for diksha (initiation). After obtaining parental consent (initially delayed by his mother's request for him to live as a renunciate at home for two years), Lallubhai, along with Devkaranji, received diksha in 1884 (VS 1940) at Khambhat. His mother had given her consent when her son was about 1.5 months old. His wife Nathi Bai had given birth to a son named Mohan in 1884 (VS 1940).

As a monk, Lallubhai Muni dedicated himself to scriptural study, devotional hymns, and meditation. He was particularly devoted to ascetic practices, undertaking regular fasts, including a remarkable 17-day continuous fast. His simplicity, devotion to his guru, and spiritual influence made him popular among the Jain community.

Encounter with Shrimad Rajchandraji:

A pivotal moment in his spiritual evolution was his meeting with Shrimad Rajchandraji, a highly realized soul, in 1890 (VS 1946) at Khambhat. Lallubhai was deeply impressed and sought guidance on self-realization and celibacy. Shrimadji, recognizing his inherent spiritual disposition, provided him with daily teachings. He advised practices like limited eating and taste renunciation, along with contemplation on the impermanence of all material things and the identity of the soul as the witness.

Their association deepened when Lallubhai Muni stayed in Mumbai for the Chaturmas in 1893 (VS 1949). He frequently visited Shrimadji's business establishment for spiritual discourse. Shrimadji explained verses from the 'Suyagdang' scripture and inscribed a profound mantra on the first page of a book for him: "Om, by contemplating the soul, one attains Omniscience."

Deepening Devotion and Austerity:

Lallubhai's expression of his desire to remain absorbed in contemplation led Shrimadji to emphasize the need for guidance and then fall silent. This encounter profoundly impacted Lallubhai, who then observed a vow of silence for nearly three years, only speaking for spiritual discourse with other monks. During this period, he studied the 'Samadhi Shatak,' which brought him immense peace. He also studied Vedanta texts.

Following a period of illness in Surat, Shrimadji sent him a letter with six verses, which had a lasting impact on him. In 1896 (VS 1952), during his Chaturmas at Khambhat, a significant event occurred. After the passing of his guru, Shri Harkhanchandji Maharaj, Lallubhai Muni's perceived acceptance of Shrimad Rajchandraji as his guru, and his discontinuation of earlier practices, caused a stir in the monastic community. Undeterred by any decline in public affection, Lallubhai remained devoted.

A Profound Meeting in Vadva:

Shrimad Rajchandraji visited Charotar and then Vadva (near Khambhat). Lallubhai and five other monks also went to meet him. In private, Lallubhai expressed his unbearable longing for Shrimadji's company, stating that the monk's attire felt like a hindrance and that he desired to remain at Shrimadji's feet day and night. He even discarded his 'muhopathi' (mouth cloth). Moved by Lallubhai's intense emotion and tears, Shrimadji also shed tears and instructed Devkaranji to give the 'muhopathi' back to Lallubhai. This meeting provided the monks with six days of intimate spiritual guidance.

Spiritual Growth and Recognition:

Shrimadji then composed the "Shri Atmasiddhi Shastra" in Nadiad and sent a copy to Lallubhai. Lallubhai found immense joy and spiritual upliftment in its study. A month-long continuous association with Shrimadji in 1898 (VS 1954) at Vaso further transformed his perception from worldly attachment to spiritual insight.

In 1900 (VS 1955) at Idar, Shrimadji guided all seven monks, including Lallubhai, in understanding the significance of Jinatirthas and auspicious practices, leading them to observe the 'Jinvrat' and engage with the 'Dravya Sangrah' scripture. Lallubhai's respect for Shrimadji deepened, evidenced by his reverent handling of Shrimadji's letters and his own humble, devotional style of writing to him.

Separation from the Sangha and Unwavering Devotion:

After the 1893 (VS 1949) Chaturmas in Mumbai, Lallubhai's connection with Shrimadji grew stronger. Even after being ostracized by the Khambhat Sangha, Lallubhai and other monks harbored no ill will, demonstrating their broad-mindedness and detachment. Their noble conduct left a lasting impression on other monks.

In 1901 (VS 1956), during his Chaturmas in Sojitra, Lallubhai met a Digambar Bhattarak. Later, upon hearing of Shrimadji's arrival in Ahmedabad, he traveled there. Shrimadji gifted him the "Kartikeyanoanupreksha" scripture, emphasizing its profound teachings on renunciation.

Grief and Continued Sadhana:

Upon learning of Shrimadji's passing on March 26, 1902 (VS 1957), Lallubhai, who was observing a fast, returned to the forest to spend the day in solitary contemplation and devotional practices, refusing even water due to his profound grief. The death of his spiritual brother Devkaran Muni in 1902 (VS 1958) in Ahmedabad further deepened his inclination towards solitude. He spent considerable time in nearby forests during his travels in South Gujarat, visiting places like Naroda, Dhandhuka, and Palitana. In Palitana, he adopted a simpler monastic attire, replacing the traditional 'morpinchi' (peacock feather) and ceasing to tie the 'muhopathi'.

The Epithets "Laghuraj" and "Prabhushri":

During his Chaturmas in Vadva in 1905 (VS 1961), Lallubhai spent 19 days and nights in continuous devotional practice without closing his eyes, inspiring many others. This intense devotion, however, led to knee pain from repeated prostrations. It was Ratnaraj Swami who, recognizing this extraordinary devotion, bestowed upon him the name "Laghurajji" (meaning "one who is dear or beloved"). Due to his vision of seeing God in everyone, the public began to call him "Prabhushri."

Establishment of the Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram:

In his old age, facing health issues that made extensive travel difficult, Lallubhai was requested by devotees from Nar to reside permanently in Agas village near Anand for the welfare of the community. This led to the establishment of the "Shri Sanatan Jain Dharma Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram" in Agas in 1919 (VS 1976). The Ashram became a center where people from all walks of life, irrespective of caste, creed, or age, came seeking spiritual solace and contributing to its upkeep.

Devoted Followers and Ashram's Growth:

Devotees like Govardhandas Kalidas Patel dedicated their lives to Prabhushri's service, receiving spiritual initiation and vows. Many other seekers, including Brahmachariji, Ravjibhai Desai, and Sobhagbhai, were inspired by Prabhushri's profound association. Under the influence of Shrimad Laghuraj Swami, devotion towards Shrimad Rajchandraji grew, leading to the construction of a guru temple with Shrimadji's idol, a Jinmandir, and a study hall at the Ashram, transforming Agas into a significant pilgrimage site.

Final Years and Nirvana:

Shrimad Laghuraj Swami spent his final eleven Chaturmas in Agas, from 1924 (VS 1981) to 1934 (VS 1991). In 1935 (VS 1992), his health declined, and he ceased public appearances and discourse, with only limited darshan allowed. On April 24, 1935 (VS 1992), Brahmachariji was declared his successor. On May 7, 1935 (VS 1992), at the age of 82, after concluding his evening prayers and instructing his disciples to chant a devotional song, the holy soul of Shrimad Laghurajswamiji departed from his mortal body to attain its eternal abode.