Shrimad Rajchandra Life Relative Work Summary - Book Summary

This document is a summary of the life and works of Shrimad Rajchandra, compiled from various books and sources by the Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram, Agas. It provides biographical details, information about his family and close associates, significant events in his life, and details about his spiritual teachings and writings.

Here's a breakdown of the key information presented:

1. Family and Relatives:

Shrimad Rajchandra (Raychandbhai Ravjibhai Mehta):
- Born in Vavanıya, Samvat 1924 (1867 CE), Kartik Sud 15, Sunday, 2 AM.
- Original name: Lakshminandan.
- Passed away in Rajkot, Samvat 1957 (1901 CE), Chaitra Vad 5, Tuesday, April 9th, at the Narmada Mansion (now Anantsukh-Dham) while in a deep meditative state (Kaussarg mudra). Cremated on the banks of the Aji River in Rajkot.
Mother: Devbai (also known as Monghiben), daughter of Raghavjibhai Shah of Maliya. She was a Jain and present at his passing.
Father: Ravjibhai Panchanbhai Mehta, born Samvat 1902 (1845 CE). A Sthanakvasi Jain. He had two sons (Raychandbhai and Mansukhbhai) and four daughters. He was present at Shrimad's passing.
Grandfather: Damjibhai Pitamberbhai Mehta, father of Panchanbhai. He was a wealthy Krishna devotee residing near Manekvada, Morbi. He purchased the house in Vavanıya where Shrimad was born in Samvat 1892 and lived to be 98 years old.
Siblings: One brother, Mansukhbhai, and four sisters: Shivkorben, Menaben, Zhabakben, and Jijiben.
- Mansukhbhai: Born Samvat 1933 (1876 CE), passed away in Rajkot in Samvat 1980 (1923 CE). His wife was also named Zhabakben. Shrimad transferred his business to Mansukhbhai in Samvat 1952.
Wife: Zhabakben, daughter of Shri Popatbhai Jagjivanjibhai Zaveri of Rajkot. Married in Samvat 1944.
Children: Chhaganbhai, Javalben, Kashiben, and Ratilal.
- Chhaganbhai: Born Samvat 1946 (1889 CE), died young at 20 in Samvat 1965 (1908 CE) due to tuberculosis. Shrimad called him Chhagan Shashtri from age six. He had a deep reverence for Shrimad.
- Javalben (Jayaben): Born Samvat 1950 (1893 CE). Married Shri Bhagwandasbhai Ranchhodbhai Dharshibhai Modi in Samvat 1966. She was instrumental in the construction of the Raj Janmabhuvana and cared for visitors.
- Kashiben: Born Samvat 1952 (1895 CE), died at 28 in Samvat 1980 (1923 CE). Married Shri Revashankar Dahyabhai Sanghvi.
- Ratial: Born Samvat 1954 (1897 CE), died at 12.
Brothers-in-law: Shri Chatrabhuj Bechar and Shri Thakarsibhai Mehta.
Uncles-in-law: Shri Revashankar and Dr. Pranjivanbhai.
Business Partners: Shri Revashankar and Shri Maneklal.
Mahatma Gandhi: Met Shrimad in July 1891 (Samvat 1947). Gandhi was about 1 year and 10 months younger.

2. Key Life Events and Achievements:

Samvat 1924 (1867 CE): Birth in Vavanıya.
Age 7: Experienced "Jatismaran Jnana" (memory of past lives) while witnessing the cremation of Shri Amichandbhai.
Age 10: Could discern the purpose of visitors.
Age 13: Began assisting his father in business after completing English education in Rajkot. Exhibited "Avadhan" (remarkable memory and focus) abilities.
Writings: Composed a 5,000-verse poem named Nemiraj in six days (now lost). Wrote Ramayana and Mahabharata in verse.
Age 16 years 5 months (Samvat 1940/1883 CE): Wrote "Mokshamala" in three days at the request of Shri Popatbhai Daftari in Morbi.
Avadhan Performances: Performed 12 Avadhans in Jamnagar and 16 in Botad, earning him titles like "Diamond of India" and "Avatara of Saraswati."
Mumbai: Performed "Shatavdhan" (100 Avadhans). Possessed extraordinary sensory abilities.
Samvat 1945 (1888 CE): Started a jewelry business in Mumbai in partnership with Shri Revashankar Jagjivan Zaveri, based on Shrimad's prophecy of good fortune.
Samvat 1944 (1887 CE): Marriage to Zhabakben. Stopped performing Avadhans.
Samvat 1947 (1890 CE): Met Mahatma Gandhi. Wrote "Bina Nayan Pave Nahi" (letter 258) and other significant spiritual letters.
Samvat 1946 (1889 CE): Met Shri Sobhagbhai in Morbi and Muni Shri Lalluji in Khambhat.
Samvat 1947 (1890 CE): Attained "Shuddha Samyaktva" (pure equanimity) and renounced astrology.
Samvat 1950 (1893 CE): Wrote a letter of six verses to Muni Shri Lalluji, stating that fear of death is not a duty. Responded to 27 questions posed by Mahatma Gandhi.
Samvat 1952 (1895 CE): Resolved to renounce all attachments. Left the partnership business. Wrote the "Atma Siddhi Shastra" in one sitting (1.5 hours) on Sharad Purnima night in Nadiad.
Samvat 1953 (1896 CE): Wrote the unique composition "Apurva Avsar" (21 verses) while nursing his mother in Vavanıya. Gave spiritual guidance to Shri Sobhagbhai and others.
Spiritual Knowledge: Stated to have knowledge of 800 (or 900) past lives and was the last disciple of Lord Mahavir.
Renunciation: Renounced wife, children, and wealth.
Samvat 1957 (1900 CE): Wrote "Ichchhe Hai Jo Yogi Jan" in Rajkot.
April 9, 1901 (Samvat 1957): Demise in Rajkot.

3. Description of Character and Spirituality:

Attire: Simple, often not very neat or ironed.
Demeanor: Walked slowly, always in thought. Eyes were bright, focused, and calm. Had a rounded face, thin lips, pointed nose, medium build, dark complexion, and a peaceful appearance. His face was cheerful and smiling. His voice was sweet and his language eloquent.
Detachment from Body: Described as having a "bodyless" perspective, evidenced by his ability to walk through thorns and stones without regard for his body, his indifference to mosquitoes, and his statement, "We are embodied beings; we realize this with great difficulty."
"Vachanamrut": A collection of Shrimad's letters, compiled by Shri Ambalalbhai and published by Shri Param Shruta Prabhavak Mandal.
"Atma Siddhi Shastra": Composed in Nadiad at the request of Muni Shri Lalluji for easier memorization of spiritual teachings. It contains 142 verses summarizing the fourteen Purvas.
"Raj Pad": A collection of 37 devotional verses composed by Shrimad.

4. Places and Institutions:

Vavanıya: Birthplace, a small village near Morbi. Contains Shrimad's personal belongings.
Raj Janmabhuvana (Rajkot): Established in Vavanıya with significant financial contribution from Javalben and Bhagwandas Modi. It houses photos and items related to Shrimad and his disciples. Currently being rebuilt after an earthquake.
Agas Ashram: Established in Sandesar village near Agas station in Samvat 1976 (1919 CE) on land donated by Shri Jijibhai, inspired by Muni Shri Laghuraj Swami.
Param Shruta Prabhavak Mandal: An organization conceived by Shrimad in Samvat 1956 (1899 CE).
Morbi: Where Shrimad performed Avadhans and wrote "Mokshamala."
Nadiad: Where Shrimad wrote "Atma Siddhi Shastra."
Rajkot: Shrimad's place of demise and where his Samadhi Mandir is built.

5. Devoted Disciples ("Bhakta Ratna"):

Shri Juthabhai: Met Shrimad in Ahmedabad at age 20. Shrimad considered him truthful and said he had attained "Samyaktva."
Shri Ambalalbhai: Met Shrimad in Mumbai at age 20. Served Shrimad with devotion until his passing. Shrimad also said he had attained "Samyaktva."
Shri Sobhagbhai: Born in Sayla, Samvat 1880 (1823 CE). Met Shrimad in Morbi in Samvat 1946. Shrimad had a deep affection for him and wrote several letters to him. Shrimad also said he had attained "Samyaktva."
Muni Shri Lalluji (Laghuraj Swami): Born in Vatamana, Samvat 1910 (1853 CE). Met Shrimad at age 22 in Samvat 1946. He was instrumental in Shrimad writing the "Atma Siddhi Shastra." Shrimad stated he had attained "Samyaktva."

6. Key Spiritual Insights:

Jatismaran Jnana: The direct recollection of past lives.
Samyaktva: Pure equanimity, a state of spiritual understanding and balance.
Detachment: Renunciation of worldly possessions and relationships for spiritual liberation.

The document emphasizes Shrimad Rajchandra's profound spiritual nature, his literary contributions, and his significant influence on his close followers, including Mahatma Gandhi. It also details the efforts made by various individuals and organizations to preserve and propagate his teachings.