Subodhsagarsuriji

This document, likely an excerpt from a larger work titled "Shramana Bhagwanto" (Ascetics of Jainism), focuses on two prominent Jain Acharyas (spiritual leaders): Acharya Kailassagarsurishwarji Maharaj and Acharya Subodhsagarsurishwarji Maharaj.

Acharya Kailassagarsurishwarji Maharaj:

• He is described as an inspiring figure who attracted many.
• He lived a life free from ambition and expectations, leading to his significant contributions to the propagation of Jainism.
• He was skilled in architecture and art, evidenced by the impressive Simandhar Swami temple in Mehsana, which is considered a unique monument.
• During his 47-year monastic life, he traveled extensively across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Bengal, and Maharashtra, actively promoting religious activities and illuminating human lives with spiritual light.
• He passed away in Ahmedabad while in the "karyotsarga" (a standing meditation pose) in Sanvat 2041 (1985 AD).
• His funeral procession was 15 kilometers long, drawing a massive crowd, a testament to his popularity.
• He expressed a desire to attain salvation in Mahavideh (a celestial realm) and unite with the Supreme Soul after his death, indicating his detachment from worldly life and fearlessness of death.
• He is characterized as a truly selfless Acharya, humble despite his mastery of knowledge and asceticism.
• His life story, titled "Atamgnani Shraman" (The Self-Realized Ascetic), was written by the renowned author Kumarpal Desai.
• The text concludes with a reverent salutation to Acharya Kailassagarsurishwarji Maharaj, compiled by Muni Dharanendrasagarji Maharaj.

Acharya Subodhsagarsurishwarji Maharaj:

• He is presented as the current leader of the Jain community and a significant propagator of Jainism.
• He was born in the city of Juna Dissa, which is adorned with grand temples of Bhagwan Adinath and Bhagwan Mahavir, along with numerous paushadhshalas (monasteries), upashrayas (rest houses for monks), ayambilshalas (places for fasting), guru temples, and victory pillars, situated on the banks of the Banas River near Palanpur.
• His parents were Chunilal Chhaganlal Mehta and Jamnaben. He was born on the 10th day of the waning moon in the month of Magshar, Sanvat 1979 (1922 AD). His birth name was Virdhichand.
• He received practical education up to the fifth standard in English.
• A significant spiritual awakening occurred in his life, making him realize the impermanence of the material world. He faced many adversities and crises with unwavering courage and strength.
• On the 3rd day of the waxing moon in the month of Fagun, Sanvat 1998 (1942 AD), he renounced worldly life at the Sun Temple outside the village of Methora, donning the robes of a monk.
• He took initiation under the guidance of Acharya Kirtisagarsurishwarji Maharaj and became known as Muni Subodhsagarji Maharaj.
• After his initiation, he diligently studied Sanskrit, Prakrit, grammar, logic, philosophy, and Jain scriptures (Agamas).
• Recognizing his merit, his Guru, Acharya Kirtisagarsurishwarji Maharaj, bestowed upon him the title of Panyas (a senior monastic rank) in Juna Dissa on the 3rd day of the waxing moon in Magshar, Sanvat 2010 (1953 AD).
• He conducted influential chaturmas (four-month religious retreats) in many towns and cities.
• He was instrumental in the renovation of ancient Jain temples and performed numerous activities for the propagation of Jainism, including anjanshalaka (consecration ceremonies), pratishtha (installation ceremonies), upadhan (a special type of ascetic practice), udhyan (garden establishment), chhri palit sangh (a specific religious procession), and Shri Jinbhakti Mahotsav (festivals of devotion to Jain Tirthankaras).
• He was elevated to the position of Acharya on the 10th day of the waning moon in Jeth, Sanvat 2023 (1966 AD), in Ahmedabad, holding the third position among the Panch Paramesthis (five supreme beings in Jainism).
• Under his guidance, the Kuling Parshwanath Tirth was established and consecrated with a grand ceremony in Vijapur on the 3rd day of the waning moon in Vaishakh, Sanvat 2037 (1980 AD).
• The previous year, a magnificent re-consecration festival of the ancient and famous Shri Godiji Jinalaya in Mumbai was also celebrated in his presence.
• The text concludes with a heartfelt prayer to the Jain deities for the flourishing of Acharya Subodhsagarsurishwarji Maharaj through his various activities that promote Jainism, and expresses sincere devotion to him.
• His current disciples include:
  1. Acharya Prashantmurti Manaharkeerti Sagarsurishwarji Maharaj
  2. Pravartak Shri Yashkirti Sagarsuriji Maharaj
  3. Munivar Shri Rajkirti Sagarsuriji Maharaj
  4. Munivar Shri Prasannakirti Sagarsuriji Maharaj
  5. Munivar Shri Kirti Sagarsuriji Maharaj
  6. Munivar Shri Ajaykirti Sagarsuriji Maharaj
  7. Munivar Shri Vijaykirti Sagarsuriji Maharaj, and others.

In essence, the document is a biographical account highlighting the spiritual journeys, significant achievements, and exemplary lives of two revered Jain Acharyas, emphasizing their contributions to the preservation and propagation of Jain principles and practices.