Terapanth Ki Agrani Sadhwiya - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Terapanth ki Agrani Sadhwiya" (Leading Sadhvis of Terapanth) by Sadhvi Shri Madhusmitashreeji, based on the provided PDF content:

This document, part of the Z_Kesarimalji_Surana_Abhinandan_Granth_012044.pdf, introduces and celebrates the lives of prominent female ascetics (Sadhvis) within the Terapanth sect of Jainism. It highlights their contributions to the spiritual and social upliftment of women and the Jain community.

The Origin and Growth of Sadhvi Community in Terapanth: The text begins by recounting the initial incompleteness of the Terapanth sect due to the absence of female ascetics. It narrates the pivotal moment when, in VS 1821, three women sought initiation. The first Acharya Bhikshu tested their commitment by highlighting the challenge of maintaining the minimum required number of sadhvis if one were to pass away. Upon their unanimous acceptance of this condition, he granted them initiation. Since then, the sadhvi community has continuously grown in both numbers and spiritual depth. Over two centuries, nearly two thousand women have taken initiation, dedicating their lives to self-realization and serving the welfare of society. The text emphasizes the organizational framework provided by Acharya Bhikshu and the continuous enhancements made by subsequent Acharyas, with a special mention of Yugpradhan Acharya Shri Tulsiji's significant dedication to the development of the sadhvi society.

Key Leading Sadhvis and Their Contributions: The article then presents the life stories of eleven prominent Sadhvis who have led the sadhvi community and contributed to the awakening of women. While the first three did not hold the official title of Sadhvipramukha (Head Sadhvi), they performed similar responsibilities. The subsequent eight were officially appointed to this esteemed position.

The leading Sadhvis highlighted are:

Mahasati Dipaji: Known for her deep faith, commitment to character, love for austerity, and affection towards fellow ascetics. She was fearless and eloquent. Her quick thinking saved the sadhvis from robbers when she chanted the Namaskar Mahamantra loudly, making the robbers believe she was invoking a deity. She was initiated by Acharya Bharmalji at age 16 and passed away at age 80 after 50 years of spiritual practice.
Mahasati Sardaraji: A testament to the power of resolve and hope. She was married at ten and widowed shortly after. During a Chaturmas by Muni Shri Jitamalji, she found answers to her spiritual queries and embraced Terapanth. At thirteen, she took vows like lifetime chovihar (abstaining from food after sunset) and renounced certain foods. After rigorous spiritual practices and overcoming family resistance, she was initiated by Acharya Shrimaj. She was appointed Sadhvipramukha by Acharya Jayachandji, known for her sharp intellect, memorizing 200 verses daily. She managed the sect's handwritten scriptures efficiently and was instrumental in creating organized groups of sadhvis (called singhada). She is also credited with establishing the tradition of equitable food distribution. She passed away through a five-period fast.
Mahasati Gulabaji: Possessed qualities of gentleness, sweet speech, and compassionate eyes, combined with a beautiful personality adorned with wisdom. She had both external beauty and inner grace. She studied Sanskrit grammar and poetry under Mahasati Sardaraji and became a scholar. She transcribed Acharya Jayachandji's commentary on the Bhagavati Sutra, memorizing verses after hearing them once. She was an excellent orator. She served as Sadhvipramukha for 15 years, embodying maternal affection in her discipline. She passed away in VS 1942.
Mahasati Navlaji: Born in VS 1885, she was married young and widowed soon after. Initiated by Acharya Shri Rishiramji, she even performed her own hair-plucking. She was respected for her wisdom and humility, even being honored with the "Sajh Vandana" on the day of her initiation. She studied the 32 Agamas deeply and explained them skillfully. She initiated the practice of dedicating books and singhada to sadhvis. She spent 13 years in a gurukul and lived as a leader for 12 years and 6 months, awakening the laity. She served five Acharyas with devotion and offered immense affection to all sadhvis. She passed away at 66 after an intense fast.
Mahasati Jethaji: Born in VS 1901, initiated in VS 1916, and became a leader in VS 1955. Her personality was radiant and self-illuminating. Though her physical beauty was considerable, her inner spiritual wealth was far greater, leading her life to become an ideal. She experienced significant loss in her youth, including widowhood at 16, but this transformed her sorrow into detachment and the pursuit of eternal bliss. Initiated by Acharya Jayachandji and mentored by Mahasati Sardaraji, she diligently cared for the sick and newly initiated sadhvis. Acharya Dalmani appointed her as a leader, commending her exemplary service. She practiced chovihar from the 17th and 2nd of the month up to the 22nd, a remarkable feat. Her simple beauty, dedication to duty, and devotion to her guru attracted everyone. Acharya Kalugani expressed absolute trust in her management of sadhvis. She passed away in 2002 in a state of complete equanimity.
Mahasati Vanakavarji (Kanakumariji): Born in VS 1630, initiated in VS 1944, and became a leader in VS 1981. Her life embodied non-violence and fearlessness. She displayed courage when faced with thieves during her travels, chanting the Mahamantra and impressing them with her spiritual strength. She was also skilled in various arts and taught them to her fellow sadhvis. She was deeply devoted to swadhyay (self-study), memorizing numerous scriptures. Her unwavering affection earned her the trust of the sadhvi community. Acharya Shri Tulsiji praised her in his work 'Kaal Yashovilas' for her disciplined life and spiritual devotion. She passed away in a state of deep equanimity in VS 1663.
Mahasati Jhamkuji: Born in Ratan Nagar, her birth was prophesied to bring glory to her lineage. Despite a happy married life and the prosperity she brought to her in-laws, she was widowed. Her father was deeply affected, but a dream assured him that this hardship would lead to immortality. A dream of a mango-laden tree inspired her to seek initiation, overcoming the affection of her parents and in-laws. She was known for her efficiency and artistic skills, even teaching intricate arts to others. She was a lover of swadhyay and devoted herself to the care of the young, sick, and elderly, even performing surgeries with her skillful hands. Her speed and memory were exceptional, enabling her to travel 6 miles in an hour. She displayed remarkable composure during times of collective grief, like Acharya Kalugani's passing, spreading courage and transforming sorrow into joy. She served the Terapanth sect for 37 years and passed away in VS 2002 with profound peace, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire.
Mahasati Ladaji: Born in VS 1960 and initiated in VS 1982 in Ladnu. She became Sadhvipramukha in VS 2002. After a brief marriage, she was widowed, which sparked her renunciation. Her initiation alongside Muni Tulsiji (who later became the ninth Acharya) was a significant event. Under the leadership of Yugpradhan Acharya Shri Tulsiji, she contributed significantly to the development of sadhvis in various fields, particularly in education. She was a source of inspiration, embodying the concept of carrying the ocean within a pitcher. Her strong curiosity led her to acquire knowledge. She was fearless, except of sin. She adorned the position of Sadhvipramukha with her humility, grace, fearlessness, and tolerance. Despite physical ailments, her mental strength remained robust. Her prolonged illness and courage in the face of severe pain led Acharya Shri Tulsiji to bestow upon her the title "Embodiment of Tolerance." She departed for heaven in a state of meditation and fasting.

Conclusion: The document concludes by briefly introducing Sadhvi Pramukha Kanakprabhaji, highlighting her scholarly achievements, leadership qualities, and contributions to the Terapanth sect's literary and spiritual progress. The overall tone of the document is one of reverence and admiration for these influential female ascetics who have played a crucial role in shaping the Terapanth tradition and empowering women.