Vidhipaksha Gacchani Pratibha Sampanna Char Guru Shishya Yugal Jodio

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Vidhipaksha Gacchani Pratibha Sampanna Char Guru Shishya Yugal Jodio" by Devji D Khona, focusing on the content provided:

This document is an excerpt from a larger work, likely the "Shri Arya Kalyan Gautam Smruti Granth," and specifically focuses on four prominent guru-disciple pairs of the Vidhipaksha (Achalgachchha). The author, Devji D Khona, an historian and proponent of the Achalgachchha, presents the history and contributions of these influential pairs over a span of 900 years. The article is dedicated to the "Shri Achalgachchha Jain Samaj of Mulund" for their initiative to compile an authentic history of the Achalgachchha.

The author emphasizes that the Achalgachchha has played a significant role in the propagation of Jain principles, upholding the spiritual flag of the Tirthankaras, shaping culture and literature, contributing to art and architecture, and fostering knowledge and science. The history of the Achalgachchha is considered incomplete without acknowledging its multi-faceted and talented contributions to Jainism.

The Achalgachchha holds a significant position in the Jain Shvetambar Sangh, ranking second only to the Kharataragachchha in antiquity. Its history is rich with traditions, practices, and ideologies, making it a cornerstone of Jain social and cultural history. The text highlights numerous eminent figures from the Achalgachchha who have been luminaries not only for their own tradition but for all of Jainism.

A key aspect of the Achalgachchha's history is its founding by Arya Rakshit Suri. During a period when the influence of Chaityavasis (monks residing in temples) was strong and the "Samveg Paksha" (path of renunciation) seemed to be waning, Arya Rakshit Suri passionately advocated for the Adherence to Vidhi (established rituals and practices). He effectively dispelled the "darkness" of Chaityavasi practices and re-established the "Suvihit Marg" (well-guided path), a tradition that continues unbroken to this day. The author notes that while other Acharyas spent their energy in criticizing other sects, the Achalgachchha refrained from such destructive activities, demonstrating a progressive ideology.

The text then details the four guru-disciple pairs:

1. Arya Rakshit Suri – Jaysinh Suri:

• Arya Rakshit Suri: Born in 1082 AD, he received initiation in 1104 AD and founded the Vidhipaksha (Achalgachchha) in 1115 AD at Bhalej. He passed away in 1180 AD. His primary achievement was the eradication of laxity in practices (shithilachar) and the re-establishment of the Suvihit Marg. This founding was not through debate but through renunciation, penance, and knowledge. He is credited with the establishment of the Achalgachchha as a distinct sect. He emphasized practices like not installing Jain images as a monk, avoiding lamp worship, fruit worship, seed worship, and alipooja (worship with external substances), but allowing tadulapooja (rice worship) and patrapuja (leaf worship). He also prescribed specific rules for lay followers regarding rituals and observances.
• Jaysinh Suri: Born in 1123 AD, he received initiation in 1141 AD and was appointed Acharya in 1146 AD. He passed away in 1172 AD. He was instrumental in widely propagating the Achalgachchha, laying a strong foundation that has endured for centuries. He organized the Achalgachchha, opened the doors of Jainism to all castes, and strove for equality. He was known as "Kshatriya Vinodhk" for his influence on Kshatriyas who embraced Jainism. He is also credited with establishing various gotras (lineages). He was the first Acharya of the Achalgachchha to travel in Kutch and made significant contributions throughout Western India.

2. Mahendraprabh Suri – Merutung Suri:

• Mahendraprabh Suri: Born in 1307 AD, he received initiation in 1319 AD and became Acharya in 1338 AD. He became the head of the Gachchha in 1342 AD and passed away in 1388 AD. Upon becoming the leader, his first priority was to reform and organize the Gachchha. His era, along with Merutung Suri, is considered a significant period, reminiscent of the era of Arya Rakshit Suri and Jaysinh Suri. He revitalized the spirit of the Achalgachchha. He appointed six of his disciples as Acharyas simultaneously, including the influential Jayashekhar Suri, who is considered an early poet in the Gujarati language.
• Merutung Suri: Born in 1347 AD, he received initiation in 1354 AD and became Acharya in 1370 AD. He passed away in 1415 AD. He was a highly influential Acharya and a prolific scholar. He is renowned not only as a great author but also as a mantra-vadi (one skilled in chanting mantras). His success stemmed from his ascetic life, yoga practices, and meditation. He made unique contributions to the development of Jiravalli Tirth. His vast literary output spanned various subjects, including astrology, grammar, poetics, and philosophy. He also influenced rulers, both Hindu and Muslim, and was a significant contributor to the development of Sanskrit literature. His passing marked the end of another important phase in the Achalgachchha's history.

3. Dharmamurti Suri – Kalyansagar Suri:

• Dharmamurti Suri: Born in 1529 AD, he received initiation in 1543 AD and became Acharya and Gachchhanayak in 1546 AD. He passed away in 1614 AD. His time was marked by internal reforms due to a period of spiritual laxity and sectarian divisions. He, along with Acharyas from other Gachchhas, initiated reforms at Shatrunjaya Tirth. His ascetic life and devotion to celibacy were exemplary. He actively engaged in propagating the Dharma, maintaining close contact with lay followers, and encouraging religious activities like temple construction and consecrations. He did not engage in refutations of other sects despite provocations. His monastic family was large and included many esteemed scholars. During his tenure, a period of peace under Mughal emperors like Akbar allowed for internal strengthening and the restoration of ancient texts. He received divine guidance about his successor, Kalyansagar Suri.
• Kalyansagar Suri: Born in 1577 AD, he received initiation in 1586 AD and became Acharya in 1614 AD. He received the title of "Yugapradhan" (leader of the era) in 1616 AD and passed away in 1662 AD. He was known for his interactions with rulers like Maharav Bharmal and Emperor Jahangir, and for his significant contributions to temple construction and consecrations, including those at Palitana and Pavagadh. He established numerous Jain temples and consecrated many Jina images. His prolific literary output and extensive preaching left a lasting impact. He is remembered as a significant figure for organizing the Gachchha and maintaining its spiritual activities for centuries.

4. Dadashri Gautam Sagar Suri – Acharya Shri Gunsaagar Suri:

• Dadashri Gautam Sagar Suri: Born in 1864 AD, he received initiation twice, first as a yati and then as a suvihit samvegi. He passed away in 1953 AD. He played a crucial role in the revival and re-establishment of the Achalgachchha's principles, undertaking significant reforms and initiating a new direction for its growth. He revived the century-old ideology of the Gachchha and was instrumental in its widespread dissemination. He led the Achalgachchha in a period of transition, and his leadership paved the way for its future. He initiated many into monastic life and earned the title "Kutch-Halār Deshodhdhārak" (Rescuer of Kutch and Halār). He oversaw many sanghs (pilgrimages) and temple consecrations, and the restoration of ancient texts. His passing marked the end of a significant era for the Achalgachchha.
• Acharya Shri Gunsaagar Suri: Born in 1893 AD, he received initiation in 1937 AD and became Acharya in 1942 AD. He is described as having a sharp memory and quick comprehension, excelling in Sanskrit studies and authoring various scholarly works. He has undertaken significant efforts for the advancement of the Gachchha, establishing the "Arya Rakshit Jain Tattvajnan Vidyapeeth" to train scholars and religious teachers. He also founded the "Arya Kalyan-Gautam Niti Shravika Vidyapeeth" for the religious education of women. He actively worked to counter anti-religious activities and convened the "Akhil Bharat Achalgachchha Adhiveshan" to deliberate on the Gachchha's progress, leading to the establishment of the "Shri Akhil Bharat Vidhipaksha (Achalgachchha) Shvetambar Jain Sangh." He has been honored with titles like "Tirth Pravartak" and "Achalgachchhadhipati" and continues to lead the Achalgachchha with dedication.

The text concludes by reiterating the significant contributions of these four pairs, highlighting how each succeeding guru-disciple duo carried forward the work of their predecessors, keeping the flag of the Achalgachchha flying. The present Acharya, Gunsaagar Suri, is commended for upholding the identity of the Gachchha, following in the footsteps of his gurus. The author expresses a prayer for his good health and long life to continue the progress of the Achalgachchha.