Vijay Dharmdhurandarsuriji

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text about Acharya Shri Vijay Dharmdhurandharsurishwarji Maharaj, based on the excerpted pages:

The text details the life and achievements of Acharya Shri Vijay Dharmdhurandharsurishwarji Maharaj, a highly respected and influential figure in Jainism. He is described as a living embodiment of renunciation, knowledge, discipline, devotion, humility, and joy. His name shines brightly in the history of Jainism, marked by his profound spiritual knowledge gained through self-study and penance, and his extensive religious activities that brought glory to the faith.

Early Life and Renunciation:

• Born in Khatdi village near Muli in Zalawad, his father, Shah Pitambardas Jivabhai, moved to Bhavnagar for business. His mother was Sankaliben.
• He was born on Chaitra Vad 5, Samvat 1974, and was named Dhirajlal.
• His mother passed away when he was only eight years old. Though his father loved him dearly, he couldn't provide sufficient attention, so Dhirajlal was taken to his maternal uncle's home in Bengaluru for about three years.
• Upon returning to his homeland, his father, who was living in Palitana, enrolled him in the Shri Sheviyaji Jain Gurukul. It was here that the seeds of renunciation began to sprout in his young mind.
• In Samvat 1985, an encounter with Pu. Pandit Shri Amritvijayji Ganini further strengthened the renunciation sentiments of both Dhirajlal and his father.
• On Maha Sud 10, Samvat 1988, amidst a grand festival of the enthusiastic Jain community in the Javal region, both father and son received initiation (diksha) with the blessings of Pu. Shasan Samratshri.
• His father became Muni Shri Punyavijayji, a disciple of Pu. Pandit Shri Amritvijayji. Dhirajlal became Muni Shri Dhurandharvijayji, a disciple of Muni Shri Punyavijayji. He later became renowned as Acharya Shri Dharmdhurandhar.

Education and Ascendancy:

• After his initiation, despite facing significant challenges from his uncle who filed a police case, Dhirajlal remained steadfast, and his spiritual discipline intensified.
• He participated in a historic 34-day Muni Sammelan in Ahmedabad, gaining valuable association with many prominent Acharyas. He felt blessed to be in the service of Pu. Shasan Samratshri.
• Recognizing his immense potential, Shasan Samratshri nurtured his development. While accompanying the Acharya Bhagwant during Chaturmas and participating in Sangh activities, his studies flourished.
• He quickly acquired profound knowledge of various philosophical texts like Muthuri, Panchalakshani, Sinhavyagh, Jagatishi, and Siddhantlakshan from Pandit Shashinath Jha, along with treatises on literary criticism and Sanskrit epic poems.
• He developed an exceptional command over Sanskrit, making letter writing and poetry composition in the language effortless. He could even speak Sanskrit fluently.
• Demonstrating his poetic prowess, he composed the "Doot" khandkavya (a short narrative poem) of 175 shlokas in the Shikharini meter for Pu. Shasan Samratshri. This work, comparable to the "Meghaduta," showcased his mastery of poetry, having deeply studied Hemchandracharya's Kavyanusashan and Shabdhanushasan.
• Driven by a thirst for knowledge, during the Chaturmas in Khambhat in Samvat 1994, he also learned English and studied English tales and Shakespeare's plays.
• He became proficient in multiple languages including Gujarati, Hindi, Prakrit, Sanskrit, Marathi, and English.

Literary Contributions and Impact:

• His extensive studies led to the flowering of his genius, resulting in the composition of over a hundred books.
• His works span various fields:
  • Logic and Philosophy: Shri Siddha-Saraswati, Lakshana-Vilasa Vritti, Sandhi-Vinoda-Panchadashi, Nihnavavada, Nayavada, Atmavada, Mahatmaya of Dravyānuyog.
  • Sanskrit Poetry: Indratika, Sahitya-Shiksha-Manjari, Mumuhutva, Shri Nemi Stava, Shri Vardhaman Mahavirhashtaka, Sati Sookta Dashik, Amradh-Panchavimsatika, Pancheshthi Guna Mala.
  • Gujarati Works: Paramatma-Sangeeta-Sarasrotasvini, Shri Adijin Panchakalyanak Puja, Vichar Saurabh, Swadhyay-Ratnavali, Hit-Shiksha-Chhatris, Shambal, Vimarsa, Umesh, Darshan, Darpan, Mahatmaya of Mandavgadh, Sajjan Shatak.
• Of the fifty published books, an equal number await publication. His commentary on eight maranas further attests to his unparalleled talent.
• He managed to write this vast corpus of works amidst constant travel and diverse religious activities, which is considered astonishing.

Rise to Prominence and Recognition:

• At the age of 13, child muni Shri Dhurandharvijayji Maharaj had a common appearance, with a slender build, wheatish complexion, being very quiet, and of a solitary nature. However, under the guidance of his guru and other Acharyas, by the age of seventeen, he had emerged as a powerful muni, leaving a unique impression on the entire community.
• His presence in major cities of Gujarat and Mumbai for 46 Chaturmases served as living testimony to his influence, as wherever he was present, grand festivals like Anjanshalaka, Pratishtha, Upadhan, Udyapan, and Sanghyatra were celebrated with great enthusiasm.
• As a result of this unparalleled "Shasan Prabhavna" (influence on the Jain order), he was bestowed with the titles of Ganipadi in Kartak Vad 6, Samvat 2007, and Pannyasapada on Vaishakh Sud 3 (Akshaya Tritiya) in Samvat 2007.
• A grand celebration was held in Mumbai in Samvat 2021, Maha Sud 8 on a Monday, where he was conferred the title of Acharya. This prestigious event was presided over by Acharya Shri Vijayudaysurishwarji Maharaj and Acharya Shri Vijaynandansurishwarji Maharaj.
• The ten-day festival featured various religious and cultural programs, attended by a large number of Jain and non-Jain dignitaries. Prominent figures like the Maharaja of Bhavnagar, Krishnakumarsinhji, offered their felicitations.
• Scholars from across India honored the new Acharya with titles such as: 1. Vyakaran Vidya Varidhi, 2. Siddhant Bharti, 3. Darshan Chintamani, 4. Kavi Shiromani, and 5. Jyotir Vidya Mani.

Major Undertakings and Final Days:

• Among the significant works undertaken under his supervision was the construction of a grand "Kesariya Veer Paramprasad" chaitya at the foot of Giriraj Shatrunjay in Palitana. This structure reflects the rich heritage of the Jain Sangh and offers a glimpse into the glorious history of the Shraman tradition.
• From Samvat 2030, his health began to decline due to cancer, a result of his strenuous efforts. However, his activities did not slacken.
• His illness progressed, and during the 2033 monsoon in Ahmedabad, he experienced intense pain. He endured the suffering until Vaishakh, Samvat 2034.
• On Vaishakh Vad 10, a Friday, this brilliant star merged into the divine realm in peace and equanimity. However, his legacy of immense virtues remains eternal.
• In his short life of 60 years, he lived as a muni for 47 years and served as an Acharya for 13 years, accomplishing a vast array of diverse and significant deeds that cannot be encompassed in a single view.
• He completed his glorious life journey adorned with remarkable qualities: excellent equanimity, profound scholarship, ideal self-discipline, love for self-study, creativity, and immersion in good company.
• His final journey was marked by the presence of a massive public gathering, numerous eulogy assemblies, and countless condolences, all testifying to his greatness.

The text concludes by mentioning his disciples and grand-disciples, and pays homage to his immortal service to the Jain order. It also briefly introduces Acharya Shri Vijaypriyankarsurishwarji Maharaj, highlighting his birth details and early inclination towards spiritual life, leading to his initiation in Maha Sud 11, Samvat 1989.