Vijay Kastursuriji - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, focusing on Acharya Shri Vijaykastursurishwarji Maharaj:

This text is a biographical account of Acharya Shri Vijaykastursurishwarji Maharaj, highlighting his significant contributions to Jainism as a scholar, spiritual leader, and prolific author.

Early Life and Family:

Born in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, in 1900 (Samvat 1957, Posh Vad 1) to father Amichandbhai and mother Akhabena.
His birth name was Kantilal.
He hailed from the renowned Kinakhabawala family, known for their deep religious and cultural traditions. Notably, the esteemed Acharya Shri VijaySiddhisurishwarji Maharaj (Bapji M.Sa.) also belonged to this family.
From a young age, Kantilal showed a strong inclination towards spirituality and detachment from worldly affairs, influenced by his family's religious upbringing and possibly past life's spiritual practices.

Renunciation and Spiritual Journey:

At the age of 19, in 1919 (Samvat 1976, Phalgun Vad 3), Kantilal took initiation (Pravrajya) at Gandhum kshetra near Mavli station in Marwar.
He was initiated by Panyas Shri Vigyanvijayji Maharaj, a disciple of the great Acharya Shri VijayNemisurishwarji Maharaj.
Upon initiation, he was given the name Muni Shri Kasturvijayji.
Under the guidance of his guru, he intensely pursued knowledge, asceticism, humility, service, devotion, and self-study. He developed profound devotion to his guru, scriptures, and righteous conduct.

Scholarly Achievements and Literary Contributions:

Muni Shri Kasturvijayji revitalized and brought to life the ancient Prakrit language, becoming a Prakrit scholar.
He was a connoisseur of literature and an expert in Jain scriptures (Agamas).
His prolific literary output includes:
- In Prakrit: Paid Vaiya Karan Kahao, Prakrit Vigyan Pathmala, Sirijambu Swami Charcha, Sirivijayachand Kevali Chariya, Aaramseha Kahao, Siriy usahnacharim.
- In Sanskrit: Panch Namaskar Stotra Vritti, Suryasahasranammala, Chaturvimsati Jinastotra Vritti, Abhidhana Chintamani Kosh, Chandrodaya Teeka.
- In Gujarati: Shravak Dharma Vidhan, Vinaya Saurabh, Prakrit Vigyan Kathao Part 1-2, Sataputra Shraman Bhagwan Mahavir, and a total of 39 books.
He dedicated the knowledge he gained to the people, the monastic order (Sangh), and Jainism.

Character and Virtues:

He possessed the gentle demeanor of knowledge and renunciation, akin to Acharya Shri Gyanagambhir Sagar.
He was an eloquent speaker, making even dry subjects like philosophy engaging and understandable through examples and reasoning.
Despite his vast knowledge, he interacted with everyone, young and old, with gentleness and affection.
He had a large following of disciples and grand-disciples and served Jainism for a long period.
He never boasted about his scholarship or sought fame and recognition. Instead, he showed profound gratitude for scriptural knowledge.
He exemplified a life of dedication to his supremely benevolent guru.

Ascendancy to Higher Positions:

He held prestigious positions within the monastic order, including Pravartak, Ganin, Panyas, Upadhyay, and finally, Surishwar (Acharya), all of which were conferred upon him to honor his spiritual father.

Disciples and Influence:

He gifted over 65 disciples and grand-disciples to the order, including 9 learned Acharyas.
Despite his vast influence and large following, he remained detached from his disciples, much like a lotus untouched by water.
His humility, straightforwardness, and noble character earned him respect and affection from many prominent monks and nuns of other denominations.

Prominent Events and Consecrations:

He played a significant role in numerous consecration ceremonies (Anjanshalaka Pratishthas) in various locations like Mumbai Matunga, Surat, Bhavnagar, and Sabarmati.
A notable event was the consecration of 204 idols of Tirthankaras in the newly built 52 devkulikas at Palitana-Siddhagiri, a significant contribution to Jain architecture and devotion. Despite his old age, he personally performed the rituals for each idol.

Mahaparinirvana:

Acharya Shri Vijaykastursurishwarji Maharaj attained Mahaparinirvana in Sejitra on the evening of Vaishakh Vad 13, Samvat 2032 (1976 CE).
He experienced a heart attack while in a frail condition.
Even in his last moments, he remained cheerful and engrossed in self-study.
He was surrounded by monks, community leaders, and devotees.
His life's spiritual practices, devotion to his guru, and worship of the Tirthankaras were evident in his final moments as he continuously chanted the Navkar Mantra.
He passed away peacefully at 4:02 AM, his earthly duties fulfilled.
His body was enshrined in a temple in Sejitra for the darshan of the congregation, symbolizing his enduring legacy and inspiration.

The text concludes by stating that he made his spiritual father's life immensely fruitful and etched his own name in the history of Jain monks and Jain scriptural literature through his many impactful deeds for the Jain faith. The passage ends with a devotional verse expressing the lasting fragrance of his spiritual presence.