Vijay Lakshmansuriji - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text about Acharya Shri Vijaylakshmansurishwarji:

The text "Vijay Lakshmansuriji" by Nandlal B Devluk, part of the "Shramana Bhagwanto" series, extensively details the life and profound influence of Acharya Shri Vijaylakshmansurishwarji Maharaj, a prominent figure in the Jain community. He is lauded as a "Deepak of the South" and a "Savior of the Southern Land" due to his significant contributions to Jainism in South India.

Early Life and Spiritual Awakening:

Born Dolatram in Jhavra, Malwa, in the year 1953 (Vikram Samvat) to Moolchandbhai and Dhapubai of the Eshwal community.
His family was originally of the Sthanakvasi tradition, which held an aversion to idol worship.
However, at the age of sixteen, reading the book "Samyakdva Darshan" by Acharya Shri Atmaramji Maharaj opened his eyes to the scriptural validity of idol worship. This led him to regularly visit temples and recite the Navkar Mahamantra.
An influential public discourse by Muni Shri Labdhivijayji Maharaj in Delhi deeply impacted him, fostering a sense of renunciation (vairagya). Muni Shri Labdhivijayji, renowned for his ability to discern potential in individuals, recognized Dolatram's spiritual caliber. Dolatram then embraced Muni Shri Labdhivijayji's guidance to overcome the cycle of worldly existence.

Ascetic Life and Academic Pursuits:

He received initiation (diksha) in Sikandrabad (Agra) in 1971 (Vikram Samvat), becoming Muni Shri Lakshmanvijay.
He possessed a sharp memory and a strong desire for learning, excelling in subjects like logic, reasoning, mantra, grammar, and literature.
His lectures, such as "Atma, Karma aur Dharm" in Mumbai, available in two volumes as "Atmatattvavichar," continue to mesmerize readers.
His discourse collection "Dharmatattvaprakash," compiled by Acharya Shri Vijaykirtichandrasurishwarji Maharaj, and his lectures on the Navkar Mahamantra, published as "Namaskar Mahima," are testaments to his scholarship.

Ascension to Acharya Pad:

His Guru, Acharya Bhagwant Shri Vijaylabdhisurishwarji Maharaj, conferred upon him the titles of Ganipadh (1911 Vikram Samvat), Punyaspad (1994 Vikram Samvat), and Acharyapad (1993 Vikram Samvat).
His installation as Acharya in Shihora, Saurashtra, was a grand eight-day celebration, marking the beginning of widespread recognition of his name.

Exceptional Powers and Influence:

Acharya Shri had mastered the five seats of the Surimantra (Panchaprasthan), which bestowed upon him immense influence and the ability to quickly achieve his determined goals.
His personality was rare, combining profound scholarship, saintliness, strategic acumen, zeal for propagating Dharma, and an endearing inner warmth.
His discourses were characterized by eloquent explanations of principles, strong arguments, and captivating examples filled with humor, valor, and pathos, drawing vast audiences.

Extensive Travels and Social Impact:

He diligently followed the principle of continuous wandering (vicharan) to spread Dharma, covering over twenty thousand miles across India, including Gujarat, Saurashtra, Kutch, Marwar, Malwa, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra, and Tamil Nadu.
His travels sanctified the lands he visited, and countless individuals were uplifted by his darshan, companionship, and discourses.
Under his guidance, thousands renounced animal violence, leading to regulations in Mysore State to close slaughterhouses on specific days. Millions also became free from addictions due to his teachings.

Promoter of Jain Practices and Institutions:

He was a proponent of both knowledge and action, inspiring the establishment of numerous Jain temples, conducting many religious processions (sanghs), and founding hostels (upashrays), schools (pathshalas), knowledge centers (jnanmandirs), and Ayambil dining facilities.
He encouraged religious observances like Upadhan Tap, celebrations (ujamna), and Jinendra Bhakti Mahotsavs, along with extensive publication of religious literature.

Recognition and Honors:

His sermons held extraordinary influence, attracting numerous devotees and distinguished personalities, including royalty from Mysore, Bhavnagar, Jamnagar, Okha, Sangli, Miraj, and Delvada, as well as national leaders like Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, and ministers from Madras and India.
The intellectual class of society was also deeply impressed, leading to public honors and felicitation ceremonies in various cities.
His significant administrative and promotional work in South India earned him the titles of "Dakshin Deepak" and "Dakshin Deshodharak."

Miracles and Transformation:

His discourses led many individuals from violence to non-violence, from addiction to righteous conduct, from falsehood to truth, from discord to harmony, and from irreligion to Dharma.

Key Achievements:

Under his leadership, six major temple consecrations took place, including Bhen from Chanchma, Mandavgarh from Ratlam, and Kulpakji from Hyderabad.
In Sirohi, 450 devotees observed Upadhan Tap, a significant ceremony was held for ten thousand people, and Pandit Kirti Vijayji Gani was installed as Acharya.
He actively worked towards reconciliation and organization at the Muni Sammelan in Rajnagar (Ahmedabad) in 2014 (Vikram Samvat).
His funeral was a grand occasion, and a sixteen-day festival of homage was celebrated under the guidance of his disciple, Shatavadhani Acharya Shri Kirtichandrasurishwarji Maharaj.

Final Days and Legacy:

Acharya Shri Vijaylakshmansurishwarji Maharaj passed away peacefully in Dadar, Mumbai, on the night of Phalgun Vad 5th, 2028 (Vikram Samvat) at 3:30 AM, having performed his usual Jap (chanting) until 2:30 AM.
His funeral procession was attended by thousands of devotees.
A devoted follower performed his cremation.
The text concludes with heartfelt salutations to this great soul who dedicated his life to the propagation and elevation of Jain Dharma.

In essence, the text portrays Acharya Shri Vijaylakshmansurishwarji Maharaj as a multifaceted spiritual leader whose wisdom, eloquence, saintly conduct, and unwavering dedication left an indelible mark on Jainism, particularly in Southern India, inspiring countless individuals towards a more righteous and virtuous life.