Vijay Meghsuriji

This text provides biographical information about two prominent Jain monks, Acharya Vijaymeghsurishwarji Maharaj and Acharya Vijaybhadrasuriji Maharaj, highlighting their lives, spiritual journeys, and contributions to the Jain faith.

Acharya Vijaymeghsurishwarji Maharaj:

• Birth and Early Life: Born Mulchand on Magha Sud 8, Samvat 1932 (1876 CE) in Randher, Gujarat, to Jaychand and Jamnaben, esteemed members of the Visa Shrimali community. Mulchand displayed great intellect from a young age and excelled in his studies, even completing training college.
• Renunciation and Initiation: Influenced by the teachings of a spiritual guru, Mulchand developed detachment from worldly life. With the consent of his family, he took initiation (diksha) on Kartik Vad 7, Samvat 1958 (1902 CE) at Karjan, becoming Meghvijayji. He later received higher initiation (vadi diksha) from his guru, Acharya Vijay Siddhisurishwarji Maharaj.
• Spiritual Development and Scholarship: Under his guru's guidance, Meghvijayji dedicated himself to the study of scriptures, quickly mastering subjects like poetry, grammar, and logic. He diligently worked towards understanding the Jain Agamas and devoted himself to serving the faith. His discourses were described as eloquent and infused with divine wisdom.
• Ascension to Acharya: In Samvat 1969 (1913 CE), he was appointed Ganivarya and Panyas by his guru, Acharya Vijay Siddhisurishwarji Maharaj, in Chhani. He traveled extensively, spreading the Jain dharma with virtues like patience, gravitas, generosity, extensive knowledge, simplicity, and skill in expounding scriptures.
• Installation as Acharya: Following the request of the Jain Sangha (community), his guru, Acharya Vijay Siddhisurishwarji Maharaj, accepted the plea to bestow the title of Acharya upon Meghvijayji. This grand ceremony took place on Margashirsha Sud 5, Samvat 1981 (1925 CE) at the Jain Vidyashala in Doshiwada, Ahmedabad, in the presence of the Chaturvidh Sangha (four-fold Jain community).
• Service and Passing: Acharya Vijaymeghsurishwarji Maharaj served the faith with immense effort, dedicating his mind, speech, and body. He passed away at the age of 67 in Rajkot on Aso Sud 1, Samvat 1999 (1943 CE), while in meditation, surrounded by his disciples and followers. The text offers profound respect and salutations to this great soul.

Acharya Vijaybhadrasuriji Maharaj:

• Lineage and Virtues: Acharya Vijaybhadrasuriji Maharaj is described as a successor in the spiritual lineage, a disciple of Shri Vinayvijayji Maharaj and a grand-disciple of Acharya Vijay Siddhisurishwarji Maharaj. He embodied virtues such as constant radiance on his face, deep absorption in spiritual practice (indicated by the recitation of the Navkar mantra and finger movements), boundless generosity, a benevolent nature, and steadfast adherence to self-realization and spiritual practice.
• Family and Early Life: Born Bhogilal on Vaishakh Sud 6, Samvat 1930 (1874 CE) in Radhanpur. His mother, Surajben, was also devout. Bhogilal received education up to the third grade and began working in a shop at a young age.
• Spiritual Inclination: Despite his worldly occupation, Bhogilal possessed strong spiritual inclinations, often neglecting his business when monks visited. He progressed in his studies of Jain rituals and Sanskrit.
• Marriage and Devotion: His parents arranged his marriage. In Samvat 1952 (1896 CE), when the revered Muni Vinayvijayji Maharaj observed a Chaturmas (four-month stay for spiritual practice) in Radhanpur, Bhogilal became deeply involved. He established a Jain dance and music troupe for devotional purposes, which continues to function.
• Renunciation and Higher Initiation: His desire for renunciation grew intensely. He made a vow not to consume anything made of wheat, lentils, or ghee until he took diksha. He also persuaded his wife to join him in this spiritual pursuit. On Vaishakh Sud 15, Samvat 1958 (1902 CE), this couple took initiation with grand fanfare.

The text emphasizes that the lineage of Acharya Vijay Siddhisurishwarji Maharaj produced many influential Jain monks, including Acharya Vijaymeghsurishwarji Maharaj and Acharya Vijaybhadrasuriji Maharaj, who actively promoted and strengthened the Jain faith. The text concludes by offering salutations to these significant figures in Jain tradition.