Vijay Nandansuriji - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text about Acharya Shri Vijayanandsurishwarji Maharaj:

This text, part of the "Shramana Bhagwanto" series, details the life and achievements of Acharya Shri Vijayanandsurishwarji Maharaj, a highly learned, ascetic, and compassionate spiritual leader within the Jain tradition.

Early Life and Renunciation:

Born in 1955 (Vikram Samvat) in Etad village, Saurashtra, to Hemchadbhai and Jamnaben Shah, he was named Nurottam.
His home environment was deeply religious, leading him to master spiritual practices like Pancha Pratikraman and Jiva Vichar at a young age.
He was inspired by his friends Gulabchand, Amritlal, and Lavjibhai, who also embraced asceticism and became prominent Jain monks.
The arrival of Shatak-Samrat Shrimad Vijaynemisurishwarji Maharaj in Etad in 1966 deeply impacted Nurottam and his friends, fostering a strong sense of renunciation.
Facing family opposition, Nurottam bravely left home and sought initiation. He eventually received initiation in 1970 (Mahasud Beej) in Vadodara (Ahmedabad) from Nyasashri Pratapvijayji, becoming Muni Shri Nandanvijayji, a disciple of Acharya Shri Vijayudaysurishwarji Maharaj. His family's emotional pleas did not sway his firm resolve.

Intellectual Prowess and Academic Pursuits:

Alongside his spiritual duties, Muni Shri Nandanvijayji engaged in rigorous study and asceticism.
He studied profound philosophical texts in Nyaya, Vedanta, and Darshan under the renowned scholar Pandit Shri Shashinath Jha in Kashi.
His education in grammar and literature was under Pandit Shri Mukund Jha.
He gained deep knowledge of Jain Agamas from his guru.
Furthermore, he comprehensively studied astrology (Jyotish Shastra) and architecture (Shilpa Shastra).
His exemplary dedication to serving his guru while studying earned him the title of "Panyas" (a senior monastic rank) in 1980 from Shatak-Samrat Shri Vijaynemisurishwarji Maharaj. This ceremony was attended by eminent personalities like Anandshankar Dhruv and Kavi Shri Nanalal.

Exceptional Scholarship and Influence:

Acharya Shri Vijayanandsurishwarji possessed unparalleled scholarship, deeply understanding all six schools of Indian philosophy (Darshana).
Prominent Jain scholars and pandits, including Bechardas Deshi, Bhagwandas, Hirabhai, and Sukhlalji, would seek discussions with him.
Even highly respected figures like the Police Superintendent of the Nawabi state of Khambhat would engage in Vedanta discussions with him for hours.
The renowned astrologer Jyotishacharya Shri Girijashankar Mayashankar considered him his guru.
His sharp intellect and decisive thinking were instrumental in many successful spiritual and community initiatives.
He was part of a committee to make decisions on crucial issues at the Shri Rajnagar Jain Shvetambar Murtipujak Muni Sammelan in 1990.
During the 2500th Nirvana Centenary of Lord Mahavir, his sharp intellect helped navigate disputes and controversies, ensuring the successful celebration of the grand event.
His guidance was also crucial in the consecration of 52 new temples on Shatrunjay hill in 2032 (Vikram Samvat).

Ascension to Acharya and Societal Impact:

His extraordinary scholarship led to his elevation to the rank of Panyas in his tenth year of monastic life.
Witnessing his immense enthusiasm for serving the faith, he was honored with the Acharya title just thirteen years after his initiation.
In 1983 (Vikram Samvat), during a grand celebration at the residence of Sheth Shri Jamnadas Bhagubhai in Rajnagar, Shatak-Samrat Shri Vijaynemisurishwarji Maharaj, accepting the request of the Rajnagar Sangh, conferred upon him the Acharya title, bestowing upon him four honorific titles.
Mahamatya Shri Mansinhji of Dhrangadhra attended and honored the newly appointed Acharya.
His appointment as Acharya at the young age of 28 caused some stir, particularly among educational institutions. However, upon his invitation to give a discourse at a Vidya Shala, his profound teachings left the audience, including his critics, speechless and deeply impressed. A Marwari gentleman even showered money on the stage, expressing his reverence. The Vidya Shala, which initially had reservations, was the first to request his Chaturmas (a period of four months of stationary residence for monks).

Significant Contributions and Legacy:

Acharya Shri Vijayanandsurishwarji was a prolific writer, composing numerous important works, including:
- Jain Stotra Sangrah
- Siddhant Muktavali
- Suristav-Shatak
- Jain Tarka Sangrah
- Shri Kadambgiri Stotra
- Commentaries on Karma Granthas (Shri Stav-Prakash on the second Karma Granth, and Shadashiti Prakash on the fourth Karma Granth)
- Samuddhata Tatva
- Syadvada Rahasya Patra Vivechan
- Pratistha Tatva
- Shri Parushshan Parva Tithi Vinishchay
- Shri Parvati Stotra
- Shri Gujarati Stotra Stavanavali
He served his guru diligently for 33 continuous years until his guru's demise, demonstrating exceptional devotion. His daily routine included assisting his guru in his needs, such as cleansing, preparing his bed, fetching alms, and providing care.
Throughout his 65 years of monastic life, he successfully led numerous initiatives for the glorification of the Jain faith (Shasan Prabhavana). These include:
- Construction of Nemivihar Prasad and Shri Vasupujya Swami Derasar in Mahuva.
- His involvement in the Mahatirtha of Ranakpurji in Marwar.
- The historic Derasar at Hathisingh ni Vadi in Ahmedabad.
- Installation of the idol of Shri Shantinath Prabhu in Mahuva.
- Consecration of numerous idols and anjanashalaka ceremonies on Shatrunjay hill in Palitana.
- The joyous occasions of conferring various monastic titles like Gani, Panyas, Upadhyaya, and Acharya upon many monks.
- Inspiring and leading numerous Sangh Yatras (pilgrimages) to sacred sites, notably the memorable Shri Kesariyaji pilgrimage in 2011 (Vikram Samvat) from Kapadvanj, organized by Sheth Shri Ramanlal Delhivala, which saw a record number of Jain participants.
- Restoration of ancient Jain temples, consecration of Guru Mandirs, observance of various vows and penances, and the inauguration of his guru's book "Shri Shasan Samrat."
Acharya Shri Vijayanandsurishwarji Maharaj passed away on the evening of Margashirsh Vad 14 in 2032 (Vikram Samvat) near the village of Tagadi, close to Dhandhuka, while en route to Shatrunjay. He remained actively engaged in the propagation of the Jain faith until his final moments.
As a result of his dedicated activities, he left behind a vast lineage of disciples and grand-disciples, including Panyas Shri Semvijayji, Panyas Shri Shivanandvijayji, Muni Shri Amarvijayji, Amarchandvijayji, and Vachaspativijayji. This spiritual lineage truly embodies his title of "Vatsalya Varidhi" (Ocean of Compassion).

The text, compiled by Muni Shri Vachaspativijayji Maharaj, highlights Acharya Shri Vijayanandsurishwarji Maharaj as a luminous figure who embodied deep spiritual knowledge, intellectual brilliance, profound compassion, and unwavering dedication to the Jain path.