Vijay Nemisuriji - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text about Acharya Vijay Nemisurishwarji Maharaj:

The text, taken from "Shramana Bhagwanto - Part 2," introduces Acharya Shri Vijay Nemisurishwarji Maharaj as a highly revered and influential figure in Jainism, often referred to as the "Emperor of the Faith" and "Emperor of the Surs." He was a beacon of spiritual power, possessing profound knowledge, strong asceticism, inner strength, natural intelligence, and an aura of divine influence. His leadership earned him the title of the greatest "Suri-Chakravarti" (King of Surs) of the 20th century.

Early Life and Renunciation: Acharya Vijay Nemisurishwarji Maharaj was born in Mahuva (Madhumati), a city in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, known for its enterprise and natural beauty. He was born on Kartik Sud 1, Samvat 1929 (1872 AD), a Saturday in the Vishakha nakshatra. His parents, Laxmichand Devchand and Diwali Ba, were deeply religious, simple, and content. He was raised with love alongside his three sisters and one brother.

After receiving a basic education, Nemchand entered business at the age of fourteen and demonstrated exceptional talent in speculative trading. However, his soul found no satisfaction in worldly pursuits. Driven by an inherent curiosity, a deep interest in religion, and a yearning for knowledge and asceticism, he eventually left his business and returned to his studies. He developed a particular interest in religious scholarship and was further encouraged by his father's remarkable memory and sharp intellect.

With his father's permission, Nemchand moved to Bhavnagar for further studies and came into contact with Acharya Shri Vruddhi Chandji Maharaj. The pure and melodious speech of Acharya Vruddhi Chandji, along with his gentle and affectionate personality, deeply impacted Nemchand. After a year of study, Nemchand was resolute in his decision to embrace the path of renunciation.

Despite his parents' initial disapproval, Nemchand left home without informing anyone and reached Bhavnagar. On Jeth Sud 7, Samvat 1945 (1889 AD), at the young age of sixteen, he received Bhagwati Diksha from Acharya Shri Vruddhi Chandji Maharaj, becoming Muni Shri Nemivijayji. From that point on, he dedicated himself to serving his guru, practicing asceticism, and acquiring spiritual knowledge. He quickly mastered various subjects like Puranas, grammar, and literature. In the same year, during the Paryushan discourse, he captivatingly recited the preface to the Sanskrit commentary of the Shrimad Kalpasutra, as instructed by his guru.

Ascendancy to Acharya: Tragically, he lost his compassionate guru in Samvat 1947 (1891 AD). This was a profound shock, but with the support of his knowledge and asceticism, he soon regained his composure. His sharp intellect enabled him to deeply comprehend numerous scriptures in a short period. Furthermore, he acquired knowledge not only of Jain philosophy but also of other schools of thought like Sankhya, Yoga, Mimamsa, and Vedanta. His profound knowledge and eloquent scholarly discourse, along with his strict adherence to asceticism, impressed his senior fellow disciples.

Acharya Shri Gambhirvijayji Maharaj, a highly respected scholar, initiated him into the study of the Shrimad Bhagavati Sutra in Bhavnagar. He was honored with the title of Ganipath on Margashirsh Sud 3, Samvat 1960 (1904 AD), in Vallabhpur. Later, recognizing his continuous growth in knowledge and his suitability to lead the Jain faith, his elder guru-brother adorned him with the Acharya Padvi (title of Acharya) in Bhavnagar in Samvat 1964 (1908 AD) with a grand ceremony. He was the first Acharya in nearly 300 years to receive this title through traditional scriptural rituals, including the solemn ceremony of ascending the Acharya seat and worshipping the Pancha Pratisthanas. This earned him the title of Chakravarti among Acharyas and Samrat (Emperor) in the Jain Shasan. Upon receiving the Acharya title, he became known as Acharya Shri Vijay Nemisurishwarji and was later widely revered as "Shasan Samrat" due to his vast lineage of disciples.

Passing Away: In Samvat 2005 (1949 AD), while observing Chaturmas in his birthplace, Mahuva, his health deteriorated. His weakness increased daily. During the Diwali festival, on the morning of Ashwin Vad Amas, he abandoned external treatments and began internal spiritual practices. Exactly at 7 o'clock, his soul departed for the heavens, completing a full cycle of 77 years of a glorious life. Remarkably, his place of passing was only fifty steps away from his birthplace, where he was born on Kartik Sud 1.

Life Achievements (The Four Great Goals): Acharya Shri Vijay Nemisurishwarji Maharaj's life was like a vast banyan tree, with numerous branches and sub-branches representing his extensive lineage of disciples and his significant influence. He pursued four fundamental goals throughout his life:

Enhancement of Knowledge and Revival of Learning (Gyanvruddhi and Gyanoddhar): He believed that a true Acharya's duty extends beyond self-liberation to the welfare of others. He emphasized that religious activities should be undertaken with understanding and advocated for the establishment of religious schools for all ages. Consequently, he founded numerous schools (Pathshalas, movable schools, and girls' schools) in places like Ahmedabad, Khambhat, Mahuva, Wadhwan, and Jawal. He also established the "Jain Tattavavivechak Sabha" in Ahmedabad, where scholars and laypeople could engage in religious discussions, which continues today as the "Surisamrat Pathshala."

Recognizing the importance of preserving, writing, and publishing religious texts, he inspired the creation of vast libraries in Khambhat, Ahmedabad, Kadambgiri, and Mahuva, which still house thousands of handwritten and printed Jain and non-Jain religious works. He founded the "Jain Granthprakasak Sabha" to facilitate the publication of significant works by scholars like Acharya Hemchandracharya, Acharya Haribhadrasuriji, and Upadhyay Yashovijayji. His own scholarly contributions include extensive commentaries and treatises, estimated to be around three lakh words, such as "Hemaprabhrutti" on Shri Siddhahem Shabd Anushasan, the legal text "Nyaya Sindhu," and "Kanta Tattvamimansa," and "Pratimamanda." The archaeological scholar Shri Jinvijayji rightly stated that Acharya Vijay Nemisurishwarji was the first to initiate the significant publication of Jain literature within the Jain community, inspiring many others to follow suit. He is considered the foremost Jain monk-leader and true Acharya of the 20th century who safeguarded and propagated Jain Dharma and right knowledge.
Building a Lineage of Disciples (Shishya Parampara): His second goal was to cultivate a brilliant lineage of disciples possessing knowledge and virtue, believing this would lead to the expansion and development of the Jain Shasan. He rigorously trained each disciple with strict discipline, emphasizing deep study and stringent adherence to conduct. As a result, he produced a glorious tradition of eight highly knowledgeable Acharyas and numerous scholarly monks. This vast and learned succession of disciples, alongside his own exceptional scholarship, forms a proud chapter in the history of Jainism.
Compassion for Living Beings (Jeev Daya): As the leader of the ahimsa-centric Jain Shasan, compassion for all life was a defining goal for Acharya Shri. In the coastal regions of Saurashtra, where fishing was a primary occupation and animal sacrifice was a prevalent practice, he traveled extensively, undertaking arduous journeys and risking his own life to preach to communities with violent tendencies. He succeeded in stopping these cruel practices and persuaded many fishermen to abandon their livelihood. It is said that in the village of Daatha, upon hearing his teachings, fishermen burned thousands of fishing nets – a victory of immense significance. He also extended his compassion to mute animals, and his teachings inspired substantial donations to animal shelters (Panjarapoles) in places like Pithlad, Kheda, Jawal, and Ahmedabad. During the Gujarat floods of Samvat 1983 (1927 AD), he raised funds totaling lakhs of rupees and used the surplus to start a bhojanshala (dining hall) at the Ahmedabad Panjarapole, which still operates today. Muni Shri Darshanvijayji Maharaj (Triputi) wrote about his influential activities, stating that he made great efforts for the upliftment, preservation, and growth of the lay followers. He provided secret donations to lay communities during times of drought, floods, and epidemics, regardless of religious or caste differences. Many animal shelters and similar institutions were kept alive through his efforts.
Revival of Sacred Sites (Tirthoddhar): Acharya Shri had a noble and profound commitment to the revival of sacred Jain sites. He held immense devotion and concern for these holy places. He endured severe hardships during the revival of the Kaparda Ji pilgrimage and poured his life force into the revival of Kadambgiri. He never compromised on safety for these endeavors. The revival of Sherisa pilgrimage was a result of his faithful dedication and the tireless efforts of Seth Sarabhai Dahyabhai. The renovation and comprehensive revival of pilgrimage sites like Matar, Ranakpur, Stambhatirth, and numerous villages still recount his living legacy. He also diligently protected the rights and interests of pilgrimage sites. His efforts in the case against the Nawab of Junagadh for the rights of Girnar Maharaj were extraordinary. Similarly, his sharp intellect played a crucial role in the successful resolution of complex legal battles concerning Sametshikhar, Taranga, Antarikshji, Maksi ji, and Shatrunjay Giriraj. The prestigious Anandji Kalyanji Pedhi, which manages Jain pilgrimage sites across India, would not take a step without consulting him. Thus, in pursuit of these four great goals, Acharya Shri steadfastly strived with unwavering self-confidence and achieved victory.

Respected Personality: With his deep scriptural knowledge, eloquent speech, unwavering religious awareness, strict religious observance, and broad, far-sighted vision for the welfare of the entire Jain community, Acharya Shri was deeply respected by both Jains and non-Jains alike. Kings and wealthy individuals felt honored to be present in his assembly due to his radiant personality. Rulers from Bhavnagar, Vallabhpur, Limbdi, Gondal, Dhrangadhra, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Sirohi, and other states found fulfillment from his teachings and discourses. During his Chaturmas in Udaipur, the renowned scholar Shri Madan Mohan Malaviyaji spent considerable time in his company, extolling his profound scholarship. His qualities of truthfulness, impartiality, detachment, and equanimity made him highly revered by the entire Sangh. In Samvat 1990 (1934 AD), his wisdom and understanding resolved numerous disputes at the historic Muni Sammelan in Ahmedabad, bringing him immense renown. Despite such fame, prestige, and honor, Acharya Shri remained inwardly detached. He humbly declined gifts of land or offerings from kings and wealthy patrons, as they were not befitting a renunciate's life. In Samvat 1966 (1910 AD), when nobles offered to grant land in his name as a token of gratitude for freeing them from violence, theft, and addictions at Kadambgiri, he refused it. Acharya Shri was always ready to do whatever was necessary for the Jain Shasan, whenever and wherever required, and he always completed such tasks with perfection. Therefore, it is not surprising that this great personality, who took on the vital responsibility of protecting, promoting, and managing the Jain Shasan and successfully fulfilled it, has become immortal in Jain history as the "Shasan Samrat."

The text also briefly mentions Acharya Shri Vijay Darshansurishwarji Maharaj as a scholar and master of logic, whose birth in Mahuva is also detailed, highlighting the inherent spiritual potential within humans to achieve liberation.