Vijay Premsuriji - Book Summary

This document is a eulogy and biographical sketch of two prominent Jain Acharyas: Acharya Vijay Premsurishwarji Maharaj and Acharya Vijay Subodhsuriij Maharaj. It is presented as part of a larger work titled "Shramana Bhagwanto" (Ascetics/Monks).

Here's a summary of the key information about each Acharya:

Acharya Vijay Premsurishwarji Maharaj:

Revered Figure: He is described as a great ascetic ("mahan tapenidhi"), respected for his discipline in adhering to strict vows, including using only ten items.
Extensive Travels and Service: He traveled extensively across Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Mumbai, undertaking numerous pilgrimages to holy sites like Sametshikharji, Girnarji, and Shatrunjay. He performed 58 Chaturmas (monsoon retreats) in various locations like Kolkata, Banaras, and Mumbai, accomplishing many significant works for the Jain faith ("Shasan").
Devotion to Shankheshwar Dada: He constantly remembered Lord Shankheshwar and frequently undertook pilgrimages to the Shankheshwar Tirth.
Final Days and Passing: His last Chaturmas was in Sami. At the age of 85, despite being weakened by illness, he displayed immense willpower and expressed his desire to spend his final days and leave his mortal body at the Shankheshwar Tirth. He was lovingly carried by his disciples to see Lord Shankheshwar, where he expressed his final wish, reciting a mantra, and attained salvation (swargagami) on the auspicious day of Paush Sud 3, Samvat 2015, with only five beads of his mala remaining.
Legacy: Thirty years after his passing, his dream was realized with the construction of the "Shri 108 Parshvanath Bhaktivihar Mahaprasad" as a memorial to him, further promoting devotion to Lord Parshvanath. He is remembered as a "vachansiddha" (one whose words come true), a proponent of "Vardhaman Tapa" (a specific ascetic practice), a defender of religious sentiments, a supporter of unity, a restorer of the Uperiayala Tirth, respected by many royal figures, and the head of a large community of disciples. He had 21 direct disciples, many grand-disciples, and a significant community of female ascetics.
Personality Traits: He was known for his immense compassion ("vatsalya"), his ability to bring peace and calm to those troubled by worries, and his gentle, sweet, and influential speech. He possessed an extraordinary ability to win hearts wherever he went. He was also a storehouse of forgiveness, rarely holding grudges, and maintained his thirst for knowledge even at 71 years old. He was dedicated to educating young monks with great care. Despite being the head of the community, he embodied humility and was a cornerstone of faith for thousands.

Acharya Vijay Subodhsuriij Maharaj:

Early Life and Renunciation: Born Pannalal in Samvat 1976 (Fagan Vad Ekam) in Rajasthan, his family later settled in Mahesana. He showed religious inclination from a young age and displayed compassion towards the poor and suffering. His two brothers, Sheshmal and Harilal, also shared his religious fervor. In Samvat 1987, he was deeply inspired by the discourse of Acharya Bhakti Vijayji Maharaj. Recognizing his potential, Acharya Bhakti Vijayji asked him about taking initiation, to which Pannalal joyfully agreed. Due to a prohibition on child initiation in the Gaekwad state, he received his Bhagwati Deeksha (initiation) in Samvat 1987 on the first Ashadh Vad 6 in Ahmedabad from Acharya Sagara Nandsuriji Maharaj, who named him Muni Premsurivijay, fulfilling his wish.
Growth as a Monk: As Muni Premsurivijay, his focus was on study ("adhyayan") and service ("vaiyavachhya"), quickly becoming learned and devoted. His devotion was so exemplary that even Acharyas from other sects would cite him as an example of devotion.
Brother's Initiation and Shared Path: His elder brother, Sheshmalji, also felt a strong desire for renunciation and was initiated in Samvat 1988 on Paush Vad 10 in Viramgam by Acharya Vijay Bhaktisurishwarji Maharaj, receiving the name Muni Subodhvijayji.
Advancement to Panyas and Gani: Both Premsurivijayji and Subodhsuriij were recognized by their Guru for their spiritual progress and were elevated to the position of Panyas (a higher monastic rank) in Samvat 2010 on Margashirsh Sud 5. Following their Guru's command, they engaged in many activities for the propagation of the faith.
Key Contributions: They performed Chaturmas in Mumbai in Samvat 2021, where 1500 devotees participated in the worship of Lord Shantinath. Mumbai witnessed the first "Ahandu Mahapujan" and other significant religious observances under their guidance.
Elevation to Acharya: To further the impact of Acharya Premsurivijayji's leadership, his Guru decided to bestow the Acharya title upon him. He was called to his Guru's side in Sami when his Guru's health declined. After the monsoon, he accompanied his Guru to the Shankheshwar Tirth, providing him with devoted service. Since his Guru could not walk, he and another monk carried him to see Lord Shankheshwar and other temples. He often stayed awake all night in service. Before his passing, Acharya Premsurivijayji entrusted his disciple, Muni Premsurivijayji, to Acharya Chandrasagar Surishwarji Maharaj, requesting him to ensure Premsurivijayji was made Acharya. Following this directive, and with the presence of the Jain community of Patan, Acharya Chandrasagar Surishwarji Maharaj performed the consecration, and on Vaishakh Sud 9, Samvat 2015, Acharya Vijay Subodhsuriij Maharaj was decorated with the Acharya title. The Patan community, being his devoted followers, played a key role in this ceremony taking place in Patan.
Personality Traits: Acharya Vijay Subodhsuriij Maharaj is also lauded for his immense compassion, bringing peace to distressed individuals. He is characterized by his serenity and grace, even in difficult situations. He possesses the ability to win hearts and is a repository of forgiveness. He has a profound desire to understand the deeper meanings of scriptures and pays special attention to nurturing young monks. He is described as an embodiment of humility and a confluence of knowledge and devotion.
Shared Legacy with Acharya Premsurivijayji: Together, these two brothers (described as "bandhavbeladi" or "brotherhood") have spearheaded the construction of a grand complex at the Shankheshwar Tirth as a memorial to their Guru. This includes the Shri 108 Parshvanath Bhaktivihar Mahaprasad, a magnificent temple adorned with 108 small temples symbolizing 108 Tirths of Lord Parshvanath, along with shrines for guardian deities and Gurus, totaling 112 shrines. The complex also includes amenities like rest houses, prayer halls, a Gurukul, a school, Upashrayas, an orphanage, and homes for the needy. This project is considered a significant contribution to Jainism in the 21st century. The consecration of this Mahaprasad took place on Maha Sud 5, Samvat 2045, with a grand eleven-day festival attended by over 1.25 lakh people. Acharya Premsurivijayji also played a leading role in resolving disputes regarding festival dates at a monk convention in Ahmedabad in Samvat 2044, working towards lasting unity. He continues to adorn the faith and community with his immense talent and virtuous deeds.

The document concludes with a statement of immense reverence and salutations to both Acharyas.