Vijay Rajendrasuriji

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, focusing on the life and achievements of Acharya Vijayrajendrasurishwarji Maharaj:

This text is a biographical account of Acharya Vijayrajendrasurishwarji Maharaj, a prominent figure in the Sh Gaudharma Brihatpachchhig (Tristutik) tradition of Jainism. The tradition traces its lineage back to Sudharmaswami, the fifth Gandhar of Bhagwan Mahavir.

Early Life and Renunciation:

• Acharya Vijayrajendrasurishwarji Maharaj was born in 1883 AD in Bharatpur. His father was Keshabdas, his mother was Kesarbai, and his paternal grandfather was Ratnaraj.
• Even from a young age, he was known for his emotional nature, courage, and devotion. At the age of 14-15, he bravely saved a merchant, Seth Kanaiyalalji, from a tiger attack and removed a spirit's affliction from his daughter. This act impressed Sethji, who proposed a marriage alliance, but the young man declined, stating his desire for the path of renunciation.
• After traveling to Ceylon for business with his elder brother Manekchand and accumulating wealth, he returned to Bharatpur and served his parents diligently.
• Following the demise of his parents and with his elder brother's permission, at the age of 21, he was inspired by Acharya Pramodsuri Maharaj and renounced worldly life, taking initiation from Yati Shri Hemavijayji Maharaj in Udaipur. He was given the name Yati Ratnavijayji.

Education and Spiritual Development:

• Under the guidance of Acharya Pramodsuri Maharaj, Yati Ratnavijayji studied under Yati Shri Sagarchandji Maharaj for six years, mastering grammar, logic, poetry, and other branches of knowledge, as well as gaining profound understanding of Jinagamas (Jain scriptures).
• Subsequently, he went to Acharya Devendrasuri Maharaj of the Tapagachchha tradition to study the Bṛhat-Pachchhig customs and gained deep knowledge of Agamas and customs. Acharya Devendrasuri Maharaj was greatly impressed by his dedication, humility, and wisdom.
• Before his passing, Acharya Devendrasuri Maharaj entrusted Yati Ratnavijayji with the responsibility of ensuring the proper education and development of his own disciple, Dhirvijayji, and helping him attain the Acharya's position.

Ascension to Acharyaship and Reforms:

• Following his guru's instructions, Yati Ratnavijayji diligently educated Dhirvijayji, who eventually became Acharya Dharanendrasuriji.
• Acharya Dharanendrasuriji honored Yati Ratnavijayji with the responsibility of his father's administrative position.
• Using his intellect and influence, Acharya Ratnavijayji persuaded the rulers of Bikaner and Jodhpur to uphold Acharya Dharanendrasuriji's traditional rights.
• Acharya Ratnavijayji faithfully fulfilled his guru's dying wish to look after Dhirvijayji.
• During Chaturmas in Dharawada in 1923 AD, a perfume merchant offered fine perfumes to Acharya Dharanendrasuriji. When asked his opinion by Acharya Dharanendrasuriji, Yati Ratnavijayji questioned the need for such luxury items for a monk, sparking a debate.
• This incident led to a gathering of monks, including Sangitavaridhi Pramodruchi Maharaj and Nyayachakri Dhanvijayji. In this assembly, Acharya Pramodsuri Maharaj recognized Yati Ratnavijayji's merit and conferred upon him the title of Acharya Vijayrajendrasurishwarji Maharaj in 1923 AD.

Significant Contributions and Reforms:

• After becoming Acharya, he began traveling independently with Yati Dhanvijayji and Yati Pramodvijayji, receiving grand receptions wherever he went.
• During his Chaturmas in Jaora, Acharya Dharanendrasuriji's influence began to wane. He sent Acharyashri Khetivijayji and Siddhkushallji to Jaora for negotiations. Seeing a genuine change of heart in Acharya Dharanendrasuriji, Acharya Vijayrajendrasurishwarji Maharaj had him accept a nine-point agreement.
• These nine points were aimed at eradicating the prevailing laxity among the monastic community and establishing an ideal monastic life. These points included:
  1. Proper performance of Pratikraman, Pachchhakhan, Varkhan, and Padilehan.
  2. Prohibition of riding horses or carriages and incurring expenses for them.
  3. Avoiding contact with weapons and weapons of householders.
  4. Not sitting alone with dancers, prostitutes, or eunuchs, and not keeping them.
  5. Avoiding association with monks who consume tobacco, cannabis, eat at night, consume garlic and onions, or are impure.
  6. Not wasting living matter, raw water, or plants. Not using oil massages. Not washing hands in ponds or wells.
  7. Not employing soldiers or servants who commit violence.
  8. Not accepting money in exchange for performing rituals like Khama Saman.
  9. Not to accept gifts from others, not to preach in a way that compromises the faith of laypeople, not to visit after dark, and not to engage in games like chess or cards. Not to grow long hair or wear footwear. To memorize 500 verses of scripture.
• In 1924 AD, a written commitment was made by Acharya Dharanendrasuriji and his followers to adhere to these rules and ensure future monks also followed them.
• Beyond monastic reforms, he also addressed societal issues. At a time when there was a scarcity of monks dedicated to pure practices and when the worship of deities was overshadowing that of Vitarag (liberated souls), Acharya Vijayrajendrasurishwarji Maharaj himself lived a pure monastic life.
• In 1926 AD, he renounced all the grandeur associated with the Acharya's position and, along with Yati Dhanvijayji and Pramodchi, embraced the life of a renunciate (samvegi sadhu) with strict adherence to vows.
• His first Chaturmas after this re-initiation was in Khachered, where he preached the path of pure practice and reaffirmed the Tristutik doctrine, thereby guiding people towards Vitarag worship and discouraging the worship of heavenly deities that hindered spiritual progress.

The "Abhidhan Rajendra" Encyclopedia:

• One of his most significant global contributions was the creation of the "Abhidhan Rajendra", a monumental seven-volume encyclopedia.
• This encyclopedia is considered a "master key" to unlocking the mysteries of Jain Agamas. It contains over 10,566 pages and defines approximately 60,000 words.
• It's not just a glossary but a comprehensive analysis of related theories, history, and ideas. It covers subjects like logic, philosophy, rituals, religion, and rhetoric.
• The encyclopedia meticulously details the etymology and contextual usage of words, providing all relevant references. It's a reference work that leaves no textual reference of Shramana culture unexamined, tracing the historical development of words from their roots.
• The creation of "Abhidhan Rajendra" secured his place among the world's great scholars. This encyclopedia is a living symbol of his entire life and an unforgettable auspicious beginning for world culture.
• He began this monumental work in 1946 AD in Siwan (Rajasthan) at the age of 63 and completed it in 1960 AD in Surat over fourteen and a half years.

Other Literary Works and Austerities:

• In addition to "Abhidhan Rajendra," he authored a total of 61 other books, including "Paie Sadbuddhi," "Shri Kalpasutra Balavbodh," "Kalpasutraarth Prabodhini," "Shri Siddhachakra Puja," "Shri Mahavir Panchakalyanak Puja," and "Devavandanmala."
• Acharya Vijayrajendrasurishwarji Maharaj was also an ardent ascetic. After his re-initiation, he embraced a life of severe austerities for the purification of his monastic order.
• He undertook various vows, often remaining without food for seven days at a time. He observed the Chauthasi festival with a fast of six days and the Samvatsari festival with a fast of eight days. He also performed other fasts and Ekasanu (one meal a day) rituals regularly.
• He performed rigorous penance on the Mangtungi mountain, fasting for six months at a time, and dedicated himself to the worship of the Navkar mantra. Mangtungi, Swarnagiri (Jalor), and the Chamundavan of Medra were significant places of his penance.

Religious and Philanthropic Activities:

• He engaged in numerous religious and public welfare activities throughout his life.
• He rescued and liberated sacred scriptures from the possession of the king in the Jinalaya of Swarnagar Tirth.
• He established MehanKheda Tirth and also revitalized other tirthas like Kertaji, Bhandavpur, and Palanpur.
• He brought about the rehabilitation of the Sangh (Jain community) of 500 families from the Chila and surrounding eight villages, who had been ostracized for 250 years.
• He consecrated 27 temples (Pratishtha-Anjanashalaka). Notably, he performed the Anjanashalaka of 900 idols in Ahemdabad, the first such event in Rajasthan's history in 300 years.
• A significant event was his communication with Vitarag idols, which influenced 700 Sthanakvasi followers to abandon the use of the Muhapatti (mouth covering) and embrace idol worship.
• This led hundreds in Jaora, Mandsaur, Neemuch, and Nimbaheda to embrace the path of Vitarag worship.

Legacy and Passing:

• Through these numerous religious and philanthropic activities, Acharya Vijayrajendrasurishwarji Maharaj earned immense fame.
• He lived a long life of 80 years and passed away in 1963 AD on the night of the 6th of Posh Sud, in Rajgadh.

The text concludes by celebrating his ascetic life and offering immense respect to his spiritual path.