Vijay Shantisuriji

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, focusing on the biographies of the Acharyas:

This document, excerpted from "Shramana Bhagwanto Part 1 & 2" by Nandlal B Devluk, details the lives and contributions of influential Jain Acharyas (spiritual leaders) from the 20th century. It highlights those who significantly impacted the Jain faith through their spiritual prowess, dedication to Ahimsa (non-violence), and administrative leadership.

Key Acharyas Featured:

• Acharya Shri Vijay Shantisurishwarji Maharaj:

  • Titles: Received numerous prestigious titles such as "Jivpratipalk" (Protector of Living Beings), "Jagadguru" (World Teacher), "Surisamrat" (Emperor of Acharyas), "Nepal Rajyaguru" (Royal Guru of Nepal), and "His Holiness."
  • Early Life: Born in Samvat 1945 (19th century) in Manadar village, Rajasthan, to Bhimteelaji and Vasudevi. His birth name was Sagateji. He was drawn to nature and animals from a young age due to his father's pastoral profession.
  • Spiritual Journey: Inspired by his uncle, who had taken initiation from Muni Shri Dharmavijayji (later Acharya Shri), Sagateji renounced worldly life at the tender age of eight and began accompanying Muni Shri Teerthvijayji. He formally took Bhagvati Deeksha (initiation) at the age of sixteen in Samvat 1961 at Ramasen village, Jalore district, under Guru Dev Shri Teerthvijayji Maharaj.
  • Sadhana and Ministry: After initiation, he became known as Shanti Vijay. For twelve years (Samvat 1961-1973), he engaged in intense spiritual practice, meditation, and austerities in secluded and beautiful forest areas like Vashisthashram, Gurushikhar, Makkeshwar, and Suda mountain.
  • Social and Religious Contributions:
    • He roamed the Mount Abu region, a place he deeply cherished, and spent significant time in silence at the Saraswati temple near Makdashi ashram.
    • In the Jaswantpur district of Rajasthan, he successfully stopped the animal sacrifice at the famous Chamunda Devi temple on Suda mountain during the annual fair by imparting spiritual advice. He also prevented animal sacrifice in other parts of Rajasthan in Samvat 1988.
    • Inspired by his dedication to animal welfare, a veterinary hospital was opened in Abu.
    • In Samvat 1989, he was honored with the titles "Anant Jivpratipalk" and "Galdhyasampanna Rajrajeshwar" during a grand festival in Bamanwadji.
    • In Samvat 1990, he was awarded the titles "Jagadguru" and "Surisamrat" in Veerwada, and the King of Nepal bestowed upon him the title "Nepal Rajyaguru."
    • In Samvat 1991, he received the title "Yugpradhan" (Leader of an Era) and "His Holiness" in Visalpur.
  • Core Philosophy: His entire being embodied the Jain principles of Anekantavada (non-absolutism) and Ahimsa. This led to his widespread respect for his qualities of compassion, universal love, world peace, and interfaith harmony. Many Jains and non-Jains alike became his devotees.
  • Act of Protest: He undertook a 29-day fast unto death to resolve an issue where Jain devotees were being harassed at the Shri Kesariyaji Tirth in the Udaipur state. This act deeply impressed Maharana Palsinghji.
  • Mahasamadhi: Acharya Shri Vijay Shantisurishwarji Maharaj attained his Mahasamadhi (final liberation) in Achalgadh (Abu) on Ashwin Vad 10 in Samvat 1999, while in deep meditation. His passing drew immense crowds from all directions. His funeral rites were performed near the Samadhi of his Guru, Dadaguru Shri Dharmavijayji. A beautiful statue was later sculpted by Shri Rajaram Shivnarayan of Jaipur under the guidance of Shri Poonamchand Thari. He is remembered for his invaluable contributions to the propagation of the Jain faith.

• Acharya Shri Vijay Himachalsurishwarji Maharaj:

  • Titles: Known as "Shasanaprabhavak" (Promoter of the Faith) and "Nakoda Tirthoddharak" (Reviver of Nakoda Tirth), "Mewar Deshoddharak" (Reviver of Mewar Region).
  • Lineage: He was a disciple of Anuyogacharya Shri Hitavijayji Maharaj, who belonged to the lineage of Jagadguru Shri Vijayhirsuriji of the Tapagachha sect. He is considered a prominent Acharya of the 20th century.
  • Early Life: His name in his monastic life was Shri Himmatvijayji.
  • Contributions to Jain Dharma:
    • Under his inspiration and guidance, numerous Jin temples were renovated, new ones constructed, and important pilgrimages were revived in the Marwar-Marwad region. He also oversaw extensive religious activities such as Anjanshalaka Pratishtha (consecration ceremonies), Yatras (pilgrimages), and Upadhana (ascetic practices), leaving a significant mark in these areas.
    • His contribution was crucial to the development of the currently famous and vast Nakoda Tirth. Numerous Jin idols, deities, guru statues, footprints, and Tirth Pata were consecrated with great grandeur and fanfare under his blessings in Samvat 1991, 2016, and 2029.
    • He also performed memorable consecration ceremonies in many other places and Tirths in Rajasthan.
    • In his later years, he resided in Dharawada, where, under his inspiration, the magnificent "Kirtistambh" was built, making it a significant place of worship.
    • He played a vital role in reviving ancient pilgrimages and establishing new ones, as well as initiating many into monastic life.
  • Legacy: His disciple, Acharya Shri Vijay Lakshmisuriji Maharaj, continues his guru's devotion to Nakoda Tirth and actively works to awaken and maintain the religious faith of Jains in the difficult, desolate, and sandy regions of the Barmer and Jodhpur districts, even in his old age. The document concludes with deep reverence to Acharya Shri Vijay Himachalsuriji Maharaj, the reviver of many pilgrimages.

In essence, the document celebrates these spiritual luminaries who not only upheld the core tenets of Jainism but also actively worked for the welfare of living beings, the revival and expansion of sacred sites, and the flourishing of the Jain faith through their exemplary lives and leadership.