Vijay Vikramsuriji - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text about Acharya Shri Vijay Vikramsurishwarji Maharaj, based on the given pages:

The text is an excerpt from a larger work titled "Shramana Bhagwanto" (Part 1 and Part 2), authored by Nandlal B Devluk and published by Jain Education International. The catalog link provided is https://jainqq.org/explore/249130/1.

This particular section focuses on the life and significant contributions of Acharya Shri Vijay Vikramsurishwarji Maharaj.

Early Life and Inspiration:

Acharya Shri Vijay Vikramsurishwarji Maharaj's life was shaped by his birthplace, his parents' upbringing, and the profound compassion of his guru.
He was born on the fifth day of the bright half of the month of Jeth in the year 1972 (Vikram Samvat) in a holy city named Chhani, known for its tall Jain temples.
His parents were Chhotallal and Prasannaben. His birth name was Balubhai.
From childhood, he was known for his loving personality, bright eyes, radiant forehead, and handsome features, which indicated his future greatness.
His inherent spiritual inclination, possibly from past lives, was nurtured by his virtuous mother and noble father.
He was devoted to God and his guru from a young age, and the detachment of a young prince began to manifest in him. He understood the transient nature of worldly life and was drawn to the meaningfulness of a life of renunciation.

Initiation and Spiritual Journey:

Despite his mother's deep emotional attachment, Balubhai was resolute in his decision for renunciation, influenced by his father's determination.
He and his father traveled to Chanasma overnight to meet Pujyapad Acharya Shri Shrimad Vijaylabdhisurishwarji Maharaj.
Both father and son expressed their desire for monastic life.
On the auspicious day of the third day of the bright half of Jeth in 1985 (Vikram Samvat), in the sacred shade of the Bhatewa Parshwanath temple, Pujya Gurudev initiated them.
Chhotallal was initiated as Muni Shri Mukti Vijayji, and young Balubhai became Balmuni Shri Vikram Vijayji.
His elder brother, Naginbhai, had also previously become a disciple of his grandfather guru, taking the name Muni Shri Naveen Vijayji.

Academic and Ascetic Prowess:

At the age of fourteen, having renounced worldly possessions, Balmuni became determined to pursue spiritual wealth.
He excelled in his studies and ascetic practices, continuously progressing in them.
He acquired profound knowledge in various fields, including scriptures, astrology, grammar, and literature.
His erudition and spiritual discipline made him a respected scholar, a learned personality, and a great proponent of Jainism.

Recognition and Leadership:

Observing all his qualifications, Pujyashri was honored with the title of Nyas (a senior monastic position) on the sixth day of the bright half of Margashirsha in 2011 (Vikram Samvat) at Siddhachalji (Mount Girnar).
After assuming this position, he diligently collaborated with his guru in editing numerous scriptural texts.
He was involved in the compilation of important works such as Nandi, Avachuri, Vasupujyacharita, Acharangas Churni, Shri Munisuvrataswami Charitra, Hemmadhyamavritti Vyakarana, Chaityavandana, Hemdhatuparayana, and Paialachhinamala.
The publication of these compiled works established him as a renowned and capable scholar of scriptures across India.

Assuming Leadership and Further Contributions:

During his last Chaturmas (monsoon retreat) in Lalbaug, he immediately went to Mumbai when his grandfather guru's health deteriorated.
After the passing of his revered grandfather guru, Pujyapad Kavi Kulakireet Dada Gurudev Shri, on the fifth day of the bright half of Shravana in 2017 (Vikram Samvat), the entire responsibility of the community fell upon him.
The spiritual radiance and magnificent legacy of his guru were clearly visible in Pujyashri, and he proved worthy of it.
Pujyashri was a dedicated practitioner of the Suri mantra, achieving mastery over speech through the continuous chanting of the "Trikal Suri Mantra." Whatever he said, it came to pass.

Impact and Legacy:

He traveled extensively throughout the country, bringing about significant progress and influence for Jainism.
He organized major religious pilgrimages (Sanghs) to Shikharji from Secunderabad in 2028 (Vikram Samvat) and from Calcutta to Palitana in 2030 (Vikram Samvat).
He facilitated a rigorous 108-month fasting penance in Khambhat.
He was instrumental in the revival and restoration of the pilgrimage site of Bharuch Tirth.
His final Chaturmas was in Ahmedabad in 2040 (Vikram Samvat).
He was suddenly taken ill, and despite the efforts of doctors and Vaidyas, the treatment was unsuccessful.
He attained his heavenly abode on the day of Diwali in 2042 (Vikram Samvat), surrounded by the chanting of mantras by countless disciples and followers.
This great soul, who dedicated his life to the practice of monastic conduct, renounced material wealth and attained inner richness through humility, forgiveness, simplicity, and generosity.
He always prioritized his teaching abilities, service to his guru, and respecting his guru's lineage.
His immense influence extended not only to his disciples but also to the general populace, resulting in him spreading an empire of fame alongside his service to Jainism.
The text concludes with salutations to this compassionate soul and reverence for this great Mahatma.

The compilation of this section is attributed to Pujya Acharya Shri Vijay Sthulabhadrasuriji Maharaj.