Vijay Yashodevsuriji - Book Summary

The provided text is a biography of Acharya Shri Vijayyashodevsuriji Maharaj, a prominent Jain scholar, artist, and spiritual leader. It highlights his multifaceted personality and extensive contributions to Jainism and beyond.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the text:

Introduction: The text begins by praising Acharya Shri Vijayyashodevsuriji Maharaj as a beacon of Jain tradition, known for his scholarship, artistic acumen, oratorical skills, and asceticism. It places him within a lineage of great Jain ascetics and expresses deep reverence.

Early Life and Education:

Birth: Born on January 7, 1916 (V.S. 1972), in the ancient city of Dashavatari (Dabhoi), Gujarat. His parents were Nathalal Virchand and Radhikaben.
Childhood: Named Jeevanlal, he lost his father before birth and his mother at the age of five. He was lovingly raised by his elder brother, Naginbhai.
Intellectual Prowess: He possessed a sharp memory and received education in both Gujarati (six grades) and English (three grades).
Artistic Inclination: At the age of four, he began his religious studies. By eight or nine, his interest in music and arts led him to join a music school in Dabhoi. He studied under Ghulam Rasool Khan, the nephew of Bharat Ratna Kahiya Khan. He mastered various musical instruments like harmonium, fiddle, flute, sarangi, and tabla, and gained proficiency in 50 Ragas with notations. He also studied high-level musical scriptures like Sattar Bheri Pooja by Upadhyay Shri Sakalchandji.
Dance and Performing Arts: With his sweet voice and vocal talent, encouraged by the Jain community, he learned dance and quickly excelled. He performed group dances before large audiences at religious festivals in places like Buhari and Jalalpur.

The Path of Renunciation:

Spiritual Awakening: His life was shaped by his practical and religious education, along with his musical talents, suggesting a bright worldly career. However, in V.S. 1985, the presence of Acharya Shri Vijaymohan Surishwarji Maharaj and his disciples influenced Jeevanbhai, awakening a desire for renunciation and a monastic life.
Obstacles to Renunciation: He made seventeen journeys between Dabhoi and Vadodara to gain family consent for his renunciation. Despite facing many difficulties at a young age and renouncing six worldly pleasures, he did not receive their permission.
First Diksha (Initiation): He eventually went to his Guru in Chhana village near Vadodara and took his first diksha. His family opposed this, fearing his inability to endure the hardships of asceticism. They even filed a court case to bring him back. The case lasted for three days, with thousands gathering at the court premises. The judge ultimately upheld his diksha, sending his family back.
Second Diksha and Name: He lived in the worldly life for another year, during which his desire for renunciation grew stronger. Despite his father's persistent efforts, he didn't get permission. He then went to Palitana, where on the auspicious day of Vaishakh Sud Teej, Akshay Tritiya (V.S. 1987), under the holy shadow of Kadambagiri Tirth, he received his second diksha from Acharya Shri Vijayhinsurishwarji Maharaj. He became Muni Shri Yashovijayji, a disciple of his Guru's grand-disciple Muni Shri Dharmavijayji Maharaj (now Acharya Shri). This second diksha solidified his unwavering resolve.
Scholarly Pursuits: At the young age of sixteen, he embraced a life of renunciation, leaving all worldly temptations. Under his Guru's guidance, he diligently studied Jain scriptures, including Prakaran Granthas, grammar, poetry, lexicons, and Agamas. Due to his father's rare talent, he quickly rose to become a distinguished scholar of Jainism.

Contributions to the Jain Faith (Shasan Prabhāvak):

Literary Beginnings: Even from the first year of his diksha, Muni Shri Yashovijayji began illuminating the literary world with his creative genius. His dedication and immense spiritual practice enhanced his creative and contemplative abilities, leaving an indelible mark in a few years.
"Sangrahani Sutra" Translation: At the young age of 18, he translated the renowned "Sangrahani Sutra," a voluminous work, complete with 60 illustrations.
Avadhana Kar (Memory Expert): He learned the art of Avadhana (a mental performance requiring extraordinary memory and concentration) in Vadodara but had to leave it incomplete due to a lack of time. He later trained Muni Shri Jayananandavijayji in this art. Due to public demand, he was compelled to complete his own training. He performed 60 Avadhanas in Vadodara in the presence of about 400 educated individuals. Later, in Mumbai, after discussions with scholars like Pt. Shri Dhirajlal Tokershi Shah, he prepared for 125 Avadhanas, aiming to become a Dvishatavadhani (performer of 200 Avadhanas). However, increasing public responsibilities interrupted this historical feat.
Broader Scholarly Interests: He became a profound scholar of Nyaya (logic), Grammar, Alankara Shastra (poetics), sculpture, astronomy, architecture, history, and Mantrashastra. His erudition was comprehensive, making him a respected and admired figure among Jain and non-Jain scholars, artists, social workers, and politicians.
Influence on Royalty: Seven years after his diksha, at the young age of twenty-two, he was invited by Thakor Saheb Shri Bahadur Sinhji and Dewan Shri Mansinhji of Palitana to visit their palace. He was also impressed by ancient art and crafts in the literature temple. During a Chaturmas in Rajkot with his Guru, he met royalty and dignitaries, receiving blessings and engaging in discussions. Maharaja Sir Bhagvatsinhji of Gondal invited him to inspect his library, where Muni Shri presented him with his translated "Sangrahani Granth" (800 pages, 60 illustrations), which greatly pleased the Maharaja. He also met Maharani Shantabai, wife of Maharaja Shri Pratapsinhrao Gaekwad of Vadodara, and guided her. This marked the first time the Vadodara royal family visited a Jain temple.
Meetings with National Leaders: After the era of princely states, during the democratic era, many political leaders from Gujarat and Maharashtra met him. Notable figures included Chief Ministers and ministers like Shri Ratubhai Adani, Shri Rasikbhai Parekh, Shri Madhavsinh Solanki, Shri Chimanbhai Patel, Shri Y. B. Chavan, Shri Sharad Pawar, and national leaders like President V.V. Giri, Shri Morarji Desai, Shri V.P. Singh, Shri Gulzarilal Nanda, and Smt. Sarojini Naidu.
Interactions with Scholars: He also met numerous prominent scholars and intellectuals such as Kakasaheb Kalelkar, Shri Ramanlal V. Desai, Shri Dhumketu, Shri Jaybhikhu, Shri Mohanlal Ch. Dhami, Prof. Rasiklal Kapadia, Shri Bhogilal Sandesara, Shri Manubhai Pancholi, and scholars from Bikaner like Shri Agarchandji Nahata and Shri Bhanwar Lalji Nahata.
Interfaith and Inter-sectarian Harmony: He had respectful relationships with scholars and monks from other Jain sects (Murti Pujak) and even other religious traditions. He maintained close ties with Acharya Shri Vijayanemi Surishwarji Maharaj and Acharya Shri Vijayuday Suri Maharaj. His virtues of community spirit, humility, wisdom, generosity, affection, sweetness, and broad-mindedness made him like a father figure to all. He met with prominent figures from various Sampradayas including the Sthanakvasi and Terapanthi traditions. Acharya Shri Sushil Muni, a well-known scholar, held him in high regard, visiting him twice in Palitana.
Contributions to Music and Arts: Due to his keen understanding of music and arts, he interacted with renowned musicians and artists, bestowing his blessings upon them. This included artists like Lata Mangeshkar, Mahendra Kapoor, Manna Dey, Mukesh, Kalyanji Anandji, Purushottam Upadhyay, Manubhai Shah, Devendra Vijay Pandit, Manubhai Gadhvi, Avinash Vyas, and Manhar Udhas. His involvement with the Jain Sanskruti Kala Kendra led to the recording of 14 devotional songs. He also met actress Nargis and singer Pradeep. His exposure to these diverse fields deepened his spiritual quest, broadened his perspective, and made him consider the welfare of society and the nation alongside religion.
Sculpture and Architecture: He had a profound knowledge of temple and idol sculpture and architecture, a passion he developed from a young age. He envisioned creating a collection of 25-30 artistically crafted idols as exemplars, but this plan remained incomplete. However, he did oversee the creation of several significant sculptures, including a 9-foot standing idol of Lord Aadiishwar in Godiji, a lifelike and revered idol of Bhagvati Padmavatiji in Mumbai-Walkeshwar (which has inspired hundreds of similar idols), a 27-foot standing idol in Ghatkopar Sarvodaya Hospital, and other distinctive idols of Lord Mahavir Swami and Vighnahar Parshvanathji in Walkeshwar. The lifelike statues of his two grand-gurus in Palitana are particularly admired.
Religious Rituals and Innovations: He revitalized religious observances like Upadhana, Ujamana, and festivals by introducing artistic elements and innovative approaches, increasing public interest. He inspired thousands of men and women, both Jain and non-Jain, towards spiritual upliftment, and his innovative methods were adopted by others.
World Peace and Sadhana Session: During a period of astrological upheaval (Ashtagraha Yuti), he organized a "World Peace Jain Sadhana Session" in Mumbai, inaugurated by Governor Shri Prakash. This event included a massive exhibition of ancient literature and art, with ten days of unprecedented celebrations, including Tapasya (fasting) by thousands, mantra chanting, and continuous recitation of the Navkar Mantra. The event also featured a unique peace procession with a helicopter sprinkling water.
Support for National Causes: When the nation needed gold during a conflict, Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri appealed for contributions. Inspired by Muni Shri, a National Cooperation Committee was formed. Through the teachings of his Gurus and his own tireless efforts, he motivated thousands to pledge to skip one meal a day to save food for the army. He also collected 17 lakh rupees for the "Suvarna Band" (Gold Band) through public speeches and presented it to the then Home Minister Shri Gulzarilal Nanda.
Establishment of Institutions: He founded institutions like the "Jain Sanskriti Kala Kendra" to bring Jain cultural art into homes, although a lack of enthusiasm from Jain businessmen led to its postponement. He also established the "Yashobharti Jain Prakashan Samiti" to publish the works of Upadhyay Shri Yashovijayji Maharaj, resulting in the publication of 30 Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Gujarati books over ten years. He later founded "Chitrakala Nirdeshan" for art publications.
Landmark Publication on Lord Mahavir: For a decade, he dedicated himself to depicting the life of Lord Mahavir Swami through 35 exquisite illustrations, working with artist Gokuldas Kapadia. This project, unique in Jain history, was published in Gujarati, Hindi, and English, making it globally renowned.
Tireless Literary and Artistic Endeavors: The text details an extensive list of his literary creations, translations, research works, and art publications. These include translations of major Jain texts like "Brihad Sangrahani," grammatical works, historical accounts, devotional songs, and numerous art collections featuring illustrations of Tirthankaras, deities, and religious rituals. His work on the "Sangrahani" alone, a 800-page translation with over 60 self-made illustrations, was accomplished at the young age of 18.
Honors and Recognition:
- "Sahitya Kala Ratna" Title: Despite his reluctance, he was awarded the title of "Sahitya Kala Ratna" for his exceptional service to literature and art.
- National Recognition: Moved by his contribution of 17 lakh rupees in gold to the government, he was offered a national award, which he humbly declined.
- Prime Ministerial Recognition: Prime Minister Morarji Desai personally honored him with a shawl and khadi clothes during a public ceremony in Palitana in V.S. 2035, marking the first time the nation honored a saint. This was followed by his formal coronation as Acharya.
- Governor's Recognition: Gujarat Governor honored him during his 75th birthday celebration, and the citizens of Palitana presented him with a special plaque recognizing his religious and social work. Prime Minister V.P. Singh also visited him.
- Endless Contributions: The biography emphasizes his role as a poet, writer, eloquent speaker, memory expert, and master of idol creation. His luminous face, calm demeanor, gentle voice, humble conduct, and life fragrant with asceticism are highlighted as shining aspects of his personality.

Legacy and Aspirations: Acharya Shri Vijayyashodevsuriji Maharaj is lauded as an ideal scholar-monk, whose contributions are etched in history. The text concludes with prayers for his continued influence, creative endeavors, and a long, healthy life, offering countless salutations to his feet. The biographical notes also mention his ongoing projects and future aspirations, underscoring his lifelong dedication to the propagation and enrichment of Jainism.

In essence, the text presents Acharya Shri Vijayyashodevsuriji Maharaj as a supremely accomplished spiritual leader, a prolific scholar, a gifted artist, and a dedicated servant of his faith, whose life and work have left an enduring impact on Jainism and beyond.