Virvijayji Maharaj

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, focusing on the life and works of Virvijayji Maharaj and briefly introducing Padmavijayji Gani:

The provided text is a biographical account of two prominent Jain monks, Pandit Shri Virvijayji Maharaj and Pannyas Shri Padmavijayji Gani. It details their lives, spiritual journeys, and significant literary contributions within the Jain tradition.

Pandit Shri Virvijayji Maharaj:

• Early Life and Renunciation: Virvijayji Maharaj was born Keshavram in Ahmedabad in Sambat 1829 (1772 CE) to a Gaudia Brahmin family. His father passed away when he was young. A significant event in his early life was a conflict with his mother, leading him to leave home. This followed a theft at their Ahmedabad residence, where his mother's reprimand, delivered in a moment of anger, deeply affected him. His mother, distressed by his departure and the loss of her husband, eventually passed away. Keshavram, after leaving home, went to Chikha village and then to Bhimnath, where he met Shri Shubhjivijayji Maharaj. It was from Shubhjivijayji that he gained knowledge of Jainism and subsequently accompanied him on his travels. His journey included a pilgrimage to the Shatrunjay Tirth, which solidified his devotion to Jainism.
• Initiation and Education: In Sambat 1848 (1791 CE), at the village of Pansar, Guru Shri Shubhjivijayji initiated Keshavram into monkhood, naming him Virvijayji. After his initiation, Virvijayji diligently studied various Jain scriptures, including Panchapratikraman, Karmagrantha, Sanskrit, the six Darshanas, and five Kavyas.
• Literary Works and Influence: Virvijayji Maharaj is highly acclaimed for his extensive literary output, which significantly contributed to Jain devotional literature. Some of his notable works include:
  • "Shriyala-vel" (શિયળવેલ): This devotional poem brought him widespread fame among both Jains and non-Jains. The verses depicting fifteen tithis, seven days, and twelve months from this work became popular, sung in households across Ahmedabad.
  • "Shri Godi Parshvanath nu Dhaliyu" (શ્રી ગોડી પાર્શ્વનાથનું ઢાળિયું): Composed in Khambhat (Sambhat 1853).
  • "Daimbal nu Stavan" (ડાઈ બેલનું સ્તવન): A hymn of importance (Sambhat 1855).
  • "Surasundari Ras" (સુરસુંદરી રાસ) and a hymn on the virtues of Mahavir Swami's thirty-five sayings: Composed in Sambhat 1857.
  • "Attari Puja" (અટારી પૂજા): A devotional song (Sambhat 1858).
  • "Shri Neminath Vivahalun" (શ્રી નેમિનાથ વિવાહલું): A song about the marriage of Neminath (Sambhat 1860).
  • "Shri Shubhali" (શ્રી શુભલિ): (Sambhat 1860).
  • "Dhulibhadra ni Shiyavel" (ધૂલિભદ્રની શિયાળવેલ): A narrative poem (Sambhat 1862).
  • "Dasharnabhadra ni Sajhay" (દશાર્ણભદ્રની સઝાય): A devotional piece (Sambhat 1863).
  • Numerous other devotional hymns (stavan), prayers (stuti), chants (chetyavandan), and educational verses (hitashiksha chhatrisi) in Gujarati.
  • "Prashna Chintamani" (પ્રશ્નચિંતામણિ): A significant work in Sanskrit, composed in two parts.
  • His "Ashtaprakari Puja" (eight-fold worship) became a popular and cherished part of temple services.
• Community Service and Recognition: Under his guidance, a Upaashray (monastic lodging) was built in Ahmedabad by lay followers. He resided there whenever he visited the city, and it remains known as "Shri Virvijayji no Upaashray" today. In Sambhat 1867, he was awarded the title of Pannas by the Ahmedabad Sangha, acknowledging his scholarship and spiritual leadership.
• Legal and Spiritual Victory: In Sambhat 1878, Virvijayji Maharaj participated in a religious debate in a legal case involving the Sthanakvasi community of Sanand and the Vishya Shrimali community of Ahmedabad. He emerged victorious in this discourse, demonstrating his command over religious arguments.
• Demise: Virvijayji Maharaj passed away in Sambhat 1908 (1851 CE). His death anniversary is still observed in Ahmedabad. In Sambhat 1909, his sandals (paduka) were established in the Upaashray in Bhathni ni Bari.

Pannas Shri Padmavijayji Gani:

• Early Life and Spiritual Inclination: The text also introduces Pannas Shri Padmavijayji Gani, whose devotional hymns and "Ashtaprakari Puja" are still sung in Jain temples with great fervor. He was born Panachand in Ahmedabad in Sambhat 1862 (1705 CE) to a Shrimali lay follower named Ganesh and his wife Jhamkubai. Panachand received strong religious upbringing from his aunt, who was well-versed in Jain philosophy and scriptures.
• Discipleship and Renunciation: At the age of thirteen, Panachand attended a discourse by Pandit Uttamvijayji Gani, where the "Prajnapana Sutra" and the life of Rishabhdev were read. The story of Mahabal Muni deeply impressed Panachand, leading him to develop a sense of detachment. In Sambhat 1875, at the age of 14, with the permission of his parents, Panachand took initiation. His guru renamed him Padmavijayji.
• Scholastic Pursuit and Titles: Munishri Padmavijayji dedicated himself to rigorous study of Jain scriptures and related subjects under various learned monks, becoming proficient in grammar, phonetics, poetry, prosody, and rhetoric. He was awarded the title of Pannas by Acharya Shri Vijaydharmasuriji of the Tapagachha in Sambhat 1810 in Radhanpur.
• Pilgrimages and Teachings: After receiving his title, Padmavijayji led a Sangha on pilgrimages to Girnar and subsequently visited Navanagar and Shatrunjay before arriving in Bhavnagar for his Chaturmas (monsoon retreat). It was there that his guru imparted the commentary on the Brihad Kalpasutra. He spent his Chaturmas in Surat in Sambhat 1813 and 1814, where Seth Tarachand arranged for Upadhan (a special period of austerities). He then spent his Chaturmas in Behrampur in Sambhat 1815 and 1816, where he delivered discourses on the Acharaangasutra. From there, he proceeded to Palitana.

In essence, the text highlights the significant contributions of these two Jain scholars and monks to the Jain tradition, emphasizing their literary achievements, spiritual guidance, and influence on the devotional practices of the community.