Sant Siromani Digambaracarya Sri Vidyasagar Ji Munimaharaj: Epitome of Excellence of Knowledge and Austerity
Dr. Arihant Kumar Jain, Mumbai
A great ascetic, epitome of erudition and spiritual insight, Saṅt Śiromaṇi Digambarācārya Śri Vidyāsāgar Ji Munimahārāj has dedicated his life to the pursuit of knowledge and the dissemination of knowledge. Born into a world yearning for enlightenment, he emerged as a guiding light who led the nation on the path of intellectual awakening.
I consider myself extremely fortunate that I, along with my father and mother, had the privilege of visiting him at many places like Damoh, Kundalpur, Garhakota, and Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh, and fortunate giving him Āhāra Vidhi at some places. Ācārya Śri had a special blessing for my father Prof. Phoolchand Jain Premi, Varanasi. My father had done research work ‘‘Critical study of Mūlācāra’’ on ‘Mūlācāra’ – Prakrit Canonical Text of Ācārya Vattakera, which is considered an ideal research work on Śramanācara in the field of research. With the blessings of Ācārya Śri, later on, my father and mother Dr. Munni Jain, by working on the rare ancient manuscripts found, also brought to light a scripture called Mūlācāra Bhāshā Vacanikā. Ācārya Śri also did sermons of this scripture in his huge Muni Sangha. With his inspiration, after years of research and hard work, my father wrote a well-researched work named ‘Śramaṇa Saṁskṛti aur Vaidika Vrātya’ which was published by Bharatiya Jnanpith and Ācārya Śri inaugurated it.
At the heart of Ācārya Śri Vidyāsāgar Ji Munimahārāj’s legacy lies his profound understanding and promotion of the Prakrit language. In an era where the world is rapidly evolving, he staunchly held onto the roots of our linguistic heritage, emphasizing the importance of preserving and promoting the rich tapestry of Prakrit literature. His tireless efforts in reviving interest in Prakrit have not only safeguarded our linguistic diversity but have also ignited a renewed passion for the beauty and depth inherent in our ancient texts.
The Ācārya’s literary oeuvre is a testament to his brilliance. His writings, characterized by their intellectual depth and spiritual resonance, have touched the hearts and minds of readers worldwide. His ability to distill complex philosophical concepts into accessible and meaningful prose has made his work a beacon for seekers of knowledge and spiritual enlightenment.
His Mahākāvya (The Great Epic) ‘MŪKMĀTI’ grouped under the various heads of marvelous topics taking into consideration the utility of the soil and its reflection on the life of mankind to mould and divert to achieve the blissful journey of life. It (The Great Epic ‘MŪKMĀTI’) consists of sloaks, chhand, and talented sayings and proverbs curved into lyric and poetry by the Ācārya Śri Vidyāsāgar Ji. He has evaluated the epic on the basis of five grounds, namely:- 1) Establishing the human values of life (2) Setting the ideals of life of the age, (3) Cooperation in cultural upliftment, (4) Advanced philosophical thoughts, and (5) Capability to produce life-giving energy. We have amply seen that the Ācārya Śri has done justice to test this compendium of monasticism which provides a direction to the other philosophies of the world through Jain philosophy to which Ācārya Śri Vidyāsāgar Ji Mahārāj is devoted and dedicated heart and soul.
With the vivid topics more connected with life, Philosophy, Spiritual, ethical, and National awakening of human beings, it added another link of golden chains to the great scriptures of Indian heritage and philosophy. He has created many texts in the Sanskrit language, among which the Sanskrit Śatakams like Śramaṇaśatakam, Niraṅjanaśatakam, Bhāvanāśatakam, Parīṣahajayaśatakam, Sunītiśatakam, etc. are prominent.
Ācārya Śri Vidyāsāgar Ji Munimahārāj’s contributions extend beyond the realms of literature. His social and humanitarian endeavors have left an indelible impact on society. Through educational initiatives, he has empowered countless individuals, providing them with the tools to navigate the challenges of the modern world while staying rooted in our cultural ethos.
I remember in March 2020, I reached Pratibhasthali, Jabalpur early in the morning to have his darshan. He was doing Swādhyāya, I went near him, touched his feet, and introduced myself to him. He was very happy to know that I am the son of ‘Premiji’ and am working in the field of Jain philosophy to continue the legacy. With his familiar smile, he also asked about my father, mother, elder brother Dr. Anekant, and elder sister Dr. Indu. It was surprising to know that he was speaking everyone’s name. He also asked me about my research topic ‘Contribution of Ācārya Kundkund in the development of philosophical and spiritual thinking’ and also happily blessed me. I wanted to capture that moment in my eyes. Even today, when I close my eyes and remember him, this golden scene comes to my mind.
As we pay tribute to Ācārya Śri Vidyāsāgar Ji Munimahārāj, let us reflect on the profound influence he has had on our nation and the literary world. His legacy is not confined to the pages of history but lives on in the hearts of those who have been touched by his wisdom and benevolence. In honoring him, we also commit ourselves to carrying forward the torch of knowledge and preserving the invaluable heritage he has bequeathed to us.
Ācārya Vidyāsāgar Ji Munimahārāj, a true luminary, has lit the way for generations to come. May his teachings continue to guide us, and may his spirit inspire the pursuit of knowledge, wisdom, and compassion in the years to come.
In reverence and gratitude,
Dr. Arihant Kumar Jain
Assistant Professor,
Centre for Studies in Jainism
K.J. Somaiya Institute of Dharma Studies,
Somaiya Vidyavihar University, Mumbai
Mob. 9967954146, Email – drarihantpj@gmail.com
Editor – Prakrit Times International Newsletter (prakrittimes.wordpress.com)
Email – prakrittimes@gmail.com
I have tried to put my Vinayāṅjali in a few lines in a poetic form –
भगवान नहीं देखे थे हमने भगवंत स्वरूप को देखा है
ऐसे गुरुवर आचार्य श्री विद्यासागर को देखा है
वीतरागी परम दिगम्बर श्रमण संस्कृति के सूर्य थे
उत्तम क्षमादि धर्म के धारी महाव्रतों से पूर्ण थे
आभ्यंतर-बाह्य तपों और रत्नत्रय के ग्राही थे
परीषहों को सहज ही सहते वे महान् समताधारी थे
ज्ञान के सागर जिन आराधक आगमवेत्ता विद्यासाधक
चर्या ऐसी, जो भी देखे हो जाये वो ही नतमस्तक
वे महासंत वे ज्ञानेश्वर आदर्श बने वे मुनीश्वर
ज्ञाता-दृष्टा, एकत्व भाव तीर्थंकर स्वरूप वे योगीश्वर
मूकमाटी महाकाव्य से जिन्होंने जीवन-दर्शन को समझाया
गागर में सागर को भरकर अध्यात्मदिशा को दिखलाया
जैनागमों के तत्त्वदर्शन को जीवन में सम्यक् अंगीकार किया
संस्कृत शतक साहित्य को रचकर अनुपम अमृत प्रसाद दिया
“इंडिया नहीं भारत कहो” ये उनका ही है नारा
भाषा हिंदी और हथकरघा से स्वाबलंबन का बीज है बो डाला
शरद पूर्णिमा के चंद्र सा तमस में उजियारा था
विद्याधर, भारत में जन्मा ऐसा ही ध्रुव तारा था
कुन्दकुन्द के कुंदन से हो गए स्वयं ही समयसार
वाणी से कुंदन किया जगत दे गए सभी को संस्कार
मूलगुणों के धारक वे श्रमणोपासक कहलाये
वर्तमान के वर्धमान वे संत शिरोमणि कहलाए
शरीर का अंतिम समय जान सल्लेखना का संज्ञान लिया
ब्रह्ममुहूर्त की पूर्व बेला में समाधि पूर्वक प्रयाण किया
अहो-भाग्य अपना-सबका है साक्षात दर्शन का सौभाग्य मिला
आहार दान और, वैयावृत्ति आदि का पुण्य-लाभ मिला
हज़ारों शिष्यों को वे पारस बनाकर चले गए
साधक जीवन को वे सार्थक बनाकर चले गए
ऐसे गुरु भगवंत को भक्त ‘अरिहन्त’ नमोस्तु करता है
भावी मोक्षगामी संत को त्रिकाल वंदन करता है
बारम्बार वंदन करता है “
डॉ. अरिहन्त कुमार जैन,मुम्बई
