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## Life Story of Gurudev
The life story of Gurudev is a testament to his unwavering dedication to the Jain faith. He lived a life of complete selflessness, inspiring countless individuals to embrace the path of Dharma.
His passing was a profound loss for the entire Jain community. The four branches of the Jain Sangha were present in large numbers, witnessing his final moments. Dr. Shekharbhai, a medical professional, remarked that he had never witnessed such a peaceful death in his entire career.
His mortal remains were given the final rites according to the Jain tradition. His son, Suryaji, entrusted his body to the Sangha. The necessary rituals, including bathing and other ceremonies, were performed. His body was then placed in the lecture hall for the Sangha to pay their respects. The Sangha lined up to offer their final prayers.
On the day of the cremation, donations poured in. Within minutes, over three crore rupees were collected. People who had been touched by his life and his teachings showered his remains with their wealth. The final journey began at 10 am. His body, adorned with nine-peaked golden palanquin, was taken to Ban Ganga. The cremation was performed by the families of Chanpaben Jayantilal Ajbani from Dhanera and Shantilal Harilal Mehta from Bhoroltirth. His mortal remains were finally released into the cycle of existence.
Following the cremation, there were prayers and eulogies. The next day, a grand eulogy ceremony was held at the Lalbag Sangha. During this ceremony, donations were collected for the Ashtahnnika Mahotsav. Within minutes, donations were received for all eight days of the festival. The Ashtahnnika Mahotsav was celebrated from the 14th of the current year under the guidance of the revered Gurudev. Every day, the revered Gurudev and other monks delivered eulogies. The elders of the Shravak Sangha also shared their experiences and the impact of the revered Gurudev's life on them. The eulogies continued for hours, and yet, no one wanted to leave. Everyone was captivated by the stories and teachings.
To commemorate the revered Gurudev's life and his virtues, grand celebrations were held in numerous villages and cities. The Sangha members are still planning new celebrations in his honor.
The best way to pay tribute to the revered Gurudev's life is to ignite the flame of Diksha in our hearts. We should strive to embrace Diksha ourselves and inspire our families to follow the same path.
The revered Gurudev's life was an inspiration to all. He walked the path of his Gurudev, illuminating the lives of countless individuals. Before his departure, he entrusted his legacy to his successor, the eloquent and influential preacher, Pujya Shri Vijay Kirtiyas Suri Maharaj. We must now dedicate ourselves to following his teachings and seeking guidance from his successor.