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ATMA VALLABH SANSKRITI MANDIR Memorial, Architecture And Activities
Vijay Vallabh Smarak, as it is popularly known, is a classic memorial situated at 20th Km. point on G.T. Karnal Road (Highway No. 1) within the Union Territory of Delhi, on a sprawling piece of land measuring about 20 acres. This is a multi-purpose educational-cum-cultural and research project to perpetuate the sacred memory of His Holiness Jain Acharya Vijayvallabhsuriji Maharaj (1870-1954), an ascetic of the highest order, a great spiritualist and a socio-religious reformer with foresight. A rich library, a centre for research on Indology, a mini museum, a hostel, a community kitchen and a homeopathic dispensary, have already been set up within the Smarak Complex. A school and a large guest house are also included in the overall plan. This ambitious project is the brain child of Jain Sadhvi Mahattra Shree Mrugavatiji and a symbol of Her complete dedication towards Her Master and Mentor Acharya Vijayvallabhsurji Maharaj.
Vijayvallabh-A Great Jain Acharya
Born at Baroda in 1870, the young Chhagan Lal renunciated the wordly life at an early tender age and imbibed learning about the Atman (Soul) and the material world for over a decade at the feet of his revered preceptor, Jain Acharya Vijayanandsuriji Maharaj (alias Shri Atmaramji). Soon, He mastered Jain Agamas and scriptures as also made a thorough and comparative study of different schools of Indian philosophy. By dint of His wide knowledge, deep understanding and scholarly preachings, He was elevated to the high status of an Acharya. He placed before the mankind, both by precept and practice, the highest moral and spiritual values of life and led the society from darkness to light, from ignorance to knowledge, from scepticism to faith, from cruelty to kindness, from fanaticism to tolerance and, above all, from hatred to love.
A Nationalist and Reformer
The Acharya wore Khadi throughout his life. He was a patriot to the core. Swadeshi found an echo in his speeches. He strongly deprecated display of wealth and extravagance on social occasions, dowry, and such other evils. He advocated non-attachment and advised the rich not only to put a restraint on possessions but rather part with a portion of their wealth for rehabilitation of the poor and general welfare of the mankind. Though born in Gujarat, He always promoted Hindi as National Language, and delivered His sermons in Hindi. He was a renowned orator, author and poet. In addition to several works in prose, He wrote about 1600 poems, songs and hymns in Hindi, rich both in language and content. Throughout, he worked without
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