Atmanandji Jainacharya Janmashatabdi Smarakgranth

Author(s): Mohanlal Dalichand Desai
Publisher: Atmanand Janma Shatabdi Smarak Trust

Page 71

A short account of the life of Shrimad Vijayanandsuri
Popularly known as Shri Atmaramji. A hundred years have gone by since the birth of Shri Vijayanandasuri, the well-known Sadhu of the Jaiu Swetamber Sect. He was born in the village of Labara, District Ferozpur (Punjab) on the first of Chaitra Shukla in Vikram year 1893. He was Brahma Kshattriya by caste. His father's name was Ganeshchandra and mother's, Rupdevi. He lost his father in early childhood and was brought up by his mother. He was given in charge of Seth Jodhmal of Jira (Punjab) for education in Vikram year 1903.
He studied Hindi and Arithmetic. At times he used to visit Sthanakvasi Sadhus of the place and began jo study about religion. In Vikrama 1910 he was initiated as a Sthanakvasi Sadhu. His intellect was keen : he used to commit to memory 100 verses a day. He had learnt the Shastras from the Sthanakvasi Sadhus, but he began to entertain doubts as regards the interpretation as given by them. Fortunately he began to study Sanskrit Grammar and other philosophical and logical works with a Pandit.
He fearlessly gave up the Sthanakvasi doctrine and came to Ahmedabad in V. year 1932. He was initiated as a Swetamber Sadhu by Buddhivijayji, a Jain Sadhu of the place. In the V. year 1943, he went to Palitana, Kathiawar, and stayed there for four months during season. Here he was given the title of 'Acharya' by the Sangha, and from that time he was called by the name of Shri Vijayanandasuri.
Then he travelled on foot from Gujerat to the Punjab. During the travel he brought to light the hidden Jain Literature. The Jain Bhandars of different places of Rajputana were examined by him. He got many old important manuscripts fairly copied out.
For many years he lived in the Punjab. His fame spread through the different parts of the country. Many people of other sec and discussed with him on matters of religion. He answered their arguments in a mild, courteous and dispassionate manner. His tone was inspiring, and the bearers were at times astonished at bis peculiar tact of answering the questions. His ideas were liberal. He was serene and calm of desposition.
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[ Shree Atmaramji