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on the scene and worked for the uplift of Jain religion. In fact he was to Jainism what Swami Dayanand Sarswati was to Hinduism. He perceived the deterioration and degeneration which had set in amongst the Jains, who were looked down upon as dirty atheist. They had forgotten their rich heritage and their deserted shrines stood a mute testimony to the heights which Jainism had attained in the past. The 'Yatis' and the 'Poojs', the spiritual leaders of Jains, had fallen from their high pedestal and taken to worldly pleasures and yet tried to force their supremacy in matters social and religious, on the laity. Shri Atmaramji Maharaj could not compromise with the prevailing set-up, which was not based upon the 'Aagams', or the authoritative Jain scriptures. The worshipper of the truth as he was, he tried to set things right, and raised a banner of revolt against darkness of ignorance. Naturally, he had to face stiff opposition from the superstitious and the die-hard conservatives. But he braved the storm cheerfully, and starting signle handedly, slowly and gradually, brought the ship of Jainism on an even keel. It was indeed a misfortune that he did not live long enough to fully complete the mission that he had undertaken, and his dream remained unrealised. His passing away centenary is being celebrated in the year 1996, and this occasion should inspire his followers to finish the work which he left un-finished. That would be the best and constructive homage to the memory of a great and noble saint.
BIRTH & PARENTAGE
Shri Atmaramji Maharaj was born at a small village named Lehra which is situated at a distaence of about 2 miles from Zira in Ferozepur District of Punjab on first bright half of the month Chaitra in Vikram Samvat 1894. His horoscope is given below:
2
Moon
Rahu
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Venus mercury Sun
12
2
11
5
10
Mars Jupiter
The name of his mother was Rupa Devi and his father's name was
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9
6
7 Saturn
Ketu
Shri Vijyanand Suri Swargarohan Shatabdi Granth
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