Book Title: Celibate Pandit Chandabai
Author(s): Atmanandji
Publisher: Z_Comtemporary_Jain_Legends_007736_STD.pdf

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________________ community. Students are taught upto the degree of Nyaya Tirth, Sahitya Ratna and Shastri in this school. Mother Chandabai - An Idol of Pity: Mother Chandabai was deeply religious and she had worked to symbolize her spiritual nature. There were five hills at Rajgruhi. Chandabai constructed a grand Jain temple on a hill known as Ratnagir by purchasing land on it. She constructed an attractive Man Stambh a big pillar-in the compound of Bala Vishram in 1939. She constructed an imitative idol of Shri Gommat Swami from the one established at Shravan Belgola in 1937 and created an artful mountain. She also got prepared an idol of Bahubali Swamy, which was 13 feet high, and both these holy idols were established under grand celebrations. Pandita Chandabai has contributed in Jain literature also. She was a successful writer and editor. She edited a periodical "Jain Mahilodaya" for many years from 1921. She wrote Updesh Ratna Mala, Saubhagya Ratna Mala, Nibandh Ratna Mala, Adarsh Kahaniyan, Adarsh Nibandh, Nibandh Darpan and many other books, which are much useful to women. She was active towards reforms in society also. Keeping herself in the front position in the creation of literature, Chandabai was enthusiastic for expanding the light of Jainism all over the world. There were news in the periodical Search Light in 1948 that George Bernard Shaw is writing a book titled Awakening of Jainism and the principle of non-violence presented by various Jain saints will be relatively compared with the views of non-violence given by Mahatma Gandhi and this will be an exhaustive critical volume on the subject. Dr. George Bernard Shaw had called Shri Devdas Gandhi, the son of Mahatma Gandhi for this purpose. Chandabai atonce wrote to Sir Sheth Hukamchand, President of Jain Samaj, Sahoo Shantiprasadji, Sheth Bhagchandji, Babu Chhotalalji and others saying that this work should not remain incomplete merely for want of money and one person who is highly learned in Jainism, spirituality and related subjects having total control over speaking, writing and understanding of English must be sent to Dr. Shaw because Dr. Shaw was an unparalleled writer and the book written by him will be immortal, respected all over the world and shall be considered very authentic. It is very necessary that one Jain learned persons remains in his continuous contact for giving proper perspectives on Jainism, Non-violence and Jain Scriptures". This reveals her love for Jainism and foresightedness in spiritual matters. Other Events of Her Life: Pandita Chandabai was addressed as Maa-i.e. mother. She was really kind-hearted. Once a girl in her Vanita Vishram had a typhoid in 1943. The sickness took serious turn and it developed into pneumonia. The girl was almost unconscious. Arrangements for the doctor and services from other girls were made in advance but when Chandabai knew that the girl was in need of constant attention, she herself remained in her service day and night without eating and drinking. When others told that she need not be constantly with the girl, Chandabai said, "I have total faith that I shall be able to save her by my own services". She remained by the side of the girl for three days and nights without even an hour of sleep and the girl was saved. She was herself sick because of so much strain but she did not mind. She was always awaken towards religion even in very difficult circumstances. She had no attachment for her body. She was much concerned for the awakening of soul. She was unexpectedly sick on 8 February 1942 and within five-six days she turned serious. She was not able to sit or stand. Even in such serious condition, she carried on her daily worship of three-time Samayik, worship, prayers etc. when she was even more serious, the girls and workers of Bala Vishram were very much taking any injection. Everybody requested Shri Nemichand Jyotishacharya, the head of Bala Vishram to persuade mother Chandabai that there was no objection to accept injection from the religion point of 131

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