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Poetical Biography of Sri Vijaya Dharma Sūri* Popularity of the Hero
Vijaya Dharma Sūri deceased only six years ago at Shivpuri (Gwalior State ), where illness had obliged the indefatigable wanderer to linger, when he was passing there on a walking tour from Bombay to Benares, and where a splendid Memorial Temple has been erected in his honour, combined with a flourishing Boarding School for Jaina boys ( the ‘Viratattva Prakāśaka Mandala' ). But even without this visible sign of the gratitude of his devotees and disciples, Vijaya Dharma Sūri could never be forgotten. For in India, his name is engraved in many hearts with the letters of purest reverence, as I experienced myself, while following the traces of his wanderings through Gujarat and Kathiawar last cold weather. Pronouncing the name of Vijaya Dharma Sūri with respect, had the effect of a magic spell, instantaneously causing the hearts of young and old to open, and turning foreigners into friends and brothers in a trice. Not only Mūrtipūjaka Svetāmbera Jainas, but Sthānakavāsīs and Digambaras and Terāpanthis too, not only Jainas, but Arya Samājīs, Vaisnavas, Saivas, Parsees, Musulmans and freethinkers too, not only sons of Mother India, but great stars amongst European scholars and high officials too, are in the crowd of the late Mahatma's admirers, disciples, devotees, and friends. Mahārājās, millionaires, and dignitaries even of heterodox sects and creeds, honoured and respected him during his life-time, and still do honour and respect his memory. And even in distant Europe and America, the great Jainācārya's name is pronounced with sympathy and reverence.
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An article by Dr. Charlotte Krause. Published in 'Dharma Jivana Pradīpa', alias “Vijaya Dharma Sūri Rāsa', Shivpuri, June 1928.
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