________________
26. Udarcheta Mooni Shri Nyaya Vijayaji
Introduction and Birth: There is a village named Mandal in Saurashtra region of Gujarat State in Western India. It is a place of pilgrimage, a place of education and a place of trade. The famous king Vanraj Chavda had built a fort of stones at this place and Siddhraj Solanki as well as Bhimnath had contributed for its development. Shri Hakkasooriji had said in 1280 that it was one of the six most import places of worship in Gujarat. The plan of establishing Shri Yashovijayaji Sanskrit Pathshala at Benaras was made out in this village. (A school for religious learning) and the most well known Shrut Abhyasi (the one who studies by hearing) Shri Jambu Vijayaji Maharaj has also been from this place. Many Jain followers and students have lived here since many centuries. An ardent religious-minded and highly cultured couple, Shri Chhagalal Vakhatchand and Diwalibai were residing here and a son was born to them in 1896. Since this was the first child to the couple, all the members of the family were much pleased. The child was healthy and charming and hence he was named as Narsinh. There was a government school at Mandal some 90 years ago but Narsinh was put up to a private school of one Shri Pandya for learning. The clever boy Narsinh completed his study up to the fourth standard in a very short period. He was loved by all the teachers and students in the school as he was of mixing and co-operative nature. There were no facilities for study in English and hence the education of Narsinh came to an end here as the parents were not willing to send him to an outside place for study.
Study and Inspiration for Progress: Jain mendicant Shri DharmVijayaji happened to be in Mandal in 1902. He was deeply learned in Jain studies and Jain scriptures. Narsinh was one in a large congregation hearing the preachings of Shri DharmVijayaji. There was immediate donation of Rs. 20,000 for expansion of religious activities. Shri DharmVijayaji advised the young boys to study Jainism and become master in it. There was magical effect of the preachings of Dharm Vijayaji and a Pathshala-school for religious study was started in the bungalow of one Shri Navalakha. Pandit Shri Bechardasji was appointed as the teacher and 15-20 students enrolled for admission atonce. Narsinh was one of these students. Mooni Shri DharmVijayaji was a man of foresightedness and he thought that this school needed be shifted to Benaras if highly educated persons were to be created from the school so that advanced study in various subjects might be available in Mooni Shri started for Benaras alongwith the students. This was a difficult task as the road was very long, full of many troubles and there were difficulties to get food on the way also. Even then all could reach Benaras because of their determination and faith. The Brahmin teachers here were not willing to teach the Jain students in the beginning but the problem was solved by the efficient and tactful efforts of Shri DharmVijayaji. The students then began to study in religion, languages, grammar, Nyaya (religious logic) and other subjects very regularly. Narsinh came to meet his parents in holidays, and the parents started to talk of the marriage of Narsinh who was their only son. Narsinh, however, was not prepared to accept this binding for the present. It was destiny that the parents expired before the marriage of Narsinh could be settled. Narsinh then asked the consent of his Uncle Popatlal Vakhatchand to go to Palitana and on receiving his consent; he went to Benaras instead of to Palitana. He met his old friends and teachers. He thought that his hopes would not come true.
It was very difficult to prosecute study at the Pathshala at Benaras. There was no permanent fund of money with the Pathshala and the question of arrangements for food of about 30 students of the Pathshala became serious. Students soon realized the anxiety of the teacher and they offered all
133
