Comtemporary Jain Legends

Author(s): Atmanandji Maharaj
Publisher: Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram

Page 62

truth and therefore, Devendra Kirti Maharaj invested him with the title of Mooni Shanti Sagar by granting him higher stage of Dixa in the presence of thousands of followers and disciples on the holy day of Dixa-Kalyanak of Panch Kalyan Pratishtha Mahotsava, Maharaj Shanti Sagar was of the age of 45 at this time. His detachment with the world was indescribable. He was extremely pleased to be invested with this high position of Digambar Jain mendicantship and thousands of men and women said Jay Jaykar-praises of him. While stressing on the need of observing difficult vows, Maharaj Shanti Sagarji said that there was no cause of worry. He said that if he does not get proper material for observing his vows, he would stay in forest and adopt meditation-death without turning back from the vows.
While maintaining his vows very strictly, he moved towards the south and expanded religion at all places through which he passed. He advised people to shun evil practices. By time, he became famous. He granted Dixa and vows to several Shravaks (Jain family-holders). In 1834, he regularly established Shraman Sangh at the time of Mooni Dixa of Shri Nemisagarji. The Jain community gave him the title of Acharya at his age of 52; and after 20 years in 1951 at the holy celebrations of Panch Kalyanak Pratishtha Mahotsava at Gajpantha in Maharashtra, Acharya Shri Shanti Sagarji was given further award of Charitra Chakravarti. Hundreds and thousands of ghee-lamps were being lighted at all villages and towns when AcharyaShri arrived with his followers and activities of high level discussions of scriptures, philosophical lectures and discourses, prayers, devotional songs and repetition of religious phrases were being undertaken. In 1928, AcharyaShri started for the pilgrimage of SametShikhar alongwith his disciples and followers. This was the first occasion after many centuries that a large group of possessionless mendicants were moving in north India and there was a sharp wave of religious fervor in this region. He was honored at all places and Panch. Kalyanak Celebrations were also held at SametShikhar. Lacs of devotees arrived there for this celebration from the whole of India. Acharya walked about 35,000 miles in seven years and lacs of devotees had taken advantage of his spiritual knowledge. Maharaj Shri had cleared the way of Mooni-Vihar (movement of mendicants) The number of Acharyas, Moonis, small persons, women and celibates who had taken Dixa at the hands of AcharyaShri was about 3 to 400.
Shrutoddhar and Its Expansion: Once AcharyaShri came to know that a big volume of religious teachings collected from the preachings heard from time to time and completed by Swamy BhootBali was written an one thousand years old leaves and trees. It was then very old and was about to be destroyed by insects. He felt importance of preserving it and hence he proposed to get the whole book re-written on copper sheets so that it can remain totally secured for thousands of years. He requested the rich Jains to bear the costs and expenses for this task. Thus, Acharya Shri Shanti Sagarji got these Agam books re-written on copper sheets and this was his most important work of his life. It will be noted by golden writings in the history of Shrutoddhar of invaluable books of Jainism-i.e. re-writing of books, which were written, on leaves of trees by hearing the preachings of Jain saints and mendicants. Acharya had to face many difficulties in his life and he faced all the adverse circumstances with fearlessness, patience and tolerance. He has, thus, established his highest character and we are confirmed of his greatness. Acharya Shri was famous as charitra-chakravarti only because of his achievements and accomplishments for the up-life of Jainism. When AcharyaShri was on his way of Vihar (moving from place to place) one angry Brahmin named Chhindha attacked on him and his disciples with about 500 armed men. At this time, police arrested the Brahmin. When AcharyaShri came to know this, he requested the police Superintendent to