Concept of Matter in Jaina Philosophy

Author(s): J C Sikdar
Publisher: P V Research Institute Varanasi

Page 8

SADHVI SRI SILAVATIJI
a
Twenty fourth Tirthankara Lord Mahāvīra, being an advocate of the cause of spiritual upliftment of women, included nuns and lay-women in his four-fold Order. Consequently, great number of women excelled themselves in austerities and spiritual development and stood at par with monks in learning and prominence. From the time of Mahāvīra to present age the nuns have always outnumbered the monks. In the recent past revered Acarya Vallabha Süri also laid great emphasis on the spiritual upliftment of the nuns of his order. Among his nundisciples pujya Sadhvi śrī śIlavatIjI was an intelligent, vigilant
and of sound character.
She was born at village Ranaparada in Saurastra, the land of saints and heroes. Her earlier name was Śivakunwar Bahen. From early childhood she was very religious in her temperament. She was married to Shri Dūngarasībhai of Saradhara. Her family life was quite harmonious and the couple had everything at their disposal required for leading smooth and comfortable life. They had two sons and two daughters. But unfortunately, the ruthless axe of destiny fell on her and DūngarSibhai departed in 1927 A. D. Bereaved Sivakunwar Bahen had to bear the responsibility of bringing up her children. Already broken with a miserable widowhood she was struck with another severe blow when her two issues-a daughter and a son passed away in 1928, within a year of her husband's demise. A final stroke she received when her only remaining son also expired.
Having realised the futility of this mortal world. She yearned for rununciation of the world and decided to lead an ascetic life. She was initiated with her only living daughter in 1928 at Satrunjaya Hill and started her new life as a nun with