Glory of Jainism

Author(s): Kumarpal Desai
Publisher: 108 jain Tirth Darshan Trust

Page 85

27. SHASANSAMRAT SHRI VIJAYNEMISURI C
A
c haryashri Vijaynemisurishwarji had earned the title of the most competent Suri Chakravarti of the twentieth century. Right at the beginning of his saintly life Acharyashri had identified aims of his life, first of which was enhancement of knowledge. Besides preservation of scriptures, book-writing and publishing, he also provided useful guidance regarding systematic maintenance of libraries with invaluable religious books. It was at his instance and inspiration that the publication of Jain literature was undertaken for the first time by the jain community.
His other aim was to evolve a tradition of knowledgeable and virtuous disciples. Consequently, he could groom Acharya, Munivars and a trained and devoted band of learned scholars which was a remarkable contribution to the Jain order. He undertook a journey, bare-footed, of thousands of miles ignoring the hazards to his life and gave a very moving sermon to the violently tempered fishermen and people of other communities. Once as a result of his touching sermon, fishermen of Datha village in Bhavnagar district set fire to thousands of fishing-nets and abandoned fishing for life-time. He managed to get the cruel practice of animal-sacrifice, in front of gods and goddesses, discontinued and revived the scheme of the animal-shelter-house.
His other aim was the amelioration of places of pilgrimage and he was greatly devoted to tirtha (holy place of pilgrimage). At Kadambgiri, Sherisa, Matar, Ranakpur, Cambay (Khambhat) and in many villages he managed to undertake and carry out repairs and renovations of very old Jain temples. Moreover, as regards the court case pertaining to Shri Girnar tirtha with the Nawab of Junagadh, he took extreme pains for the protection of the tirtha. With a view to solving the difficult problem pertaining to various tirthas like Shri Sametshikharji, Shri Taranga, Shri Antrikshji etc. he showed discretion, deep understanding and when necessary he infused spirit of daring in the community. Sir Prabhashanker Patni, the then political dewan (prime-minister to the king) of Bhavnagar had told Anantrai Patni, his son and the successor dewan, "When you feel that some particular work is complicated and difficult to be executed, you just approach my bearded guruji of Kadambgiri and seek his blessings."
The "bearded” guru meant Shasansamrat Shri Vijaynemisuriswarji. He had been a very respected personality among the Jains and non-Jains because of his deep knowledge of the scriptures, very impressive style of discourse, severe religious discipline and foresight. Shri Madanmohan Malviyaji, another reputed scholar of the country, felt fortunate in having an opportunity of religious discourse with him. Even kings, monarchs and leading merchants were greatly impressed by his style of discourse and his impressive personality. Despite such immense fame he was extremely modest and introvert.
He was born in Mahuva on the 1st day of Kartak Sud in V. S. 1929 (A. D. 1873). He left for the heavenly abode at the same place - i.e. in Mahuva on the New Year day in V. S. 2006 (A. D. 1950); i.e. born and passed away on the same day and at the same time - i.e. Saturday, 20'ghadi' and 12'pal'.
77 years long spell of his career is full of such actions and achievements that the entire period is known as 'Shashansamrat Nemisuri age'. His 8 chief disciples were versatile and learned scholars of various disciplines of knowledge. He holds a position in the first rank as an Acharya to have made invaluable contribution to the restoration of spiritual and moral values.
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