Jain Journal 1972 10

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 13

JAIN JOURNAL
In 1916 (V.S. 1972), he went to Cambay.
The Arya Samajists were still hopeful of defeating him in debate and another challenge was thrown in 1917 (V.S. 1973) by one of their most learned and eminent scholars, Sri Ananda Krishna. The VadVivād was conducted for four hours in Sanskrit with a complete refutation of the arguments of Sri Ananda Krishna.
The next debate he had, was in 1918 (V.S. 1974) at Vatadra, Cambay, and his opponent this time was Svami Mukundasroaram, a Vedic scholar. The battle of words waged for full three days, at the conclusion of which the Svami accepted defeat. In the same year he went to Charotar, near Baroda.
In 1922 (V.S. 1978) Labdhivijay busied himself with editing the catalogue of the Oriental Library of Chhani, near Baroda and bringing it up-to-date. This compilation, a work requiring considerable patience as well as scholarship, fulfilled a long-felt need.
In 1923 (V.S. 1979) he went to Patan. According to the rules of the Sangha, Dikṣā (initiation) could not be given to children as well as the mature, unless permission had been granted by the Sangha a month earlier. Labdhivijay was not in favour of this restriction. He boldly initiated a few persons without the permission of the Sangha. Of course, the persons were all earnest in their desire to join the monastic order and had the full consent of their guardians. He then went to Katosan, near Mehsana at the invitation of the Ruler of that place who subsequently ordered the prohibition of all kinds of violence in his State for 16 days every year.
In 1924. (V.S. 1980) the Chhani Sangha decided to honour Labdhivijay by conferring on him the most responsible title of 'Acarya' in recognition of his valuable, devoted', selfless service to Jaina religion and to Indian society in general. His Gurudeva formally bestowed
1 the title of 'Acarya' at a special function which was attended by representatives of the Sanghas from the important towns.
During those years there were many poverty-stricken Jaina families and the conditions of the orphans and widows were particularly pitiable. Acarya Labdhisurisvarji was distressed by their sufferings and gave a call for relief fund. He helped the Jaina Sangha in collecting Rs. 40,000/- in a short time and had it distributed amongst the poor and the needy. He also received a donation of Rs. 25,000