Jain Journal 1976 07

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

Page 3

Muni Jinvijayaji : A Life-long Researcher
-B. M. SINGHI
The sudden passing away of Muni Jinvijayaji on June 3 1976, when he was in his eightyninth year has created a void which seems impossible to fill. By virtue of his genius and devotion as revealed in more than a hundred works of Sanskrit, Prakrit and Apabhramsa compiled and edited by him, he has left an indelible impression on all those who have been connected with Oriental studies in general and Jainology in particular, whether within our country or abroad.
He was born on 27th January, 1888 in a Rajput family of a small village named Roopaheli in the then State of Mewar in Rajputana. His family name was Kishan Singh. Even as a child, he appeared to be quite bright. A local Yati, who had been treating Kishan Singh's father for his ailments was greatly impressed by the remarkable intelligence and enchanting modesty which he observed in the boy, and advised his father to see that the boy gets good education. In fact, the Yati predicted that Kishan Singh would be a great man in time to come. However, the father unfortunately did not live long enough to be able to do anything for the son. It so happened that after the death of the father, the boy was kept by the Yati to live with him, and go for studies with the other boys to whom the Yati imparted education. It was natural that while living with the Yati, Kishan Singh got interested in the Jain faith. Later, when he came in closer contact with some Jain sādhus, he was still more drawn to the Jain way of life, and ultimately he got initiated as a sādhu in the Sthanakvasi sect. He was then only 15 years old.
He took no time in understanding the duties and responsibilities enjoined for a Jain sādhu. He perfectly followed all the principles and practices laid down for the sādhus and very soon won recognition as a