Sahajanandaghana Gurugatha

Author(s): Pratap J Tolia
Publisher: Vardhaman Bharati International Foundation

Page 22

sick old foreigner had gone very much weak, but Devbai did not allow him to feel homesick or isolated at all. Finding her motherly nursing, the old man spoke out to Devbai in gratitude from the depths of his contented heart, "You are serving and nursing me extra-ordinarily, my God: This is my blessings to you, O pious lady Devbai, that may a greatly fortunate son be born to you!"
Mother Devbai used to serve her father-in-law and mother-in-law also endlessly. Being overcontempted with her services, the mother-in-law would say in gratitude: "Devbai! You are like a Goddess at ours. No body will be fortunate to have such a kind houselady like you. All of yours will go well, my dear!"
Srimad Rajchandra was born at such devotional and serviceful Parent's home at Vavania on the pious Kartika Poornima (full moon day) of Samvat 1924 at 2 A.M. on Sunday
This Kartika full moon day is auspiscious to the Jainas. Full moon is the symbol of perfectness. No less is the importance of full moon day in the aim of achieving perfectness of the soul. On this day, several devoted Jains come from distant places to Palitana for the heartful pilgrimage of the great and holiest mountain Shri Siddhachalji or Shetrunjaya. Morever, Srimad Hemchandracharyaji, the "Kalikal Sarvagya” (knowner of all knowledge in this age) was also born on pious day of "Kartika Poornima" of Samvat 1145 (1089 A.D) in the reign of great Gujarat king Karnadeva.
The family or pat name of Srimad Rajchandra was Laxminandan. Afterwards, it was changed to 'Raichand' in Samvat 1928. In course of time he became known as “Srimad Rajchandra"
Chapter 2:
RELIGIOUS IMPRESSIONS OF CHILD HOOD
The grandfather of Shrimad Rajchandra was a devotee of Lord Krishna, while Devbai, Rajchandra's mother, brought Jaina cultural imprints with her. Other Bania families of Vavania also amazingly following into the heart of this little sage like the meet of the Ganges and Yamuna. Shrimad Rajchandra has described his childhood in an article named "Samuchchaya Vayacharya" penned at the age of Twenty Two. He narrates therein:
"My grandfather used to worship Krishna. In that age, listened from him the devotional songs of Krishna and talks regarding the miracles of different 'Avataras', following which , I had got tied 'Kanthi'- the sacred thread - in my neck from a sage Ramdasji, during the 'Bal-lila' performance of Krishna's childhood.