Book Title: Saint Shri Ganeshprasadji Varni
Author(s): Atmanandji
Publisher: Z_Comtemporary_Jain_Legends_007736_STD.pdf

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________________ he was not a Brahmin but he was ardent Jain. Hearing this Shri Mishra was very angry. He said that he is never teaching any Jain and he also pushed away Ganeshji. Seeing this grave insult of Jainism, Ganeshji was deeply pained. He thought to make arrangements for the study of Jainism and related philosophy at Varanasi City, which is the birthplace of two Tirthankaras Suparshvanath and Parshvanath, and known seat of learning from ancient period. He had a dream at that night in which he was instructed to take help of Baba Bhagirathji. Ganeshji studied for sometime with Shri Shastri Ambadas who was teaching at Shwetambar Vidyalaya. During this time Ganeshji called up Baba Bhagirathji by a letter. Both of them now began to think to establish a Jain Vidyalaya at Varanasi. At this time Shri Chamanlal, resident of Kama gave one rupee to Ganeshji by which 64 postcards were purchased and written to 64 places. Many people appreciated this gesture of Ganeshji and very good help could be secured. As a result, Syadvad Vidyalaya was inaugurated at a temple on Bhadaini Ghat with the holy hands of great charity maker Sheth Shri Manikchandji in 1905. Traditionally this day is celebrated as Shrut Panchmi. Ganeshji himself became a student of this Vidyalaya and Baba Bhagirathji managed it with all interest. Shri Ambadas Shastri and two other professors were appointed at this Vidyalaya with the advice of Ganeshji. This Vidyalaya is considered the highest school of Jainism in Jain community and it has given out learned personalities like late Pandit Bansidharji, late Pandit Devkinandanji, late Pandit Manikchandji, Kailashchandraji, Phoolchandraji, and many others. After sometime an university known as "Hindu Vishwa-Vidyalaya" was established at Varanasi with the efforts of Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviaji. Many Prachya Darshanas (Old scriptures) were included in various curiculii of the university. A detailed curriculum of Jain Darshan was also included in these curiculii with serious efforts of Pandit Ambadas Shastri and Ganesh Prasadji. Various examinations were also arranged for these studies. This was a very great achievement on the part of Ganesh Prasadji. Famous advocate Pandit Motilal Nehru, the father of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was of great help in this achivement. Establishment of Sattark Sudha Tarangini Pathshala at Sagar: This Pathshala (religious school) was inaugurated on the third day of bright half of the month of Vaishakh in 1912 with further efforts of Shri Ganeshji. This day is celebrated as Akshya Trutiya. This school is now famous with the name of Ganesh Digambar Jain Sanskrit Maha Vidyalaya. The school developed much with continuous efforts of Shri Ganeshji and thousands of students have taken its benefit. Shri Ganeshji and religious mother Chironjabai frequently resided at this Vidyalaya. On the Way to Restraint: Ganeshji was now famous as Ganesh Prasadji or "Bade pandit" at Sagar. He adopted the vow of celibacy at Kundalpur at the hands of Baba Gokuldasji, the father of Pandit Jaganmohanlalji. After this, he was known as Varni and he kept one Dhoti and one shoulder cloth only with him thenafter. Removal of Unfruitful Activities and Beliefs: There were many unthoughtful beliefs in practice in common Jains at Bundelkhand in the days of Ganesh Prasadji Varni. People were being removed from their caste as a punishment for petty reasons. Poor persons were undergoing many hardships. Varniji and his followers went village to village and stopped many of such practices. They established educational institutions at Nainagiri, Sonagiri, Papauraji, Aharji and a number of other places so that education would expand. Bundelkhand is considered to be a fort of learned personalities because of serious and long-term efforts of Shri Varniji. The educational institutions established by him are giving high quality of learned persons even today. 74

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