Santbal A Saint with a Difference

Author(s): T U Mehta
Publisher: Navjivan Prakashan Mandir

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CHAPTER 3
Diksha and Traditional Life*
The day of Diksha was fixed on Posh Shud 8th of Samvat Year 1985 which is equivalent to 1929 A. D. Mahajan of Wankaner had sent invitation for performance of Diksha ceremony at their place. In the adjoining State of Morvi there was prohibition to giving of Jain Diksha within the State boundaries. Morvi State was at that time ruled by Shri Lakhdhirsinhji. All these princely Rulers of Native States were supreme in their own States as their word was law. Lakhdhirsinhji had, however, received laudable account of the oratory style and impressiveness of the spiritual discourses of Munishri Nanchandraji. He, therefore, called the leaders of Morvi Mahajan and expressed his desire to hear the discourses of Nanchandraji. Mahajan was obviously pleased at this development and requested Nanchandraji to give his discourses at Morvi. this was done and the Ruler was spell bound hearing the silver tongued oratory and the depth of spiritual insight of Nanachandraji. There was nothing sectarian in his discourses which had universal appeal. He used to carry his audience with him with so much intensity that those who heard him did not know how two hours of his discourse passed by. People of all faiths, sects and castes including the Muslims thronged to hear him in the early hours of the day when his discourses were given.
* The facts mentioned in this chapter are taken mostly from the compilation made in Part I of 'Santbal Smruti Granth', Vol. I.
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