Shrimad Rajchandra And Mahatma Gandhi

Author(s): Kumarpal Desai
Publisher: Raj Saubhag Satsang Mandal

Page 70

Shrimad Rajchandra's Message 69
had a profound impact on his young
mind.
Shrimad developed a deep devotion to Lord Krishna and the Vaishnav religious sect. The traditional emotional attachment between grandfather and grandson was so closely knit that the grandfather's thoughts and practises influenced Shrimad who found himself attracted to Lord Krishna. Although Panchanbhai's family belonged to the Jain Sthanakawasi sect, he was devotionally attached to Lord Krishna. Ramdasji, a mendicant visiting the temple tied the Vaishnav ceremonial thread (janoi) to young Shrimad.
Whilst his grandfather inspired devotion towards the Vaishnav faith, Shrimad was fascinated by the Jain faith through the influence of his mother, Devma and his father, Ravajibhai. Both were committed devotees of the Jain religion. His mother, Devma, was steadfast in her observance of Jain religious rituals. Her practise aroused curiosity in young Shrimad's mind to learn more about the Jain traditions and scriptures. The seeds of spirituality planted during past lives began to sprout in his heart and along with the religious environment within the family, his spiritual development began to take shape.