Vijaydharmasuri

Author(s): A J Sunavala
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Page 62

56 SHĀSTRAVISHĀRADA JAINĀCHĀRYA of Benares, Bengal, and other parts of India. In recognition of his uncommon learning in the Shāstras, of his educational and religious activities, and of his marvellous achievements, these Pandits resolved to confer on him the title of Shāstravishārada Jaināchārya. The most distinguished Pandits from all parts of the country assembled in the premises of the Yashovijaya Jaina Pāthashālā, under the presidency of His Highness the Mahārāja of Benares, and presented to him a welcome-address, conferring on him the title mentioned above, on the twenty-fifth day of August, 1908.
AN EXAMPLE OF BROAD-MINDEDNESS AND TOLERANCE
Dharma Vijaya set very little value on temporal honours ; nevertheless, in this particular instance, he most respectfully accepted the title, inasmuch as it came from the most learned and religious men of his own land. The value of the honour bestowed was immensely increased, in that it was conferred in the presence of His Highness the Mahārāja of Benares, who was a well-known patron of Hindu learning and an eminent defender of the Hindu faith. In reply to the addresses which were read before him on the occasion Dharma Vijaya emphasized the significance of that honour, not as being conferred on himself, as he modestly deemed he did not deserve it, but as being conferred on a Jain Sādhu by the consensus of the Hindu Pandits from all parts of India, and under the auspices of a Mahārāja who also was an orthodox