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New Delhi: Jain monk Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj passed away in Dongargarh, Chhattisgarh on Saturday. Acharya Shri Vidyasagarji Maharaj was renowned for his erudition and asceticism. His prolonged periods of meditation were well-known.
Jain monk Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj had started the process of ‘samadhi’, three days ago after giving up food and water, the report said. The seer was on a Maun Vrat (vow to not speak). Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on his demise, stating that he had the honour of receiving the seer’s blessings for many years.
PM Modi said, “My thoughts and prayers are with the countless devotees of Acharya Shri 108 Vidhyasagar Ji Maharaj Ji. He will be remembered by the coming generations for his invaluable contributions to society, especially his efforts towards spiritual awakening among people, his work towards poverty alleviation, healthcare, education and more.”
He also shared a few photos of his visit to the Chandragiri Jain Mandir and said, “I had the honour of receiving his blessings for years. I can never forget my visit to the Chandragiri Jain Mandir in Dongargarh, Chhattisgarh late last year. That time, I had spent time with Acharya Shri 108 Vidhyasagar Ji Maharaj Ji and also received his blessings.
Maharaj’s dola will be merged into Panchatatva at 1 pm on Sunday at Chandragiri pilgrimage site in Dongargarh in Rajnandgaon district. During this time a large number of Jain saints and distinguished citizens will be present. On February 14 at 2:35 am, at Chandragiri Tirth near Dongargarh, the Acharya renounced his acharya-hood and embarked on ‘sallekhana’. He conferred the esteemed Acharya title upon Niryapaka Muni Samayasagar before attaining ‘samadhi’.
Expressing his condolence, former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh said, “Saint Shiromani Acharya Shri Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj passed away at Chandragiri Teerth Dongargarh at 2:35 pm. He was a saint in the form of God. His message of education and wearing clothes made on hand loom reminds us of the message of #महात्मा_गांधी . Message -The dola will leave at Chandragiri at 1 pm.* Chandragiri Area Committee Dongargarh Chhattisgarh.”
Born in Karnataka and initiated into monkhood in Rajasthan, he resided in the Bundelkhand region, where he played a pivotal role in revitalizing educational and religious pursuits. His father’s name was Mallappa, who later became Muni Mallisagar. His mother’s name was Srimanti, who later became Aryika Samaymati.
On 22 November 1972, Gyansagar was given the post of Acharya. His brothers Mahavir, Anantnath and Shantinath took initiation from Acharya Vidyasagar and were known as Muni Yoga Sagar, Muni Samay Sagar and Muni Utkrishna Sagar. He was not only a poet, having composed haikus and the epic Hindi poem ‘Mukamati’, but also a spiritual leader of great significance.
