Dongargarh (Chattisgarh, Bharat/India), 18th February 2024: The most revered ascetic of the Digambar Jain tradition popularly called as the “Vishwavanandiya Guruvar – the teacher acclaimed by everyone in the world” Acharya 108 Sri Vidyasagarji Maharaj attained his last breath – Samadhi at Chandragiri Teerth Dongargarh (Chhattisgarh) at 2:35 am in the early morning hours of Sunday 18th February 2024, Magha Shukla Ashtami – the day of uttama Satya dharma.
He had undertaken Sallekhana as prescribed in the Jain texts. Three days prior to this he had renounced his Acharya status and had stopped giving Prathyakhyan and prayaschita and maintained complete silence.
After returning from shaucha on the afternoon of 6th February, after sending aside the monks accompanying him, he retired from Sangh related work after discussing with Nirayapka Muni 108 Sri Yogasagarji and on the same day he resigned from the post of Acharya. He considered the first sage disciple Niryapak Shraman Muni 108 Sri Samaysagarji Maharaj eligible for the post of Acharya and then announced that he should be given the post of Acharya, the formal information in this will be given tomorrow.
A procession will be taken out at Dongargarh at 11 am and his last rights will be performed at 1 pm there.
Past Life – Known as Vidhyadhar in his life before diksha he was born on 10th October 1946 on Sharad Purnima day at Sadalaga town, Chikkodi taluk, Belagavi district, Karnataka, India. His parents were Smt Srimatidevi and Sri Mallappaji.
His father later became Muni Mallisagar, his mother became Aryika Samayamati and both of them eventually attained Samadhi.
He was initiated as a monk by Acharya Gyansagarji, who belonged to the lineage of Acharya Shantisagar, in Ajmer in 1968. He was elevated to the Acharya status in 1972.
Scholar Par Excellence – An expert in classical (Sanskrit and Prakrit) and several indian languages – Kannada, Hindi and Marathi, he has been a prolific author in Hindi and Sanskrit. Several researchers have studied his works for masters and doctoral degrees.
Works – His works include:
- Sanskrit texts: Niranjana Shataka, Bhavana Shataka, Parishah Jaya Shataka, Suniti Shataka and Shramana Shataka.
- Hindi epic: Muka Maati, published by Bharatiya Jnanpith.
- Verse translations of classics: Yogasara, Ishtopadesha, Samayasar (Kundakunda ka Kundan), Gomatesh thudi etc.
- Verse translation of Samana Suttam
His samadhi/sad demise marks the end of an era in the Jain community and Digambar Jain Samaj.
Our Namostu, Namostu, Namostu to the departed soul.
– Jain Heritage Centres News Service, Nitin H P with inputs from Pratishtacharya Vinay Bhaiyya “Samrat” & Vidyasagar.guru