Date of Visit, July 2, 2017
Acharya Vijayanand Suri, popularly known
as Atmaramji of Gujranwala, holds a significant place in Jain history as the
first Swetambar Murtipujaka Jain monk in modern times to be bestowed with the
title of Acharya. Born and raised in Punjab, he initially embraced the
Sthanakvasi sect before transitioning to the Murtipujaka tradition. Acharya
Vijayanand Suri dedicated his life to extensive travels across Gujarat,
Rajputana, and Punjab, where he played a pivotal role in organizing and
reforming the Jain community, ascetic orders, and literature.
Born on April 6, 1837, CE (Chaitra
Shukla 1, Vikram Samvat 1893) in Lehara, Punjab, to Ganeshchandra and Rupdevi,
he belonged to a Brahmakshatriya Hindu family. His father, an army officer
under Ranjit Singh, passed away during his early childhood, and he was raised
by his mother. At the age of sixteen, he was sent to Sheth Jodhmal of Jira,
Punjab, for education in Vikram Samvat 1903. There, he studied Hindi and
arithmetic and came into contact with Sthanakvasi monks. In 1853 (VS 1910), two
influential Sthanakvasi monks initiated him into the order, bestowing upon him
the name Atmaram.
During his ascetic life, Atmaram
embarked on the study of Jain scriptures alongside his fellow monks.
Eventually, he was joined by a Yati from the Tapa Gaccha lineage. After years
of diligent study, he became convinced that the Sthanakvasi belief opposing
idol worship contradicted the scriptures. In 1876 (VS 1943), he underwent
re-initiation as a Murtipujaka monk in Ahmedabad, receiving the name
Anandvijay. The monk who initiated him, Muni Buddhivijay, also known as
Buterayji of Tapa Gaccha, had previously been a Sthanakvasi monk himself.
In 1886, during his Chaturmas (a
four-month stay during the rainy season) in Palitana, he was conferred with the
title of Acharya by the congregation. This event held great significance, as
for four centuries, no ascetic had received the title of Acharya. Acharya
Vijayanand Suri became the first Acharya in contemporary Jain history, breaking
the tradition where only Yatis were honored with this prestigious title.
Through his reforms, the influence of Yatis declined, although they still exist
in certain locations.
Acharya Vijayanand Suri undertook
extensive travels throughout Gujarat and Punjab, advocating for the opening of
Jain Bhandaras (libraries) that had remained closed to the public for years. He
ensured that these precious Jain texts were copied and examined by scholars,
bringing them into the light and fostering a sense of identity among Jains. In
1893, he received an invitation to participate in the first-ever World
Parliament of Religions held in Chicago. Since Jain monks traditionally do not
travel overseas, he sent Virchand Gandhi as his representative. Acharya
Vijayanand Suri's contributions were recognized at the Parliament, and he was
awarded a silver medal. His achievements were covered by various periodicals in
the United States. Prior to the event, he authored a book titled "The
Chicago-Prashnottar or Questions and Answers on Jainism for the Parliament of
Religions Held at Chicago USA in 1893," based on the questions posed to
him by the organizers. He played a crucial role in revitalizing the tradition
of fully initiated monks (Samvegi sadhu) and successfully convinced numerous
Sthanakvasis in Punjab to join the Murtipujaka tradition. Through his efforts,
around 15,000 individuals converted to Jainism. He also encouraged the
construction and restoration of Jain temples and provided assistance to
orientalist Rudolf Hoernlé in his Jainism studies.
Acharya Vijayanand Suri passed away
on May 20, 1896 (Jayeshtha Shukla 13, Vikram Samvat 1953) in Gujranwala, which
is now a part of Pakistan. A memorial shrine dedicated to him was erected in
Gujranwala, although it is currently utilized as a police station in the Sabzi
Mandi area. His footprints, along with the chhatri (cenotaph) over them, were
relocated to the Lahore Fort Museum.
The legacy of Acharya Vijayanand
Suri, Atmaramji of Gujranwala, reverberates through Jain history. His
contributions to Jainism, including his writings, reforms, and advocacy, have
left an indelible mark on the community. His pursuit of knowledge, dedication
to the Jain scriptures, and efforts to strengthen the Jain identity serve as an
inspiration to present and future generations.
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