Gyansagar Explained

Honorific-Prefix:Acharya Shri 108
Honorific-Suffix:Ji Maharaj
Religion:Jainism
Sect:Digambara
Birth Name:Bhooramal Chhabda
Birth Date:1891
Birth Place:Ranoli, Sikar Rajasthan
Death Date:1973
Death Place:Nasirabad, Ajmer Rajasthan
Father:Chaturbhuj
Mother:Ghritbhari Devi
Initiation Rank:Muni
Initiation Date:1959
Initiation Place:Khaniya ji, Jaipur
Initiator:Acharya Shivsagar
Initiation Rank2:Kshullak
Initiation Name2:Gyanbhushan
Initiator2:Acharya Veersagar
Initiated Label:Ascetics initiated
Initiated:Acharya Vidyasagar
Predecessor:Acharya Shivsagar
Successor:Acharya Vidyasagar

Acharya Jnansagar or Gyansagar (1891–1973) was a Digambara Jain Acharya of 20th century who composed many Sanskrit epics. He initiated Acharya Vidyasagar in 1968 as a monk and 1972 as an Acharya.[1]

Biography

He was born in 1891 as Bhooramal Chhabra (Hindi: भूरामल छाबड़ा). His father was named Chaturbhuj Chhabra and mother Ghritbhari Devi. He was second of five brothers (Chhaganlal being the eldest and Gangaprasad, Gaurilal and Devilal being the younger brothers).

After completing primary studies in his village, he further studied Sanskrit and Jain philosophy in Banaras at the famous Syadvad Mahavidyalaya founded by Ganeshprasad Varni. He was initiated a kshullak (Junior monk) by Acharya Veersagar who belonged to the lineage of Acharya Shantisagar. He was then named kshullak Gyanbhusan. He remained a kshullak for 2 years and 2 more years as Ailak before becoming a Muni (full monk)

.

He was initiated a monk by Acharya Shivsagar who also belonged to the lineage of Acharya Shantisagar, in Khaniya ji, Jaipur in 1959. He was further elevated to the Acharya status on 7 February 1969 at Naseerabad, Rajasthan by Naseerabad Jain samaj.

Works

As an expert in Sanskrit, he had been a great composer in Sanskrit. At least 30 researchers have studied his works and were honored doctoral degrees. At least 300 scholars have presented research papers on his work.
His works includes 4 Sanskrit epics and 3 more Jain texts and that too in the time when the Sanskrit composition was almost obsolete. These creations have always surprised the modern Sanskrit scholars.[2]

Stamp

An official Government of India stamp in his memory was issues by minister Sachin Pilot on September 10, 2013, at Kishangarh Rajasthan.[3] [4] He thus became the first Digambar Jain Acharya to have a stamp released in his memory.

Tradition

He belongs to the tradition established by Acharya Shantisagar:

  1. Acharya Shantisagar
  2. Acharya Virsagar
  3. Acharya Shivsagar
  4. Acharya Gyansagar
  5. Acharya Vidyasagar

Notes and References

  1. http://www.bhaskar.com/news/c-58-3193036-bp0851-NOR.html इस संत के जीवत रहते स्टूडेंट कर रहे हैं इन पर PHD, जानें क्या है इनकी खूबी Dainik Bhaskar, Oct 17, 2016
  2. http://in.jagran.yahoo.com/news/local/jharkhand/4_8_4511099_1.html Yahoo
  3. http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/postage-stamp-on-acharya-gyansagar-released-113091001159_1.html Postage stamp on Acharya Gyansagar released, Press Trust of India, Ajmer, September 10, 2013
  4. http://www.liveaaryaavart.com/2013/09/Stamp-issue-Aachary-GYANSAGAR-JI-MAHARAJ.html प्रथम दिगम्बर जैन संत जिन पर हुआ डाकटिकिट जारी Edited By Rajneesh K Jha on बुधवार, 11 सितंबर 2013