Renowned Jain seer Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj passed away at 2:35 am on Sunday after voluntarily fasting to death. He had been unwell for several days and had been staying in Dongargarh’s Chandragiri, Chhattisgarh for almost six months.
He undertook ‘sallekhna’, a Jain practice involving voluntary fasting until death, under his spiritual mentor’s guidance. He had stopped his intake of food and liquids as part of this practice.
During the final moments of sallekhna, several prominent individuals, including Ashok Patni from R.K. Marbles, Kishangarh, Raja Bhai Suraat, Prabhat Ji from Mumbai, Atul Shah from Pune, Vinod Badjatya from Raipur, and Kishor Ji from Dongargarh, were present.
What is Sallekhna that Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj undertook?
Sallekhna is a Jain practice where someone chooses to stop eating and live simply, especially when they are nearing the end of their life. They do this to have a peaceful passing and reach spiritual freedom. During this time, they stay quiet and think about spiritual things, getting ready for their journey. Sallekhna is a very personal and special practice in Jainism.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also visited Dongargarh during his Chhattisgarh tour and sought the blessings of Jain monk Vidyasagar Maharaj.
Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj was revered as a living god. He has displayed extraordinary intelligence since childhood, with Kannada as his mother tongue. His interest shifted from secular studies to spiritual pursuits early on, influenced by the discourses of Acharya Shri Shantisagar Ji. At age 12, he underwent an initiation ceremony in the presence of Acharya Shri Deshbhushan Ji.
At 20, in July 1966, he renounced worldly life and accepted lifelong celibacy under Acharya Shri Deshmukh Ji in Jaipur, Rajasthan. He undertook various spiritual pilgrimages and was initiated into the Digambari Diksha on June 30, 1968, in Ajmer by Acharya Shri Gnyanasagar Ji.
His family also embraced the path of spirituality. His mother achieved the Aryika Vrat, his father accepted the Muni Vrat, and his siblings also followed his path. Under his guidance, the Virat Sangh flourished, with many individuals from affluent families accepting lifelong celibacy.
Inspired by his desire for the welfare of all living beings, Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj blessed and inspired various philanthropic activities, including the operation of cow shelters, medical initiatives, and educational institutions throughout India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, calling Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj’s demise an “irreparable loss” for the country.
His life and teachings continue to inspire many, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew him.
Please visit Kazirangatimes home page for more updates!
