Mumbai: Jains across the country on February 6 observed the first anniversary of the passing away of their spiritual leader Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj.
In Mumbai, processions carrying images of the monk marked the ‘Pratham Samadhi Smriti Mahotsav’. The monk passed away on February 18 after embracing sallekhana, also known as santhara, a religious practice in Jainism where an individual voluntarily undergoes a fast to death, gradually withdrawing from food and eventually from water. The anniversary was commemorated according to dates in the Hindu calendar.
Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, visited Dongargarh in Chhattisgarh, the Samadhi site of the saint on Thursday, to attend the festival organised by the World Jain Organization there.
During the event, a coin of ₹100 and a special envelope from the Department of Posts, and 108 footprints and pictures were released to commemorate the day. A memorial ‘Vidyayatan’ is proposed at the site.
Jains said that Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj was a scholar, a teacher, and a spiritual leader who dedicated his life to promoting the basic principles of the Jain religion – non-violence, compassion, and self-realisation. Born in Karnataka into the Digambar Jain sect, he became a monk at a young age and became an Acharya, a title of reverence given to scholars. “He was one of greatest contemporary religious leaders of the Jain community,” said Sanjay Jain, president of the Vishwa Jain Sangathan.
After his passing away in 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj’s attainment of nirvana is an irreparable loss to the nation. His invaluable efforts to awaken spirituality in people will always be remembered.
Throughout his life, he worked tirelessly to eradicate poverty, and promote health, and education in society. It has been my privilege to receive his blessings continuously. My meeting with him last year at the Chandragiri Jain Temple in Chhattisgarh will be unforgettable. I received immense affection and blessings from Acharya Ji then. His unparalleled contribution to society will continue to inspire generations to come, Modi had said.
