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{{Short description|Spiritual leader, Author, and Scholar of Jainism}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=March 2019}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Rakesh Jhaveri
| image = Pujya-Gurudevshri-Rakeshji.jpg
| caption =
| birthname =
| other_names = Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshbhai
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1966|9|26}}
| birth_place = [[Mumbai]], [[Maharashtra]], India
| nationality = Indian
| mother = Rekha Jhaveri
| father = Dilip Jhaveri
| website = {{URL|http://www.srmd.org/}}
| organisation = Shrimad Rajchandra Mission, [[Dharampur, Gujarat|Dharampur]]
| education = [[Master of Arts|MA]], PhD
| alma_mater = [[Osmania University]], [[University of Mumbai]]
}}
'''Rakesh Jhaveri''', also known as '''Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshbhai''' and '''Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji''',{{efn-ua|Pujya Gurudevshri, Bhai, and ji are honorifics. He is credited in his books by this name. He is also addressed as Bapaji or Sahebji by his followers.}} (born 26 September 1966) is a spiritual leader, mystic, scholar of [[Jainism]], author and orator from India. Spiritually inclined from a young age, he is a follower of [[Shrimad Rajchandra]], a Jain spiritual teacher. He completed doctoral studies on Shrimad's work ''[[Atma Siddhi|Atmasiddhi]]''. He founded Shrimad Rajchandra Mission, [[Dharampur, Gujarat|Dharampur]] which supports spiritual and social activities.

==Early life==
Rakesh Jhaveri was born in [[Mumbai]], India on 26 September 1966 to Dilip and Rekha Jhaveri, who followed the [[Śvētāmbara|Shwetambara]] [[Murtipujaka]] tradition of Jainism.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=https://www.religionworld.in/jain-saint-rakesh-bhai-the-true-successor-of-shrimad-rajchandraji/|title=Jain Saint Rakeshbhai Jhaveri: The True Successor of Shrimad Rajchandraji|author=Shweta|website=Religion World|publisher=ReligionWorld.in|access-date=7 June 2018}}</ref> In 1968, Sahaj Anandji, a monk from [[Rajasthan]] who had established Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram at [[Hampi]], was at [[Palitana]]. Rakesh's parents were influenced by Sahaj Anandji who died in 1970 and was succeeded by Mataji.{{sfn|Salter|2002|pp=101-102}}

In 1972, Rakesh began his academic studies at Activity High School in Mumbai. From an early age, he was spiritually inclined. From the age of four he began speaking on [[Jain philosophy]]. He first encountered Shrimad Rajchandra when a copy of {{transliteration|gu|Shrimad Rajchandra Vachanamrit}} fell and he saw the photograph of [[Shrimad Rajchandra]]. He recounted that he went into deep meditation for 72 hours after this incident, which led to {{transliteration|sa|IAST|jāti smaraṇa gnān}} (recounting of previous lives).{{sfn|Salter|2002|p=104}}

In 1978, Rakesh visited Hampi and stayed for eighteen months.{{sfn|Salter|2002|p=103}} A ''[[satsang]]-mandal'' (devotional group) was formed by 1978 and some followers had already started to call him [[guru]] by 1980.{{sfn|Salter|2002|p=105}} During his visit to his aunt in [[Jaipur]], he decided to devote rest of his life to spiritual activities.{{sfn|Salter|2002|p=105}} In 1983, he visited Hampi again and stayed there for two years. There he was nominated as Mataji's successor.{{sfn|Salter|2002|p=103}} In 1985, he returned to Mumbai upon his parents' request and started studying religious texts, practicing [[yoga]] and learning [[Indian classical music]]. He observed silence for twelve hours a day and traveled extensively between 1985 and 1990.{{sfn|Salter|2002|pp=106-107}}<ref name="TIO2013" /> During this period, the number of followers around him continued to grow.{{sfn|Salter|2002|p=106}} During his holidays in [[Nepal]], he decided to pursue the college studies.{{sfn|Salter|2002|pp=106-107}}

He completed [[Bachelor of Arts|B. A.]] from [[Osmania University]], [[Hyderabad]], in 1988.<ref name=":0"/> In 1989, he visited [[Antwerp]] for his father's treatment where his discourses were attended by increasing number of followers.{{sfn|Salter|2002|p=107}} He completed [[Master of Arts|M. A.]] in Philosophy in 1991 from the [[University of Mumbai]].<ref name="TIO2013" /> He started his doctoral studies on ''[[Atmasiddhi]]'', a spiritual work composed by Shrimad Rajchandra, in January 1994 under Ramanlal Shah. He was awarded PhD on 2 December 1998 by the University of Mumbai.{{sfn|Salter|2002|pp=107-108}}<ref name="TIO2013">{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/MBAs-doctors-engineers-surrender-soul-to-service-and-prayers/articleshow/18313508.cms?referral=PM|title=MBAs, doctors, engineers surrender soul to service and prayers|last=Chhapia|first=Hemali|date=February 2013|newspaper=Times of India|access-date=2014-02-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160714095854/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/MBAs-doctors-engineers-surrender-soul-to-service-and-prayers/articleshow/18313508.cms?referral=PM|archive-date=2016-07-14|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> He had vowed not to give a public discourse until his PhD was completed. He gave his first public discourse in [[Rajkot]] on 13 April 2001.{{sfn|Salter|2002|pp=107-108}}

==Spiritual works==

[[File:Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur Ashram.jpg|thumb|Ashram building at Dharampur]]
[[File:Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur Spiritual Activity.jpg|thumb|Rakeshbhai delivering discourse in Dharampur]]
Rakesh Jhaveri, known as Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji established Shrimad Rajchandra Adhyatmik Satsang Sadhana Kendra in 1994 to organise his followers which was later succeeded by the Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur. On 13 May 1999, the construction of an [[ashram]] spread across {{convert|223| acre|ha}} at Dharampur was started{{sfn|Salter|2002|p=98}}<ref name=":0" /> and was opened in April 2001. The ashram is located on the hillock of Mohangadh which was an estate of the last ruler of the erstwhile [[Dharampur State]].{{sfn|Salter|2002|p=99}} In 2002, he started initiating followers, {{transliteration|gu|Atmarpit}}s, who give up worldly possessions and commit to [[celibacy]].<ref name="TIO2013" /> He gives the series of discourses to his followers at the ashram throughout the year. He gives discourses in Mumbai once a month on {{transliteration|gu|Shrimad Rajchandra Vachanamrit}}, a compilation of Shrimad Rajchandra's letters, personal diaries and transcriptions of his spiritual discourses.{{sfn|Salter|2002|pp=98-100}}{{sfn|Salter|2002|p=247}} He also prescribes an annual scriptural study schedule to his followers.{{sfn|Salter|2002|p=251}}

He established [[Shrimad rajchandra love and care|Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care]] (SRLC); a [[non-governmental organisation]] that provides medical, educational and humanitarian services; in 2003.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailyrecord.com/story/news/2017/07/30/indian-charity-comes-parsippany-heads-back/104089864/|title=Indian charity comes to Parsippany and heads back|last1=Reilly|first1=Erin|date=30 July 2017|access-date=23 August 2017|publisher=USA Today|agency=The Daily Record}}</ref> The NGO received a special consultative status with the [[United Nations Economic and Social Council]] in 2020 due to its projects that work towards the UN [[Sustainable Development Goals]].<ref>{{cite web |title=South Gujarat NGO Gets Special Consultative Status from the UN |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/surat/south-gujarat-ngo-gets-consultative-status-from-un/articleshow/79498383.cms |website=Times of India |publisher=Times of India |access-date=2 July 2021}}</ref>

In November 2016, the Mission produced a play, ''[[Yugpurush (play)|Yugpurush: Mahatma na Mahatma]]'' depicting spiritual relationship between Shrimad Rajchandra and [[Mahatma Gandhi]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Yugpurush: An Inspirational Story of Shrimad Rajchandraji|url=http://www.shrimadrajchandramission.org/asp/download_file.asp?fn=press-yugpurush-mahatma-na-mahatma-janmabhoomi-14th-nov-2016.pdf&fpath=../grace/news/press_articles/images|website=Janmabhoomi|publisher=Janmabhoomi|access-date=18 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161118100930/http://www.shrimadrajchandramission.org/asp/download_file.asp?fn=press-yugpurush-mahatma-na-mahatma-janmabhoomi-14th-nov-2016.pdf&fpath=..%2Fgrace%2Fnews%2Fpress_articles%2Fimages|archive-date=2016-11-18|url-status=live}}</ref> The Mission opened a science college in Dharampur, Shrimad Rajchandra Vidyapeeth, the same month.<ref>{{cite web|title=Gujarat CM inaugurates Science College at Shrimad Rajchandra Vidyapith in Dharampur|url=http://cmogujarat.gov.in/en/gujarat-cm-inaugurates-science-college-shrimad-rajchandra-vidyapith-dharampur/|website=CMO Gujarat|publisher=CMO Gujarat|access-date=16 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161116231540/http://cmogujarat.gov.in/en/gujarat-cm-inaugurates-science-college-shrimad-rajchandra-vidyapith-dharampur/|archive-date=2016-11-16|url-status=live}}</ref> In November 2017, the 34-feet tall statue of Shrimad Rajchandra was unveiled at the ashram.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/34-feet-statue-of-mahatmas-mentor-unveiled-in-valsad-4921845/|title=34-feet statue of 'Mahatma's mentor' unveiled in Valsad|last1=Das|first1=Preeti|date=4 November 2017|access-date=7 June 2018|newspaper=The Indian Express|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612140055/http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/34-feet-statue-of-mahatmas-mentor-unveiled-in-valsad-4921845/|archive-date=2018-06-12|url-status=live}}</ref> By 2017, the Mission had 102 Satsang centres, 39 Youth Group Centres and 227 Divine Touch Centres worldwide.<ref name=":1">{{cite news|url=http://www.indiawest.com/news/global_indian/modi-releases-commemorative-coins-on-th-birth-anniversary-of-shrimad/article_1170bd9e-6763-11e7-9eee-571ca9ab2522.html|title=Modi Releases Commemorative Coins on 150th Birth Anniversary of Shrimad Rajchandra, Mahatma Gandhi's Spiritual Guide|date=14 July 2017|access-date=6 June 2018|publisher=India West|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705030616/http://www.indiawest.com/news/global_indian/modi-releases-commemorative-coins-on-th-birth-anniversary-of-shrimad/article_1170bd9e-6763-11e7-9eee-571ca9ab2522.html|archive-date=2018-07-05|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2019, the Mission and the [[Sangeet Natak Akademi]] co-produced a play ''Bharat Bhagya Vidhata'' focused on how Mahatma Gandhi cultivated the values of truth and non-violence.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pandit |first1=Unnati |title=Bharat Bhagya Vidhata' captivates the audience |url=https://thelivenagpur.com/2019/03/05/bharat-bhagya-vidhata-captivates-the-audience/ |access-date=15 May 2019 |agency=The Live Nagpur |publisher=The Live Nagpur |date=Mar 5, 2019}}</ref> The Mission gifted statue of Mahatma Gandhi to the city of Manchester to serve as a "symbol of love and compassion" following the 2017 [[Manchester Arena bombing]]. It was unveiled in November 2019.<ref>{{cite news |title=Manchester Mahatma Gandhi statue unveiled |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-manchester-50550085 |access-date=16 December 2019 |agency=BBC |publisher=BBC |date=25 Nov 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Maidment |first1=Adam |title=All-singing, all-dancing ceremony as Manchester's Mahatma Gandhi statue unveiled |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/mahatma-gandhi-statue-manchester-cathedral-17309551 |access-date=16 December 2019 |agency=Manchester Evening News |issue=25 Nov 2019 |publisher=M.E.N. Media |date=25 Nov 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Mudgal |first1=Sparsh |title=A 9-Ft High Statue Of Mahatma Gandhi Unveiled In Manchester UK As Symbol Of Strength & Unity |url=https://www.scoopwhoop.com/news/mahatma-gandhi-bronze-statue-unveiled-in-manchester-uk-as-symbol-of-strength-unity/ |website=ScoopWhoop |publisher=ScoopWhoop Media Pvt. Ltd. |access-date=16 December 2019}}</ref> On April 25, 2021, [[Shrimad Rajchandra Hospital]] established a 150-bed COVID Care Centre in Dharampur during [[COVID-19 pandemic in India]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Louis |first1=Nathan |title=Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur raises £150,000 for India Covid hospital |url=https://www.harrowtimes.co.uk/watfordnews/19283335.shrimad-rajchandra-mission-dharampur-raises-150-000-india-covid-hospital/ |access-date=23 May 2021 |date=6 May 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=150-bed Covid care centre inaugurated near Dharampur http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/82557491.cms |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/surat/150-bed-covid-care-centre-inaugurated-near-dharampur/articleshow/82557491.cms |website=Times of India |publisher=Times of India |access-date=23 May 2021}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Though he follows several principles of [[Jain monasticism]], such as observing ''[[mahavrata]]''s (major vows), he does not consider himself a monk. He resides with his followers at the ashram in Dharampur and with his family when in Mumbai.<ref name=TIO2013/>

==Recognition==
He was awarded the Gandhi Seva Medal by the [[Gandhi Global Family]], an NGO, in 2017.<ref>{{cite web|title=Gandhi Global Family awards the prestigious ''Gandhi Seva Medal'' to Pujya Gurudevshri|url=http://www.shrimadrajchandramission.org/webcast/wbcst_View.aspx?audioVideoFlag=V&satId=3930&ProdVariantId=16968&catId=367|website=Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur|publisher=Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur|access-date=9 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110005122/http://www.shrimadrajchandramission.org/webcast/wbcst_View.aspx?audioVideoFlag=V&satId=3930&ProdVariantId=16968&catId=367|archive-date=2017-11-10|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Bibliography==
* 2011 – ''A Life Worth Living - Inspiring seekers to lead a Meaningful life '', 187 pp. {{ISBN|978-93-84405-47-2}}
* 2011 – ''Embark on the Inner Journey: Transformation through introspection '', 217 pp. {{ISBN|978-93-84405-22-9}}
* 2012 – ''The Path Enlightened - Discovering the essence of religion'', 179 pp. {{ISBN|978-93-84405-32-8}}
* 2012 – ''Seek Thy Eternal Self'', 179 pp. {{ISBN|978-93-84405-19-9}}
* 2013 – ''Bliss Within - Shattering the illusion of false happiness, to attain true joy '', 210 pp. {{ISBN|978-93-84405-48-9}}
* 2013 – ''Time to Awaken - "Guidance for bringing an end to transmigration and accelerating the journey to liberation'', 219 pp. {{ISBN|978-93-84405-60-1}}
* 2014 – ''Shrimad Rajchandra - Saga of Spirituality'', 275 pp. {{ISBN|978-81-929141-1-4}}
* 2015 – ''A Divine Union'', 162 pp. {{ISBN|978-93-84405-65-6}}
* 2016 – ''Sadguru Insights: 50 Enlightening Lessons from the Master'', 208 pp. {{ISBN|978-93-84405-67-0}}
* 2016 – ''Sadguru Communion'', 117 pp. {{ISBN|978-93-84405-73-1}}
* 2016 – ''Sadguru Nuggets'', 135 pp. {{ISBN|978-93-84405-68-7}}
* 2016 – ''Sadguru Alerts - 50 Insightful Questions from the Master'', 64 pp. {{ISBN|978-93-84405-74-8}}
* 2019 – ''Sadguru Capsules - Weekly Profound Contemplations from the Master'', 119 pp. {{ISBN|978-93-84405-77-9}}
* 2021 - ''Atmasiddhi Shastra: Six Spiritual Truths of the Soul (Concise & Complete Commentary)'', 568 pp. {{ISBN|978-93-54894-03-9}}

== Notes and references ==
{{commons category}}

=== Notes ===
{{notelist-ua}}

===References===
{{Reflist}}

===Bibliography===
* {{cite thesis |url=http://eprints.hud.ac.uk/id/eprint/9211/|title=Raj Bhakta Marg: the path of devotion to Srimad Rajcandra. A Jain community in the twenty first century|last=Salter|first=Emma|date=September 2002 |type= Doctoral thesis |institution= University of Wales |access-date=2018-09-21|via=University of Huddersfield Repository|pages=98–108, 247, 251}}

==External links==
*[http://www.shrimadrajchandramission.org/ Shrimad Rajchandra Mission]

{{Jain Gurus|state=collapsed}}
{{Jainism Topics|state=collapsed}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Jhaveri, Rakesh}}
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:1966 births]]
[[Category:Writers from Mumbai]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian Jains]]
[[Category:Gujarati-language writers]]
[[Category:Indian religious leaders]]
[[Category:University of Mumbai alumni]]
[[Category:Osmania University alumni]]
[[Category:Jain reformers]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian Jains]]
[[Category:People from Mumbai]]
[[Category:Gujarati people]]

Rakesh Jhaveri - Revision history

Giispune: Updated formatting and improved readability

Ajay Kumar: Created a new article