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{{short description|Indian Jain monk}}
{{Short description|Indian Jain monk (1946–2024)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2013}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2013}}
{{Infobox religious biography
{{Infobox religious biography
| honorific-prefix = ''Sant Shiromani Acharya Shri'' 108
| honorific-prefix   = [[Acharya]]
| name = Vidyasagar
| name               = Vidyasagar
| honorific-suffix = ''Ji Maharaj''
| honorific-suffix   =  
| image = Acharya5 (cropped).jpg
| image             = 0521 acaaraya.jpg
| alt = VIDHYADHAR
| alt               =  
| caption = Acharya Shri Vidyasagar Ji a prominent ''[[Digambara monk]]''
| caption           =  
| religion = [[Jainism]]
| religion           = [[Jainism]]
| sect = ''[[Digambara]]''
| sect               = [[Digambara]]
| birth_name = Vidyadhar
| birth_name         = Vidyadhar
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1946|10|10|df=y}}
| birth_date         = {{birth date|1946|10|10|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Sadalga]], [[Belgaum district]], [[Karnataka]]
| birth_place       = [[Sadalga]], [[Belgaum district]], Mysuru State, British India
| father = Mallappa (name after diksha-Mallinath ji)
| death_date        = {{death date and age|2024|02|18|1946|10|10|df=y}}
| mother = Shrimanti(name after diksha-Samaymati Ji)
| death_place        = [[Dongargarh|Chandragiri]], [[Rajnandgaon district]], [[Chhattisgarh]], India
| initiation_date = 30 June 1968
| resting_place      = Chandragiri, [[Dongargarh]], India
| initiation_place = [[Ajmer]]
| father             = Mallappa
| initiator = ''Acharya'' [[Gyansagar]]
| mother             = Shrimanti
| predecessor = ''muni"[[Gyansagar]]
| initiation_date   = 30 June 1968
| disciples = [[Pramansagar]], [[Sudhasagar]], [[Kshamasagar]], [[Guptisagar]]
| initiation_place   = [[Ajmer]]
| works = ''Mukamati'' (silent soil)
| initiator         = ''Acharya'' [[Gyansagar]]
| website = {{URL|https://vidyasagar.guru}}
| predecessor       = ''Muni'' [[Gyansagar]]
| successor          = ''Muni'' [[Samaysagar]]
| disciples          = Pramansagar, Sudhasagar, [[Kshamasagar]], Guptisagar
| works             = ''Mukamati'' (silent soil)
| website           = {{URL|https://vidyasagar.guru}}
}}
}}
{{Jainism}}
{{Jainism}}
'''Acharya Shri Vidyasagarji Maharaj''' (born 10 October 1946) is one of the best-known ''[[Digambara]]'' Jain ''[[Acharya (Jainism)|Acharya]]'' (Digambar Jain Monk) in present time. He is recognized both for his scholarship and ''[[tapasya]]'' (austerity). He is known for his long hours in meditation. While he was born in Karnataka and took ''[[diksha]]'' (undertook spiritual discipline) in [[Rajasthan]], he generally spends much of his time in the [[Bundelkhand]] region where he is credited with having brought about a revival in educational and religious activities.<ref>{{citation |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/religion/story/20021125-aggressive-movement-to-revive-jainism-sweeps-central-india-794269-2002-11-25 |title=Aggressive movement to revive Jainism sweeps central India |first=Neeraj |last=Mishra |work=[[India Today]] |date=25 November 2002 |access-date=24 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180925025751/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/religion/story/20021125-aggressive-movement-to-revive-jainism-sweeps-central-india-794269-2002-11-25 |archive-date=25 September 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> He has written [[haiku]] poems and the epic Hindi poem "Mukamati".


==Life==
'''Acharya Vidyasagar''' (10 October 1946 – 18 February 2024) was an influential Indian [[Digambara|Digambara Jain]] [[Acharya (Jainism)|''acharya'']] (monk), credited with having brought about a revival in educational and religious activities in Digambara Jainism.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/religion/story/20021125-aggressive-movement-to-revive-jainism-sweeps-central-india-794269-2002-11-25 |title=Aggressive movement to revive Jainism sweeps central India |first=Neeraj |last=Mishra |newspaper=[[India Today]] |date=25 November 2002 |access-date=24 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180925025751/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/religion/story/20021125-aggressive-movement-to-revive-jainism-sweeps-central-india-794269-2002-11-25 |archive-date=25 September 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> He wrote the epic Hindi poem ''Mukamati''.
===Early life===


Vidyasagar was born on 10 October 1946 during the full moon festival (''[[Sharad Purnima]]'') in [[Sadalga]], in the [[Belgaum district]], of [[Karnataka]].
==Early life==
Vidyasagar was born on 10 October 1946 during the full moon festival (''[[Sharad Purnima]]'') in [[Sadalga]], in the [[Belgaum district]], of [[Karnataka]] in a [[Kannada]]-speaking [[Jain]] family. The modest house where he was born, is now a temple and a museum.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.bhaskar.com/local/mp/news/report-from-the-village-of-acharya-vidyasagar-129038807.html |title=कर्नाटक में जहां बचपन बिताया वह घर अब म्यूजियम, पुनीत जैन, Dainik Bhaskar, Oct 20, 2021 |access-date=26 November 2021 |archive-date=26 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211126064202/https://www.bhaskar.com/local/mp/news/report-from-the-village-of-acharya-vidyasagar-129038807.html |url-status=live }}</ref>


His childhood name was Vidyadhar.{{sfn|Kshamasagar|2007|p=23, 35}} He was the second of four sons, the eldest son being Mahavira Ashtage.{{sfn|Kshamasagar|2007|p=34-35}} As a child, he was fond of eating fresh butter which was used to make [[ghee]] (clarified butter).{{sfn|Kshamasagar|2007|p=37}} He was not a demanding child and accepted what was given to him.{{sfn|Kshamasagar|2007|p=40}} Vidyadhar used to visit temples and teach his younger siblings the principles of religion.{{sfn|Kshamasagar|2007|p=41-42}} He called both younger sisters ''"Akka"'' (elder sister). He was attentive and was eager to undertake his studies. In his spare time he used to paint.{{sfn|Kshamasagar|2007|p=42}}
His childhood name was Vidyadhar.{{sfn|Kshamasagar|2007|p=23, 35}} He was the second of four sons, the eldest son being Mahavira Ashtage and the younger ones Anantanath and Shantinath.{{sfn|Kshamasagar|2007|p=34-35}} As a child, he was fond of eating fresh butter which was used to make [[ghee]] (clarified butter).{{sfn|Kshamasagar|2007|p=37}} He was not a demanding child and accepted what was given to him.{{sfn|Kshamasagar|2007|p=40}} Vidyadhar used to visit temples and teach his younger siblings the principles of religion.{{sfn|Kshamasagar|2007|p=41-42}} He called both younger sisters ''"Akka"'' (elder sister). He was attentive and was eager to undertake his studies. In his spare time he used to paint.{{sfn|Kshamasagar|2007|p=42}}


===Initiation===
== Initiation ==
He was initiated as a ''[[Digambara monk]]'' in 1968 at the age of 22 by Acharya [[Gyansagar]], who belonged to the lineage of Acharya [[Shantisagar]], at [[Ajmer]].{{sfn|Kshamasagar|2007|p=28}} His father Mallappa, his mother Shrimati, and two sisters took ''diksha'' and joined the ''[[sangha (Jainism)|sangha]]'' (community of the pious) of Acharya Dharmasagar.{{sfn|Gita Jain|1978|pp=8-14}} Except for his eldest brother, his remaining brothers, Anantanath and Shantinath, followed him and were initiated by Acharya Vidyasagar as Muni Yogasagar and Muni Samaysagar respectively.{{sfn|Kshamasagar|2007|p=73}} His elder brother married and continued the blood line.<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.patrika.com/news/jabalpur/when-acharya-vidyasagar-had-secretly-listen-to-vinoba-bhave-1317790 |title=जब छिपकर विनोबा भावे को सुनने गए थे आचार्यश्री विद्यासागर |work=Patrika |date=8 June 2016 |access-date=18 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180514142120/https://www.patrika.com/news/jabalpur/when-acharya-vidyasagar-had-secretly-listen-to-vinoba-bhave-1317790/ |archive-date=14 May 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>
Vidyasagar was initiated as a ''[[Digambara monk]]'' in 1968 at the age of 22 by Acharya [[Gyansagar|Acharya Gyanasagar]], who belonged to the lineage of [[Shantisagar|Acharya Shantisagar]], at [[Ajmer]].{{sfn|Kshamasagar|2007|p=28}} His father Mallappa, his mother Shrimati, and two sisters took ''[[diksha]]'' and joined the ''[[sangha (Jainism)|sangha]]'' (community of the pious) of Acharya Dharmasagar.{{sfn|Gita Jain|1978|pp=8-14}} All of his brothers, Anantanath, Shantinath and Mahavir Ashtage followed him and were initiated by Acharya Vidyasagar as Muni Yog Sagar. Muni Samay Sagar, and Muni Utkrasht Sagar respectively.{{sfn|Kshamasagar|2007|p=73}}


He was elevated to the ''Acharya'' status in 1972.{{sfn|Natubhai Shah|1998|pp=56–57}} An Acharya does not eat salt, sugar, fruits, milk, in addition to what is traditionally prohibited (like onions). He goes out for a meal at about 9:30&nbsp;a.m.–10:00&nbsp;a.m. from ''[[Śrāvaka (Jainism)|Śrāvakas]]'' (lay votaries). He takes food once a day in the palm of his hand, one morsel at a time.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.patrika.com/news/damoh/amazing-rules-and-rituals-of-acharya-shri-vidhyasagar-ki-aharchariya-1315343/ |title=आचार्यश्री के आहारचर्या के लिए सजती हैं चौकियां, जानें किन चीजों को देख छोड़ देते हैं खाना, Patrika, 2016-06-05 |access-date=27 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170327235123/http://www.patrika.com/news/damoh/amazing-rules-and-rituals-of-acharya-shri-vidhyasagar-ki-aharchariya-1315343/ |archive-date=27 March 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>
He was elevated to the ''Acharya'' status in 1972.{{sfn|Natubhai Shah|1998|pp=56–57}}


In 1999, then Prime Minister [[Atal Bihari Vajpayee]] paid a visit to Acharya Ji during his visit to <!--[http://www.indorerocks.com/attractions/attraction/Gomatgiri/10028---> Gomatgiri Indore.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.vidyasagar.net/shri-atal-bihari-vaypayee-ji-had-visited-acharyashree-in-gomtagiri-indore/|title=Video : सन् 1999 में श्री अटल बिहारी वायपेयी जी ने गोम्मटगिरि इंदौर में आचार्यश्री के दर्शन किए थे|work=Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj {{!}} Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj Pravachan {{!}} Jain Religion in Hindi|language=en-US|access-date=2019-05-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190503090356/http://www.vidyasagar.net/shri-atal-bihari-vaypayee-ji-had-visited-acharyashree-in-gomtagiri-indore/|archive-date=3 May 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
== Ascetic life ==
Acharya Vidyasagar made very strict rules for his ascetic life. He never drank milk. He also did not consume curd, green vegetables, ghee and dry fruits. He also drank water only once a day by filling it with his palm and finger. He used to eat very limited quantity of plain dal and roti. He travelled across the country barefoot.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ascetic Life |url=https://www.bhaskar.com/jeevan-mantra/dharm/news/acharyashri-vidyasagar-of-digambara-muni-tradition-took-samadhi-mahasamadhi-of-jain-saint-vidyasagar-ji-132603545.html}}</ref>


[[File:Jain_inscription_Vidyasagar.jpg|thumb|alt= Photograph showing the inscription on a Parshvanath idol | Inscription on a Parshvanath idol at Orchha mentioning the lineage of Acharya Vidyasagar from Acharya Shantisagar. He is termed ''anasakta yogi'', ''jyeshtha'', ''shreshtha'', ''sant shiromani'']]
The Acharya did not eat salt, sugar, fruits, milk, oil, ghee, in addition to what is traditionally prohibited (root vegetable and Panchudambar fal). He went out for a meal at about 9:30&nbsp;a.m.–10:00&nbsp;a.m. from ''[[Śrāvaka (Jainism)|Śrāvakas]]'' (lay votaries). He took food once a day in the palm of his hand, one morsel at a time.<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 August 2014 |title=आचार्यश्री के आहारचर्या के लिए सजती हैं चौकियां, जानें किन चीजों को देख छोड़ देते हैं खाना, Patrika, 2016-06-05 |url=http://www.patrika.com/news/damoh/amazing-rules-and-rituals-of-acharya-shri-vidhyasagar-ki-aharchariya-1315343/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170327235123/http://www.patrika.com/news/damoh/amazing-rules-and-rituals-of-acharya-shri-vidhyasagar-ki-aharchariya-1315343/ |archive-date=27 March 2017 |access-date=27 March 2017}}</ref>
 
Vidyasagar slept on the floor or a wooden platform without any mattress or pillow. As a Digambar monk, for  discourses he was provided a raised wooden seat without any padding.{{cn|date=February 2024}}
 
==Public activities==


Acharya Vidyasagar's ''[[Chaturmas]]'' (four-month stay) in 2016 was in [[Bhopal]], [[Madhya Pradesh]],<ref>{{citation |url=http://naidunia.jagran.com/madhya-pradesh/bhopal-acharya-vidyasagar-thief-arrested-four-female-chef-program-seized-seven-gold-chain-786987 |title=आचार्य विद्यासागर महाराज के प्रोग्राम में चार महिला चोर गिरफ्तार, सात सोने की चैन जप्त |work=[[Nai Duniya]] |date=27 July 2016 |access-date=31 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160728165237/http://naidunia.jagran.com/madhya-pradesh/bhopal-acharya-vidyasagar-thief-arrested-four-female-chef-program-seized-seven-gold-chain-786987 |archive-date=28 July 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> where he was accompanied by 38 ''munis''.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3kd0xm2NMXhUFc5YnZydWVyNFk/view |title=Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj Sangh Parichaya book 2016.pdf |access-date=28 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170413235707/https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3kd0xm2NMXhUFc5YnZydWVyNFk/view |archive-date=13 April 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> He gave his ''[[Pravachana]]'' (reading) in the [[Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly]] by special invitation from [[Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh|Chief Minister]] [[Shivraj Singh Chouhan]] on 28 July 2016.<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.patrika.com/news/bhopal/jain-saint-vidya-sagar-to-give-spiritual-speech-in-mp-assembly-1360946 |title=देश के इतिहास को बनाए रखने के लिए पक्ष-विपक्ष साथ काम करें: आचार्यश्री |work=[[Rajasthan Patrika]] |date=28 July 2016 |access-date=31 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803205001/http://www.patrika.com/news/bhopal/jain-saint-vidya-sagar-to-give-spiritual-speech-in-mp-assembly-1360946/ |archive-date=3 August 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{citation |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.in/2016/08/29/when-another-jain-monk-addressed-a-state-legislative-assembly-an |title=When Another Jain Monk Addressed A State Legislative Assembly And There Was No Controversy |work=[[The Huffington Post]] |date=29 August 2016 |access-date=31 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160830162242/http://www.huffingtonpost.in/2016/08/29/when-another-jain-monk-addressed-a-state-legislative-assembly-an/ |archive-date=30 August 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2016, during a trip to Bhopal, Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] visited him.<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/bhopal/why-is-modi-keen-to-meet-acharya-vidyasagar/story-3ZbjQ5aVjnSy3NfrVQhUdK.html |title=Why is Modi keen to meet Acharya Vidyasagar? |last=Ranjan |location=[[Bhopal]] |date=14 October 2016 |access-date=17 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161017172340/http://www.hindustantimes.com/bhopal/why-is-modi-keen-to-meet-acharya-vidyasagar/story-3ZbjQ5aVjnSy3NfrVQhUdK.html |archive-date=17 October 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> He was also visited by former Union minister [[Jyotiraditya Scindia]] from the opposing Congress Party, now in BJP.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/scindia-makes-up-his-mind-to-lead-congress-in-state/941057 |title=Scindia makes up his mind to lead Congress in state, Sep 29, 2016 |access-date=28 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161028084044/http://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/scindia-makes-up-his-mind-to-lead-congress-in-state/941057 |archive-date=28 October 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Travels ===
[[File:Maharajji_1.jpg|thumb|alt= Picture of Acharya Vidyasagar leading his ''sangha'' |Acharya Vidyasagar leading his ''sangha'' during his ''vihara'', passers-by kneel in reverence]]


Congress State President [[Kamal Nath]] paid a visit to Acharya Ji during his visit to [[Jabalpur]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.palpalindia.com/2018/08/01/jabalpur-mp-Khajuraho-Acharya-Vidyasagar-Maharaj-Arishwad-Kamal-Nath-Hindi-Ashoshagaye-Goshala-news-in-hindi-248694.html|title=खजुराहो में आचार्य विद्यासागर महाराज से आर्शीवाद लेने पहुंचे कमलनाथ, जबलपुर पहुंचे कांग्रेसजन news in hindi|work=palpalindia|language=hindi|access-date=2019-05-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190503090422/http://www.palpalindia.com/2018/08/01/jabalpur-mp-Khajuraho-Acharya-Vidyasagar-Maharaj-Arishwad-Kamal-Nath-Hindi-Ashoshagaye-Goshala-news-in-hindi-248694.html|archive-date=3 May 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.vidyasagar.net/kamalnath-acharyashri-darshan/|title=प्रदेश कांग्रेस अध्यक्ष कमलनाथ करेंगे आचार्यश्री के दर्शन|work=Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj {{!}} Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj Pravachan {{!}} Jain Religion in Hindi|language=en-US|access-date=2019-05-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181011190548/http://www.vidyasagar.net/kamalnath-acharyashri-darshan/|archive-date=11 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
As a traditional ''Digambara'' Jain monk, Acharya Vidyasagar never stayed in a single location for more than a few days, except for the four months of the rainy season (''Chaturmas''). He never declared where he would be next, although people tried to guess his next destination.<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 March 2017 |title=दयोदय गौशाला पहुंचे आचार्यश्री, होली पर दिया यह संदेश, Patrika, 3/13/2017 |url=http://www.patrika.com/news/jabalpur/latest-story-of-acharya-shri-vidyasagar-maharaj-in-jabalpur-1529939/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170327182031/http://www.patrika.com/news/jabalpur/latest-story-of-acharya-shri-vidyasagar-maharaj-in-jabalpur-1529939/ |archive-date=27 March 2017 |access-date=27 March 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=आचार्य विद्यासागर जी का ससंघ प्रवेश आज, Bhaskar News Network, Jul 15, 2016 |url=https://www.bhaskar.com/news/MP-VID-MAT-latest-vidisha-news-053003-559509-NOR.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170327171300/http://www.bhaskar.com/news/MP-VID-MAT-latest-vidisha-news-053003-559509-NOR.html |archive-date=27 March 2017 |access-date=27 March 2017}}</ref> After his initiation in 1968 he had: seven ''Chaturmas'' in Rajasthan (1968–74); one in Uttar Pradesh (1974); seven in Madhya Pradesh (1976–1982); one in Jharkhand (1983); nine in Madhya Pradesh again (1984–1992); two in Maharashtra (1993–94); one in Madhya Pradesh (1995); one in Gujarat (1996); 11 again in Madhya Pradesh (1997–2007); one again in Maharashtra (2008); and eight again in Madhya Pradesh (2009–2016).<ref>{{Cite web |title=आचार्यश्री जी के चातुर्मास, September 28, 2017 |url=https://vidyasagar.guru/articles.html/jeewan-parichay/acharya-shri-ji-ke-chaturmas/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190214174320/https://vidyasagar.guru/articles.html/jeewan-parichay/acharya-shri-ji-ke-chaturmas/ |archive-date=14 February 2019 |access-date=14 February 2019}}</ref>


Union Minister [[Uma Bharti|Uma Bharati]] paid a visit to Acharya Ji at the completion of 50 years of initiation at the Samyama Swarna Mahotsav festival.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bhaskar.com/mp/sagar/news/latest-khajuraho-news-041003-2232493.html|title=केंद्रीय मंत्री उमाभारती ने आचार्य विद्यासागर महाराज से खजुराहो में चातुर्मास करने का आग्रह किया|work=Dainik Bhaskar|access-date=2018-12-03|language=hi|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181204005731/https://www.bhaskar.com/mp/sagar/news/latest-khajuraho-news-041003-2232493.html|archive-date=4 December 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> During the [[Guru Purnima]] Celebration in 2018, [[Digvijaya Singh|Digvijay Singh]] received the blessings of Acharya Vidyasagar Ji in [[Chhatarpur]], [[Madhya Pradesh]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.patrika.com/chhatarpur-news/digvijay-singh-blesses-acharya-vidyasagarji-gurupurnima-3170044/|title=दिग्विजय सिंह ने गुरुपूर्णिमा पर आचार्य विद्यासागर जी से लिया आशीर्वाद|work=patrika.com|language=hindi|access-date=2019-05-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190503105256/https://www.patrika.com/chhatarpur-news/digvijay-singh-blesses-acharya-vidyasagarji-gurupurnima-3170044/|archive-date=3 May 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2018, American ambassador [[Kenneth Juster]] paid a visit to Acharya Vidyasagar Ji and assured him he would follow a full [[Vegetarianism|vegetarian]] diet for one day a week.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bhaskar.com/mp/bhopal/news/american-ambassador-junkie-influenced-by-acharya-vidyasagar-5926529.html|title=आचार्य विद्यासागर से प्रभावित हुए अमेरिकी राजदूत जस्टर; कहा- हफ्ते में एक दिन रहूंगा शाकाहारी|work=Dainik Bhaskar|access-date=2018-12-03|language=hi|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181204005700/https://www.bhaskar.com/mp/bhopal/news/american-ambassador-junkie-influenced-by-acharya-vidyasagar-5926529.html|archive-date=4 December 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> French Diplomat [[Alexandre Ziegler]] visited [[Khajuraho Group of Monuments|Khajuraho]] with his family in 2018 and felt "peaceful and blessed" after meeting Acharya Vidyasagar Ji. He vowed to become a vegetarian.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/french-diplomat-vows-to-turn-veggie-after-meeting-jain-muni/articleshow/66397413.cms|title=French diplomat vows to turn vegetarian after meeting Jain muni - Times of India|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=2018-10-29}}</ref>
=== Official visits ===
He was visited by Indian government officials, including Prime Minister [[Atal Bihari Vajpayee]] in 1999,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.vidyasagar.net/shri-atal-bihari-vaypayee-ji-had-visited-acharyashree-in-gomtagiri-indore/|title=Video : सन् 1999 में श्री अटल बिहारी वायपेयी जी ने गोम्मटगिरि इंदौर में आचार्यश्री के दर्शन किए थे|work=Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj {{!}} Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj Pravachan {{!}} Jain Religion in Hindi|language=en-US|access-date=2019-05-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190503090356/http://www.vidyasagar.net/shri-atal-bihari-vaypayee-ji-had-visited-acharyashree-in-gomtagiri-indore/|archive-date=3 May 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] in 2016,<ref>{{citation |last=Ranjan |title=Why is Modi keen to meet Acharya Vidyasagar? |date=14 October 2016 |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/bhopal/why-is-modi-keen-to-meet-acharya-vidyasagar/story-3ZbjQ5aVjnSy3NfrVQhUdK.html |access-date=17 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161017172340/http://www.hindustantimes.com/bhopal/why-is-modi-keen-to-meet-acharya-vidyasagar/story-3ZbjQ5aVjnSy3NfrVQhUdK.html |archive-date=17 October 2016 |url-status=live |location=[[Bhopal]] |publisher=HindustanTimes}}</ref> Union minister [[Jyotiraditya Scindia]] in 2016,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Scindia makes up his mind to lead Congress in state, Sep 29, 2016 |url=http://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/scindia-makes-up-his-mind-to-lead-congress-in-state/941057 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161028084044/http://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/scindia-makes-up-his-mind-to-lead-congress-in-state/941057 |archive-date=28 October 2016 |access-date=28 October 2016}}</ref> Union Minister [[Uma Bharti|Uma Bharati]] in 2018,<ref>{{Cite news |title=केंद्रीय मंत्री उमाभारती ने आचार्य विद्यासागर महाराज से खजुराहो में चातुर्मास करने का आग्रह किया |url=https://www.bhaskar.com/mp/sagar/news/latest-khajuraho-news-041003-2232493.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181204005731/https://www.bhaskar.com/mp/sagar/news/latest-khajuraho-news-041003-2232493.html |archive-date=4 December 2018 |access-date=2018-12-03 |work=Dainik Bhaskar |language=hi}}</ref> Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh [[Digvijaya Singh|Digvijay Singh]] in 2018, Congress State President [[Kamal Nath]] in 2019,<ref>{{Cite web |title=प्रदेश कांग्रेस अध्यक्ष कमलनाथ करेंगे आचार्यश्री के दर्शन |url=http://www.vidyasagar.net/kamalnath-acharyashri-darshan/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181011190548/http://www.vidyasagar.net/kamalnath-acharyashri-darshan/ |archive-date=11 October 2018 |access-date=2019-05-03 |work=Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj {{!}} Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj Pravachan {{!}} Jain Religion in Hindi |language=en-US}}</ref> Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh [[Yogi Adityanath]] in 2018,<ref>{{Cite news |title=आचार्य विद्यासागर जी महाराज को राजकीय अतिथि सम्मान, मुख्यमंत्री ने की घोषणा |url=https://www.patrika.com/lalitpur-news/acharya-vidyasagar-ji-will-be-honoured-with-rajkiya-atithi-samman-3727424/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126004003/https://www.patrika.com/lalitpur-news/acharya-vidyasagar-ji-will-be-honoured-with-rajkiya-atithi-samman-3727424/ |archive-date=26 November 2018 |access-date=2018-11-27 |work=patrika.com |language=hi-IN}}</ref> Union Home Minister [[Rajnath Singh]] in 2019,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Singh |first=Chowkidar Rajnath |date=2019-04-21 |title=मध्य प्रदेश के चुनावी दौरे की व्यस्तताओं के बीच मुझे आज जैन मुनि, आचार्यश्री विद्यासागरजी महाराज के दर्शन का सौभाग्य मिला। आचार्यश्री के चरणों में कोटिश: नमन!pic.twitter.com/j4c5wPTn4N |url=https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1119921007605760000 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190605150900/https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1119921007605760000 |archive-date=5 June 2019 |access-date=2019-04-22 |website=@rajnathsingh |language=hi}}</ref> [[Lok Sabha]] Speaker [[Om Birla]] in 2019,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-08-29 |title=लोकसभा अध्यक्ष से बोले आचार्य विद्यासागर : संसद में हिंदी का उपयोग हो अपने देश को इंडिया नहीं भारत बोलें |url=https://www.naidunia.com/madhya-pradesh/dewas-acharya-vidyasagar-told-the-speaker-of-lok-sabha-hindi-should-be-used-in-parliament-speak-bharat-not-india-3121184 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191025172329/https://www.naidunia.com/madhya-pradesh/dewas-acharya-vidyasagar-told-the-speaker-of-lok-sabha-hindi-should-be-used-in-parliament-speak-bharat-not-india-3121184 |archive-date=25 October 2019 |access-date=2020-04-14 |website=Nai Dunia |language=hi}}</ref> Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh [[Kamal Nath]] in 2020,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-01-26 |title=सीएम कमलनाथ से बोले आचार्य विद्यासागर हथकरघा और आयुर्वेद को प्रोत्साहन की आवश्यकता |url=https://www.naidunia.com/madhya-pradesh/indore-acharya-vidyasagar-spoke-to-cm-kamal-nath-handloom-and-ayurveda-need-encouragement-5288951 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127165739/https://www.naidunia.com/madhya-pradesh/indore-acharya-vidyasagar-spoke-to-cm-kamal-nath-handloom-and-ayurveda-need-encouragement-5288951 |archive-date=27 January 2020 |access-date=2020-04-14 |website=Nai Dunia |language=hi}}</ref> and Prime Minister Narendra Modi again in 2023.<ref>[https://www.outlookindia.com/national/pm-modi-visits-dongargarh-in-poll-bound-chhattisgarh-meets-acharya-vidyasagar-maharaj-news-328851 PM Modi Visits Dongargarh In Poll-Bound Chhattisgarh, Meets Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj]</ref>


[[Uttar Pradesh]] Chief Minister [[Yogi Adityanath]] has declared the State Guest Honour to Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj. In this regard, the UP Government also issued a protocol.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.patrika.com/lalitpur-news/acharya-vidyasagar-ji-will-be-honoured-with-rajkiya-atithi-samman-3727424/|title=आचार्य विद्यासागर जी महाराज को राजकीय अतिथि सम्मान, मुख्यमंत्री ने की घोषणा|work=patrika.com|access-date=2018-11-27|language=hi-IN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126004003/https://www.patrika.com/lalitpur-news/acharya-vidyasagar-ji-will-be-honoured-with-rajkiya-atithi-samman-3727424/|archive-date=26 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 28 July 2016, he gave a religious speech (''[[pravachana]]'') in the [[Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly]] by invitation from [[Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh|Chief Minister]] [[Shivraj Singh Chouhan]].<ref>{{citation |title=देश के इतिहास को बनाए रखने के लिए पक्ष-विपक्ष साथ काम करें: आचार्यश्री |date=28 July 2016 |work=[[Rajasthan Patrika]] |url=http://www.patrika.com/news/bhopal/jain-saint-vidya-sagar-to-give-spiritual-speech-in-mp-assembly-1360946 |access-date=31 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803205001/http://www.patrika.com/news/bhopal/jain-saint-vidya-sagar-to-give-spiritual-speech-in-mp-assembly-1360946/ |archive-date=3 August 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{citation |title=When Another Jain Monk Addressed A State Legislative Assembly And There Was No Controversy |date=29 August 2016 |work=[[The Huffington Post]] |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.in/2016/08/29/when-another-jain-monk-addressed-a-state-legislative-assembly-an |access-date=31 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160830162242/http://www.huffingtonpost.in/2016/08/29/when-another-jain-monk-addressed-a-state-legislative-assembly-an/ |archive-date=30 August 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>


Union Home Minister Shri [[Rajnath Singh|Rajnath Singh Ji]] has taken the blessings of Acharya Vidyasagar Ji in [[Jabalpur]], [[Madhya Pradesh]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1119921007605760000|title=मध्य प्रदेश के चुनावी दौरे की व्यस्तताओं के बीच मुझे आज जैन मुनि, आचार्यश्री विद्यासागरजी  महाराज के दर्शन का सौभाग्य मिला। आचार्यश्री के चरणों में कोटिश: नमन!pic.twitter.com/j4c5wPTn4N|last=Singh|first=Chowkidar Rajnath|date=2019-04-21|website=@rajnathsingh|language=hi|access-date=2019-04-22}}</ref>
[[File:Jain_inscription_Vidyasagar.jpg|thumb|alt= Photograph showing the inscription on a Parshvanath idol | Inscription on a Parshvanath idol at Orchha mentioning the lineage of Acharya Vidyasagar from Acharya Shantisagar. He is termed ''anasakta yogi'', ''jyeshtha'', ''shreshtha'', ''sant shiromani'']]


[[Lok Sabha]] Speaker [[Om Birla]] has taken the blessings of Acharya Vidyasagar Ji with an assurance of Hindi Promotion in Legislature.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.naidunia.com/madhya-pradesh/dewas-acharya-vidyasagar-told-the-speaker-of-lok-sabha-hindi-should-be-used-in-parliament-speak-bharat-not-india-3121184|title=लोकसभा अध्यक्ष से बोले आचार्य विद्यासागर : संसद में हिंदी का उपयोग हो अपने देश को इंडिया नहीं भारत बोलें|date=2019-08-29|website=Nai Dunia|language=hi|access-date=2020-04-14}}</ref>
He was also privately visited by American ambassador [[Kenneth Juster]] in 2018<ref>{{Cite news |title=आचार्य विद्यासागर से प्रभावित हुए अमेरिकी राजदूत जस्टर; कहा- हफ्ते में एक दिन रहूंगा शाकाहारी |url=https://www.bhaskar.com/mp/bhopal/news/american-ambassador-junkie-influenced-by-acharya-vidyasagar-5926529.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181204005700/https://www.bhaskar.com/mp/bhopal/news/american-ambassador-junkie-influenced-by-acharya-vidyasagar-5926529.html |archive-date=4 December 2018 |access-date=2018-12-03 |work=Dainik Bhaskar |language=hi}}</ref> and by French diplomat Alexandre Ziegler.<ref>{{Cite web |title=खजुराहो में आचार्य विद्यासागर महाराज से आर्शीवाद लेने पहुंचे कमलनाथ, जबलपुर पहुंचे कांग्रेसजन news in hindi |url=http://www.palpalindia.com/2018/08/01/jabalpur-mp-Khajuraho-Acharya-Vidyasagar-Maharaj-Arishwad-Kamal-Nath-Hindi-Ashoshagaye-Goshala-news-in-hindi-248694.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190503090422/http://www.palpalindia.com/2018/08/01/jabalpur-mp-Khajuraho-Acharya-Vidyasagar-Maharaj-Arishwad-Kamal-Nath-Hindi-Ashoshagaye-Goshala-news-in-hindi-248694.html |archive-date=3 May 2019 |access-date=2019-05-03 |work=palpalindia |language=hindi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=French diplomat vows to turn vegetarian after meeting Jain muni - Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/french-diplomat-vows-to-turn-veggie-after-meeting-jain-muni/articleshow/66397413.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109025032/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/french-diplomat-vows-to-turn-veggie-after-meeting-jain-muni/articleshow/66397413.cms |archive-date=9 November 2020 |access-date=2018-10-29 |work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref>


[[Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh|RSS]] Chief [[Mohan Bhagwat]] paid a visit to Acharya Ji during his visit he discussed various topics related to Promotion of Hindi Language and handloom were discussed.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bhaskar.com/mp/indore/news/mohan-bhagwat-meets-digambara-jain-acharya-vidyasagar-in-indore-lavkush-vidya-vihar-school-126459015.html|title=संघ प्रमुख भागवत ने आचार्य विद्यासागर से आशीर्वाद लिया, हथकरघा और हिंदी भाषा के संबंध में चर्चा की|last=Tiwari|first=Rajeev kumar|date=2020-01-08|website=Dainik Bhaskar|language=hi|access-date=2020-04-14}}</ref>
=== Education ===
Acharya Vidyasagar opened a chain of schools for girls under the name Pratibhasthali Gyanodaya Vidhyapeeth.


Madhya Pradesh CM [[Kamal Nath]] paid a visit to Acharya Ji and assured the promotion of Hindi Language, Ayurveda and handloom.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.naidunia.com/madhya-pradesh/indore-acharya-vidyasagar-spoke-to-cm-kamal-nath-handloom-and-ayurveda-need-encouragement-5288951|title=सीएम कमलनाथ से बोले आचार्य विद्यासागर हथकरघा और आयुर्वेद को प्रोत्साहन की आवश्यकता|date=2020-01-26|website=Nai Dunia|language=hi|access-date=2020-04-14}}</ref>
=== Celebrations ===
The fiftieth anniversary of his ''diksha'' was celebrated in many cities in India with parades and festivities in July 2018.<ref>[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/vidyasagar-maharaj-showed-us-the-right-path-say-jain-devotees/articleshow/59360144.cms Vidyasagar Maharaj showed us the right path, say Jain devotees, TNN Jun 29, 2017]</ref> On this occasion, commemorative columns (''Swarna Kirti Stambha'') were erected in Ajmer,<ref>{{Cite web |title=अजमेर को मिला 71 फीट ऊंचा कीर्ति स्तंभ, Danik Bhaskar, Jul 01, 2018 |url=https://www.bhaskar.com/rajasthan/ajmer/news/latest-ajmer-news-041003-2095046.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926014311/https://www.bhaskar.com/rajasthan/ajmer/news/latest-ajmer-news-041003-2095046.html |archive-date=26 September 2018 |access-date=25 September 2018}}</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APfoLpMUZrg संयम स्वर्ण कीर्ति स्तम्भ : Amazing Architecture : Jain Temple In Ajmer, Rajasthan India,  Jun 28, 2018]</ref> Rewa,<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 December 2017 |title=Jain Samaj Founded 21 feet high sanyam kirti stambh in Rewa |url=https://www.patrika.com/rewa-news/jain-samaj-founded-21-feet-high-sanyam-kirti-stambh-in-rewa-2121229/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180925025518/https://www.patrika.com/rewa-news/jain-samaj-founded-21-feet-high-sanyam-kirti-stambh-in-rewa-2121229/ |archive-date=25 September 2018 |access-date=24 September 2018}}</ref> Sravanbelgola and other locations.<ref>{{Cite web |title=आचार्य विद्यासागर के संयम स्वर्ण जयंती महोत्सव के समापन पर कार्यक्रम 13 से, Danik Bhaskar |url=https://www.bhaskar.com/rajasthan/kishangarh/news/latest-kishangarh-news-045503-2172013.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180925031147/https://www.bhaskar.com/rajasthan/kishangarh/news/latest-kishangarh-news-045503-2172013.html |archive-date=25 September 2018 |access-date=24 September 2018}}</ref>


==Works==
== Works ==
Acharya VidyasagaraJi was a scholar of [[Sanskrit]] and [[Prakrit]] and knew several languages including [[Hindi]], [[Kannada]], [[Marathi language|Marathi]] and [[English language|English]].{{sfn|Kshamasagar|2007|p=26}} He wrote in languages such as Prakrit, Sanskrit, and Hindi. His works include ''Niranjana Shataka'', ''Bhavana Shataka'', ''Parishah Jaya Shataka'', ''Suniti Shataka'' and ''Shramana Shataka''.<ref>Ek Tapahput kavi ki kavya Sadhna, Asha Malaiya, Tirthankar, Nov-Dec 78, p. 21-24</ref>


* Acharya Vidyasagara is a scholar of [[Sanskrit]] and [[Prakrit]] and knows several languages including [[Hindi]] and [[Kannada]].{{sfn|Kshamasagar|2007|p=26}} He has written in languages such as Prakrit, Sanskrit, Hindi. His works include ''Niranjana Shataka'', ''Bhavana Shataka'', ''Parishah Jaya Shataka'', ''Suniti Shataka'' and ''Shramana Shataka''.<ref>Ek Tapahput kavi ki kavya Sadhna, Asha Malaiya, Tirthankar, Nov-Dec 78, p. 21-24</ref>
He composed nearly 700 [[haiku]] poems which are unpublished.<ref>{{Cite news |title=हायकू |url=http://www.vidyasagar.net/haiku-17265/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180807091030/http://www.vidyasagar.net/haiku-17265/ |archive-date=7 August 2018 |access-date=2018-11-02 |work=Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj {{!}} Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj Pravachan {{!}} Jain Religion in Hindi |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=हायकू स्वाध्याय - आचार्य श्री के हायकू और आपकी समझ - मेरे गुरुवर... आचार्य विद्यासागर जी महाराज |url=https://vidyasagar.guru/haiku/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181204005632/https://vidyasagar.guru/haiku/ |archive-date=4 December 2018 |access-date=2018-11-02 |website=मेरे गुरुवर... आचार्य विद्यासागर जी महाराज |language=en-US}}</ref>
* He has composed nearly 700 [[haiku]] poems which are unpublished.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://in.pinterest.com/vidyasagar_guru/haiku-poems-by-acharya-vidyasagar-ji/|title=Haiku Poems by Acharya Vidyasagar Ji|website=Pinterest|language=en|access-date=2018-11-02}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.vidyasagar.net/haiku-17265/|title=हायकू|work=Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj {{!}} Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj Pravachan {{!}} Jain Religion in Hindi|access-date=2018-11-02|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180807091030/http://www.vidyasagar.net/haiku-17265/|archive-date=7 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://vidyasagar.guru/haiku/|title=हायकू स्वाध्याय - आचार्य श्री के हायकू और आपकी समझ - मेरे गुरुवर... आचार्य विद्यासागर जी महाराज|website=मेरे गुरुवर... आचार्य विद्यासागर जी महाराज|language=en-US|access-date=2018-11-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181204005632/https://vidyasagar.guru/haiku/|archive-date=4 December 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
* He wrote the Hindi epic poem "Mukamati".{{sfn|Natubhai Shah|1998|pp=56–57}}<ref name="webindia2" /> This has been included in the syllabus of Hindi MA programmes at various institutions.<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.bhaskar.com/news/MPc-58-1943771-NOR.html |title=बीयू के सिलेबस में जैन ग्रंथ 'मूकमाटी' को किया शामिल |work=[[Dainik Bhaskar]] |date=24 May 2013 |access-date=31 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308234934/http://www.bhaskar.com/news/MPc-58-1943771-NOR.html |archive-date=8 March 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> This has been translated into English by <!--[https://www.jainworld.com/society/speaksch/dalchand.htm---> Lal Chandra Jain and was presented to [[Pratibha Patil]], the [[President of India]].<ref name="webindia2" /><ref name="jainworld.com">{{citation|url=http://jainworld.com/GJE.asp?id=54|title=Acharya Vidyasagar's Book "Silent Earth" Presented To President|work=jainworld.com|access-date=10 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150316143001/http://jainworld.com/GJE.asp?id=54|archive-date=16 March 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>{{sfn|Vidyasagar|2010|p=}} Several researchers have studied his works for masters and doctoral degrees.<ref name="webindia2">{{citation |url=http://news.webindia123.com/news/articles/India/20110615/1772295.html |title=Acharya Vidyasagar's book "Silent Earth" presented to President |work=[[Web India 123]] |date=15 June 2011 |access-date=12 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714163303/http://news.webindia123.com/news/articles/India/20110615/1772295.html |archive-date=14 July 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref>


==His tradition==
He wrote the Hindi epic poem titled ''Mukamati''.{{sfn|Natubhai Shah|1998|pp=56–57}}<ref name="webindia2">{{citation |title=Acharya Vidyasagar's book "Silent Earth" presented to President |date=15 June 2011 |work=[[Web India 123]] |url=http://news.webindia123.com/news/articles/India/20110615/1772295.html |access-date=12 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714163303/http://news.webindia123.com/news/articles/India/20110615/1772295.html |archive-date=14 July 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> This has been included in the syllabus of Hindi MA programmes at various institutions.<ref>{{citation |title=बीयू के सिलेबस में जैन ग्रंथ 'मूकमाटी' को किया शामिल |date=24 May 2013 |work=[[Dainik Bhaskar]] |url=http://www.bhaskar.com/news/MPc-58-1943771-NOR.html |access-date=31 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308234934/http://www.bhaskar.com/news/MPc-58-1943771-NOR.html |archive-date=8 March 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref> This has been translated into English by Lal Chandra Jain and was presented to [[Pratibha Patil]], the [[President of India]].<ref name="webindia2" /><ref name="jainworld.com">{{citation |title=Acharya Vidyasagar's Book "Silent Earth" Presented To President |work=jainworld.com |url=http://jainworld.com/GJE.asp?id=54 |access-date=10 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150316143001/http://jainworld.com/GJE.asp?id=54 |archive-date=16 March 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>{{sfn|Vidyasagar|2010|p=}}
Acharya Vidyasagar belongs to the tradition established by Acharya [[Shantisagar]].{{sfn|Kshamasagar|2007|p=51}} Acharya Shantisagar initiated Acharya Virasagar, who was then succeeded by Acharya Shivsagar, Acharya [[Gyansagar]]<ref>{{citation |title=इस संत के जीवत रहते स्टूडेंट कर रहे हैं इन पर PHD, जानें क्या है इनकी खूबी |url=http://m.bhaskar.com/news/c-58-3193036-bp0851-NOR.html |work=[[Dainik Bhaskar]] |date=17 October 2016 |access-date=28 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161028215045/http://m.bhaskar.com/news/c-58-3193036-bp0851-NOR.html |archive-date=28 October 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> and finally Acharya Vidyasagar.


Some of his disciples are well-known scholars in their own right. {{As of|2001}}, about 21% of all the ''Digambar'' monks were under Acharya Vidyasagara.{{sfn|Flügel|2006|p=356}} Muni [[Sudhasagar]] and Muni [[Pramansagar]] are also his disciples.<ref>{{citation |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/Jain-Muni-Pramansagar-ji-Maharaj-disciple-of-Acharya-Vidyasagar-ji-Maharaj-would-discourse-on-Ramayana-and-Geeta-at-the-local-Zila-school-ground-from-November-7-to-11-The-four-day-programme-being-organised-by-Vishwa-Dharma-Jagaran-Manch-is-expected-to-garner-huge-crowd-in-wake-of-the-popularity-that-Maharaj-has-gained-while-giving-similar-discourse-in-other-cities-of-the-country-/articleshow/6823669.cms |title=Jain Muni Pramansagar ji Maharaj disciple of Acharya Vidyasagar ji |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=27 October 2010 |access-date=12 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190413075941/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/Jain-Muni-Pramansagar-ji-Maharaj-disciple-of-Acharya-Vidyasagar-ji-Maharaj-would-discourse-on-Ramayana-and-Geeta-at-the-local-Zila-school-ground-from-November-7-to-11-The-four-day-programme-being-organised-by-Vishwa-Dharma-Jagaran-Manch-is-expected-to-garner-huge-crowd-in-wake-of-the-popularity-that-Maharaj-has-gained-while-giving-similar-discourse-in-other-cities-of-the-country-/articleshow/6823669.cms |archive-date=13 April 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> One of his best known disciples, Muni [[Kshamasagar]] ji, obtained ''samadhi'' in 2015.<ref>[वर्णीभवन मोराजी में मुनिश्री क्षमासागर महाराज का समाधिमरण, Patrika, 2015-03-13]</ref>
== Death ==
Acharya Vidyasagar died in [[Dongargarh]] on 18 February 2024 at the age of 77, after three days of fast (''[[sallekhana]]'').<ref name=":0">{{cite news |title=Jain seer Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj passes through 'sallekhna', PM Modi offers condolences |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/jain-seer-acharya-vidyasagar-maharaj-passes-through-sallekhna-pm-modi-offers-condolences/articleshow/107791170.cms |access-date=18 February 2024 |work=The Times of India |date=18 February 2024}}</ref><ref>[https://www.bhaskar.com/local/chhattisgarh/raipur/news/acharyashri-vidyasagar-of-digambara-muni-tradition-took-samadhi-132602875.html जैन मुनि आचार्य विद्यासागर महाराज ने समाधि ली:डोंगरगढ़ के चन्द्रगिरि तीर्थ में 3 दिन उपवास के बाद शरीर त्यागा, पिछले साल Prime Minister Modi मिलने पहुंचे थे, Bhaskar, Feb 18, 2024]</ref> Before his death, he nominated Muni Samaysagar as his successor on 6 February 2024.


Acharya Pushadantasagar, the guru of [[Tarun Sagar]] was initiated as a ''[[kshullak]]'' (junior monk) by Acharya Vidyasagar, although he took ''muni [[diksha]]'' from Acharya [[Vimal Sagar]]. Upadhyaya [[Guptisagar]] took ''muni diksha'' in 1982 from Acharya Vidyasagar although he later joined the ''[[sangha]]'' (community) of Acharya Vidyanand.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://vidyasagar.guru/articles.html/jeewan-parichay/the-invincible-ascetie-aacharya-shri-vidyasagar/|title=The Invincible Ascetic Aacharya Shri Vidyasagar|website=मेरे गुरुवर... आचार्य श्री विद्यासागर जी महाराज|language=en-US|access-date=2018-12-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181205003328/https://vidyasagar.guru/articles.html/jeewan-parichay/the-invincible-ascetie-aacharya-shri-vidyasagar/|archive-date=5 December 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Reactions ===
[[File:2023 11$img05 Nov 2023 PTI11 05 2023 000053A.jpg|thumb| PM Modi with Acharya Vidyasagar, Nov 2023]]
His death met with formal condolences from the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi who wrote: "He [Acharya Vidyasagar] will be remembered by the coming generations for his invaluable contributions to society, especially his efforts towards spiritual awakening among people, his work towards poverty alleviation, healthcare, education and more."<ref>{{Cite web |title=On Twitter (X) |url=https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1759075293988352293?s=20}}</ref> Modi also wrote an article about Vidyasagar's impact on the society.<ref>[https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/pm-narendra-modi-writes-on-sant-shiromani-acharya-vidhyasagar-maharaj-loss-of-a-guiding-light-9171952/ PM Narendra Modi writes on Sant Shiromani Acharya Vidhyasagar Maharaj: Loss of a guiding light, Indian Express, February 21, 2024]</ref> Condolences were sent also by the Governor and Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=UP governor CM condole death of Jain seer Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj |url=https://www.theweek.in/wire-updates/national/2024/02/18/nrg8-up-jain-seer-adityanath.html |access-date=2024-02-18 |website=The Week |language=en}}</ref> A one-minute silence was observed at the BJP's National Convention 2024 in Delhi.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-02-18 |title=Jain seer Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj passes through 'sallekhna', PM Modi offers condolences |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/jain-seer-acharya-vidyasagar-maharaj-passes-through-sallekhna-pm-modi-offers-condolences/articleshow/107791170.cms |access-date=2024-02-18 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> The Chhattisgarh and [[Madhya Pradesh]] Governments declared a half-day state mourning.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Today |first=Telangana |date=2024-02-18 |title=Chhattisgarh govt declares half-day state mourning on passing away of Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj |url=https://telanganatoday.com/chhattisgarh-govt-declares-half-day-state-mourning-on-passing-away-of-acharya-vidhyasagar-maharaj |access-date=2024-02-18 |website=Telangana Today |language=en-US}}</ref>


Acharya Vidyasagar has been a source of inspiration to the people for founding institutions for their welfare at different locations.{{sfn|Natubhai Shah|1998|pp=56–57}} Since the number of monks (''munis'') and nuns (''āryikas'') initiated and directed by him exceeds two hundred (117 Digambar Muni, 172 Aryikas), they stay in more than 60 locations in India during ''Chaturmas'', ranging from Gujarat to Jharkhand, and Haryana to Karnataka.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.vidyasagar.net/acharyashri/89-2/shishyagan-chaturmas-2009/ |title=शिष्य गण – चातुर्मास 2009 |access-date=27 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170426162029/http://www.vidyasagar.net/acharyashri/89-2/shishyagan-chaturmas-2009/ |archive-date=26 April 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref> This insures that only a few monks or nuns are staying in one place.
==Tradition==
Acharya Vidyasagar belongs to the tradition established by Acharya [[Shantisagar|ShantisagarJi]].{{sfn|Kshamasagar|2007|p=51}} Acharya Shantisagar initiated Acharya Virasagar, who was then succeeded by Acharya Shivsagar, Acharya [[Gyansagar]]<ref>{{citation |title=इस संत के जीवत रहते स्टूडेंट कर रहे हैं इन पर PHD, जानें क्या है इनकी खूबी |url=https://www.bhaskar.com/mp/bhopal/news/c-58-3193036-bp0851-NOR.html |work=[[Dainik Bhaskar]] |date=17 October 2016 |access-date=28 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161028215045/http://m.bhaskar.com/news/c-58-3193036-bp0851-NOR.html |archive-date=28 October 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> and finally Acharya Vidyasagar.


==His wanderings (''Vihara'')==
Some of his disciples are well-known scholars in their own right. {{As of|2001}}, about 21% of all the Digambara monks were under Acharya Vidyasagar.{{sfn|Flügel|2006|p=356}} Muni Sudhasagar and Muni Pramansagar are also his disciples.<ref>{{citation |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/Jain-Muni-Pramansagar-ji-Maharaj-disciple-of-Acharya-Vidyasagar-ji-Maharaj-would-discourse-on-Ramayana-and-Geeta-at-the-local-Zila-school-ground-from-November-7-to-11-The-four-day-programme-being-organised-by-Vishwa-Dharma-Jagaran-Manch-is-expected-to-garner-huge-crowd-in-wake-of-the-popularity-that-Maharaj-has-gained-while-giving-similar-discourse-in-other-cities-of-the-country-/articleshow/6823669.cms |title=Jain Muni Pramansagar ji Maharaj disciple of Acharya Vidyasagar ji |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=27 October 2010 |access-date=12 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190413075941/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/Jain-Muni-Pramansagar-ji-Maharaj-disciple-of-Acharya-Vidyasagar-ji-Maharaj-would-discourse-on-Ramayana-and-Geeta-at-the-local-Zila-school-ground-from-November-7-to-11-The-four-day-programme-being-organised-by-Vishwa-Dharma-Jagaran-Manch-is-expected-to-garner-huge-crowd-in-wake-of-the-popularity-that-Maharaj-has-gained-while-giving-similar-discourse-in-other-cities-of-the-country-/articleshow/6823669.cms |archive-date=13 April 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> One of his best known disciples was Muni [[Kshamasagar]] who died in 2015.<ref>[वर्णीभवन मोराजी में मुनिश्री क्षमासागर महाराज का समाधिमरण, Patrika, 2015-03-13]</ref>
[[File:Maharajji_1.jpg|thumb|alt= Picture of Acharya Vidyasagar leading his ''sangha'' |Acharya Vidyasagar leading his ''sangha'' during his ''vihara'', passers-by kneel in reverence]]


As a traditional ''Digambara'' Jain monk, Acharya Vidyasagar never stays in a single location for more than a few days, except for the four months of the rainy season (''Chaturmas''). He never declares where he will be next, although people try to guess his next destination.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.patrika.com/news/jabalpur/latest-story-of-acharya-shri-vidyasagar-maharaj-in-jabalpur-1529939/ |title=दयोदय गौशाला पहुंचे आचार्यश्री, होली पर दिया यह संदेश, Patrika, 3/13/2017 |access-date=27 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170327182031/http://www.patrika.com/news/jabalpur/latest-story-of-acharya-shri-vidyasagar-maharaj-in-jabalpur-1529939/ |archive-date=27 March 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.bhaskar.com/news/MP-VID-MAT-latest-vidisha-news-053003-559509-NOR.html |title=आचार्य विद्यासागर जी का ससंघ प्रवेश आज, Bhaskar News Network, Jul 15, 2016 |access-date=27 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170327171300/http://www.bhaskar.com/news/MP-VID-MAT-latest-vidisha-news-053003-559509-NOR.html |archive-date=27 March 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> Since his initiation in 1968 he has had: seven ''Chaturmas'' in Rajasthan (1968–74), one in Uttar Pradesh (1974), seven in Madhya Pradesh (1976–1982), one in Bihar (1983), nine in Madhya Pradesh again (1984–1992), two in Maharashtra (1993–94), one in Madhya Pradesh (1995), one in Gujarat (1996), 11 again in Madhya Pradesh (1997–2007), one again in Maharashtra (2008), eight again in Madhya Pradesh (2009–2016).<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://vidyasagar.guru/articles.html/jeewan-parichay/acharya-shri-ji-ke-chaturmas/ |title=आचार्यश्री जी के चातुर्मास, September 28, 2017 |access-date=14 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190214174320/https://vidyasagar.guru/articles.html/jeewan-parichay/acharya-shri-ji-ke-chaturmas/ |archive-date=14 February 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>
Acharya Pushadantasagar, the guru of [[Tarun Sagar|Muni Tarun Sagar]], was initiated as a ''[[kshullak]]'' (junior monk) by Acharya Vidyasagar, although he took ''muni [[diksha]]'' from Acharya Vimal Sagar. Upadhyaya Guptisagar took ''muni diksha'' in 1982 from Acharya Vidyasagar although he later joined the ''[[sangha]]'' (community) of Acharya Vidyanand.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://vidyasagar.guru/articles.html/jeewan-parichay/the-invincible-ascetie-aacharya-shri-vidyasagar/|title=The Invincible Ascetic Aacharya Shri Vidyasagar|website=मेरे गुरुवर... आचार्य श्री विद्यासागर जी महाराज|language=en-US|access-date=2018-12-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181205003328/https://vidyasagar.guru/articles.html/jeewan-parichay/the-invincible-ascetie-aacharya-shri-vidyasagar/|archive-date=5 December 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>


The fiftieth anniversary of his ''diksha'' was celebrated in many cities in India with parades and festivities in July 2018.<ref>[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/vidyasagar-maharaj-showed-us-the-right-path-say-jain-devotees/articleshow/59360144.cms  Vidyasagar Maharaj showed us the right path, say Jain devotees, TNN Jun 29, 2017]</ref> On this occasion, commemorative columns (''Swarna Kirti Stambha'') were erected in Ajmer,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.bhaskar.com/rajasthan/ajmer/news/latest-ajmer-news-041003-2095046.html |title=अजमेर को मिला 71 फीट ऊंचा कीर्ति स्तंभ, Danik Bhaskar, Jul 01, 2018 |access-date=25 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926014311/https://www.bhaskar.com/rajasthan/ajmer/news/latest-ajmer-news-041003-2095046.html |archive-date=26 September 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APfoLpMUZrg  संयम स्वर्ण कीर्ति स्तम्भ : Amazing Architecture : Jain Temple In Ajmer, Rajasthan India,  Jun 28, 2018]</ref> Rewa,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.patrika.com/rewa-news/jain-samaj-founded-21-feet-high-sanyam-kirti-stambh-in-rewa-2121229/ |title=Jain Samaj Founded 21 feet high sanyam kirti stambh in Rewa |access-date=24 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180925025518/https://www.patrika.com/rewa-news/jain-samaj-founded-21-feet-high-sanyam-kirti-stambh-in-rewa-2121229/ |archive-date=25 September 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> Sravanbelgola and other locations.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.bhaskar.com/rajasthan/kishangarh/news/latest-kishangarh-news-045503-2172013.html |title=आचार्य विद्यासागर के संयम स्वर्ण जयंती महोत्सव के समापन पर कार्यक्रम 13 से, Danik Bhaskar {{!}} 12 Jul 2018 |access-date=24 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180925031147/https://www.bhaskar.com/rajasthan/kishangarh/news/latest-kishangarh-news-045503-2172013.html |archive-date=25 September 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>
Acharya Vidyasagar has been a source of inspiration to the people for founding institutions for their welfare at different locations.{{sfn|Natubhai Shah|1998|pp=56–57}} Since the number of monks (''munis'') and nuns (''āryikas'') initiated and directed by him exceeds two hundred (117 Digambar Muni, 172 Aryikas), they stay in more than 60 locations in India.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.vidyasagar.net/acharyashri/89-2/shishyagan-chaturmas-2009/ |title=शिष्य गण – चातुर्मास 2009 |access-date=27 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170426162029/http://www.vidyasagar.net/acharyashri/89-2/shishyagan-chaturmas-2009/ |archive-date=26 April 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref> This ensures that only a few monks or nuns are staying in one place.


==Biography==
Acharya Vidyasagar gave carried out most Digambara monk initiations in the country, amounting to 505.<ref>{{Cite web |title=बनेगा अनूठा रिकॉर्ड:विद्यासागर महाराज देश के पहले ऐसे आचार्यश्री जिन्होंने अब तक 505 दीक्षाएं दीं, दूसरे नंबर पर कुन्थु सागर महाराज |lang=hi |trans-title=Unique record will be created: Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj is the first such Acharya Shri of the country who has given 505 initiations so far, Kunthu Sagar Ji Maharaj is at number two |url=https://www.bhaskar.com/local/mp/sagar/damoh/news/vidyasagar-maharaj-is-the-first-such-acharyashri-of-the-country-who-has-given-505-initiations-so-far-kunthu-sagar-maharaj-at-number-two-129406826.html |access-date=11 May 2022 |archive-date=11 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511120651/https://www.bhaskar.com/local/mp/sagar/damoh/news/vidyasagar-maharaj-is-the-first-such-acharyashri-of-the-country-who-has-given-505-initiations-so-far-kunthu-sagar-maharaj-at-number-two-129406826.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
His disciple ''Muni'' [[Kshamasagar]] wrote his biography ''Ātmānveśhī'' (hi:आत्मान्वेषी) which was translated into English as ''In Quest of the Self'' and was published by [[Bhartiya Jnanpith]].{{sfn|Kshamasagar|2007|p=4}}


==In popular culture==
==In popular culture==
A documentary titled ''Vidyoday'' was released on 25 November 2018 by [[Landmarc Films|Landmark Films]].<ref>{{Citation|last=LandmarcFilms|title=Vidyoday {{!}} Acharya Vidyasagar {{!}} Teaser 04 {{!}} Documentary {{!}} Landmarc Films|date=22 September 2018|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9XhyY2ei50|access-date=1 November 2018}}</ref> A trailer was also released. The film is directed by [[Vidhi Kasliwal]].<ref>{{Citation|title=Vidyoday|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9044540/|access-date=1 November 2018}}</ref> ''Vidyoday'' had its first international screening at <!--[http://www.safaricinema.com/showTimings.html---> the Harrow Safari Cinema in [[London]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BrZ0Flihf7k/|title=Vidhi Kasliwal on Instagram: "LONDON calling! So excited about our first international screening!! Looking forward to the feedback!! #Vidyoday #AcharyaVidyasagar…"|website=Instagram|language=en|access-date=17 December 2018}}</ref>
A documentary titled ''Vidyoday'', directed by [[Vidhi Kasliwal]],<ref>{{Citation |title=Vidyoday |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9044540/ |access-date=1 November 2018}}</ref> was released on 25 November 2018 by [[Landmarc Films|Landmark Films]].<ref>{{Citation|last=LandmarcFilms|title=Vidyoday {{!}} Acharya Vidyasagar {{!}} Teaser 04 {{!}} Documentary {{!}} Landmarc Films|date=22 September 2018|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9XhyY2ei50|access-date=1 November 2018|archive-date=9 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191109194411/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9XhyY2ei50&gl=US&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref> The film had its first international screening at the Harrow Safari Cinema in [[London]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BrZ0Flihf7k/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/BrZ0Flihf7k |archive-date=2021-12-24 |url-access=limited|title=Vidhi Kasliwal on Instagram: "LONDON calling! So excited about our first international screening!! Looking forward to the feedback!! #Vidyoday #AcharyaVidyasagar…"|website=Instagram|language=en|access-date=17 December 2018}}{{cbignore}}</ref>


== See also ==
== See also ==
Line 98: Line 110:
=== Sources ===
=== Sources ===
{{refbegin}}
{{refbegin}}
*{{citation |last=Flügel |first=Peter |authorlink=Peter Flügel |title=Studies in Jaina History and Culture: Disputes and Dialogues |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=U2cDn8bNbXAC |date=2006 |publisher=[[Routledge]] |isbn=978-0-203-00853-9 }}
*{{citation |last=Flügel |first=Peter |authorlink=Peter Flügel |title=Studies in Jaina History and Culture: Disputes and Dialogues |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=U2cDn8bNbXAC |date=2006 |publisher=[[Routledge]] |isbn=978-0-203-00853-9}}
* {{citation |last=Jain |first=Gita |title=Acharya Vidyasagar |date=1978 |ref={{sfnref|Gita Jain|1978}} }}
* {{citation |last=Jain |first=Gita |title=Acharya Vidyasagar |date=1978 |ref={{sfnref|Gita Jain|1978}}}}
*{{citation |author=Kshamasagar |authorlink=Kshamasagar |title=In Quest of Self : The life story of Acharya Shri Vidyasagar |publisher=[[Bhartiya Jnanpith]] |date=2007 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MSieVNwsAAIC |location= Delhi |isbn=81-263-1166-5 }}
*{{citation |author=Kshamasagar |authorlink=Kshamasagar |title=In Quest of Self : The life story of Acharya Shri Vidyasagar |publisher=[[Bhartiya Jnanpith]] |date=2007 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MSieVNwsAAIC |location=Delhi |isbn=978-81-263-1166-8}}
*{{citation |last=Shah |first=Natubhai |authorlink=Natubhai Shah |title=Jainism: The World of Conquerors |publisher=[[Sussex Academy Press]] |date=1998 |location=[[Sussex]] |volume=I and II |isbn=1-898723-30-3 |ref={{sfnref|Natubhai Shah|1998}} }}
*{{citation |last=Shah |first=Natubhai |authorlink=Natubhai Shah |title=Jainism: The World of Conquerors |publisher=[[Sussex Academy Press]] |date=1998 |location=[[Sussex]] |volume=I and II |isbn=1-898723-30-3 |ref={{sfnref|Natubhai Shah|1998}}}}
* {{citation|last=Vidyasagar|first=Acharya|title=The Silent Earth [Mūkamāṭī]|year=2010|publisher=[[Bharatiya Jnanpith]] |location=New Delhi|isbn=978-81-263-1875-9|editor=Lal Chandra Jain|series=Moortidevi Granthamala: English Series No. 22}}
* {{citation |last=Vidyasagar |first=Acharya |title=The Silent Earth [Mūkamāṭī] |year=2010 |publisher=[[Bharatiya Jnanpith]] |location=New Delhi |isbn=978-81-263-1875-9 |editor=Lal Chandra Jain |series=Moortidevi Granthamala: English Series No. 22}}
{{refend}}
{{refend}}{{Citation |title=Live streaming of cremation ceremony |url=https://www.youtube.com/live/maR0r9Q1WqE?si=wsvm0vzIBvAtd1Xb }}


== Further reading ==
== Further reading ==
*{{citation|last1=Mācave|first1=Prabhākara|last2=Rāmamūrti|first2=Tripāṭhī|title=Mūkamāṭī-Mīmāṃsā|volume=1, 2 & 3|publisher=Bhartiya Jnanpith|language=Hindi}}
*{{cite book|last1=Mācave|first1=Prabhākara|last2=Rāmamūrti|first2=Tripāṭhī|title=Mūkamāṭī-Mīmāṃsā|volume=1, 2 & 3|publisher=Bhartiya Jnanpith|language=Hindi}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Vidyasagar, Acharya}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Vidyasagar, Acharya}}
[[Category:1946 births]]
[[Category:1946 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:2024 deaths]]
[[Category:2024 suicides]]
[[Category:People from Belagavi district]]
[[Category:People from Belagavi district]]
[[Category:Scholars from Karnataka]]
[[Category:Scholars from Karnataka]]
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[[Category:21st-century Indian monks]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian monks]]
[[Category:Haiku poets]]
[[Category:Haiku poets]]
[[Category:Suicides by starvation]]

Latest revision as of 16:01, 11 November 2025


Acharya

Vidyasagar
Personal
Born
Vidyadhar

(1946-10-10)10 October 1946
Sadalga, Belgaum district, Mysuru State, British India
Died18 February 2024(2024-02-18) (aged 77)
Chandragiri, Rajnandgaon district, Chhattisgarh, India
Resting placeChandragiri, Dongargarh, India
ReligionJainism
Parents
  • Mallappa (father)
  • Shrimanti (mother)
SectDigambara
Notable work(s)Mukamati (silent soil)
Religious career
PredecessorMuni Gyansagar
SuccessorMuni Samaysagar
Initiation30 June 1968
Ajmer
by Acharya Gyansagar
Websitevidyasagar.guru
Part of a series on
Jainism
Jain prayers
Philosophy
Ethics
Major figures
Major sects
Jain Literature
Other
Festivals
Pilgrimages
Tirth

Acharya Vidyasagar (10 October 1946 – 18 February 2024) was an influential Indian Digambara Jain acharya (monk), credited with having brought about a revival in educational and religious activities in Digambara Jainism.[1] He wrote the epic Hindi poem Mukamati.

Early life[edit | edit source]

Vidyasagar was born on 10 October 1946 during the full moon festival (Sharad Purnima) in Sadalga, in the Belgaum district, of Karnataka in a Kannada-speaking Jain family. The modest house where he was born, is now a temple and a museum.[2]

His childhood name was Vidyadhar.[3] He was the second of four sons, the eldest son being Mahavira Ashtage and the younger ones Anantanath and Shantinath.[4] As a child, he was fond of eating fresh butter which was used to make ghee (clarified butter).[5] He was not a demanding child and accepted what was given to him.[6] Vidyadhar used to visit temples and teach his younger siblings the principles of religion.[7] He called both younger sisters "Akka" (elder sister). He was attentive and was eager to undertake his studies. In his spare time he used to paint.[8]

Initiation[edit | edit source]

Vidyasagar was initiated as a Digambara monk in 1968 at the age of 22 by Acharya Acharya Gyanasagar, who belonged to the lineage of Acharya Shantisagar, at Ajmer.[9] His father Mallappa, his mother Shrimati, and two sisters took diksha and joined the sangha (community of the pious) of Acharya Dharmasagar.[10] All of his brothers, Anantanath, Shantinath and Mahavir Ashtage followed him and were initiated by Acharya Vidyasagar as Muni Yog Sagar. Muni Samay Sagar, and Muni Utkrasht Sagar respectively.[11]

He was elevated to the Acharya status in 1972.[12]

Ascetic life[edit | edit source]

Acharya Vidyasagar made very strict rules for his ascetic life. He never drank milk. He also did not consume curd, green vegetables, ghee and dry fruits. He also drank water only once a day by filling it with his palm and finger. He used to eat very limited quantity of plain dal and roti. He travelled across the country barefoot.[13]

The Acharya did not eat salt, sugar, fruits, milk, oil, ghee, in addition to what is traditionally prohibited (root vegetable and Panchudambar fal). He went out for a meal at about 9:30 a.m.–10:00 a.m. from Śrāvakas (lay votaries). He took food once a day in the palm of his hand, one morsel at a time.[14]

Vidyasagar slept on the floor or a wooden platform without any mattress or pillow. As a Digambar monk, for discourses he was provided a raised wooden seat without any padding.[citation needed]

Public activities[edit | edit source]

Travels[edit | edit source]

Picture of Acharya Vidyasagar leading his sangha
Acharya Vidyasagar leading his sangha during his vihara, passers-by kneel in reverence

As a traditional Digambara Jain monk, Acharya Vidyasagar never stayed in a single location for more than a few days, except for the four months of the rainy season (Chaturmas). He never declared where he would be next, although people tried to guess his next destination.[15][16] After his initiation in 1968 he had: seven Chaturmas in Rajasthan (1968–74); one in Uttar Pradesh (1974); seven in Madhya Pradesh (1976–1982); one in Jharkhand (1983); nine in Madhya Pradesh again (1984–1992); two in Maharashtra (1993–94); one in Madhya Pradesh (1995); one in Gujarat (1996); 11 again in Madhya Pradesh (1997–2007); one again in Maharashtra (2008); and eight again in Madhya Pradesh (2009–2016).[17]

Official visits[edit | edit source]

He was visited by Indian government officials, including Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 1999,[18] Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2016,[19] Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia in 2016,[20] Union Minister Uma Bharati in 2018,[21] Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Digvijay Singh in 2018, Congress State President Kamal Nath in 2019,[22] Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath in 2018,[23] Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in 2019,[24] Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in 2019,[25] Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Kamal Nath in 2020,[26] and Prime Minister Narendra Modi again in 2023.[27]

On 28 July 2016, he gave a religious speech (pravachana) in the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly by invitation from Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.[28][29]

Photograph showing the inscription on a Parshvanath idol
Inscription on a Parshvanath idol at Orchha mentioning the lineage of Acharya Vidyasagar from Acharya Shantisagar. He is termed anasakta yogi, jyeshtha, shreshtha, sant shiromani

He was also privately visited by American ambassador Kenneth Juster in 2018[30] and by French diplomat Alexandre Ziegler.[31][32]

Education[edit | edit source]

Acharya Vidyasagar opened a chain of schools for girls under the name Pratibhasthali Gyanodaya Vidhyapeeth.

Celebrations[edit | edit source]

The fiftieth anniversary of his diksha was celebrated in many cities in India with parades and festivities in July 2018.[33] On this occasion, commemorative columns (Swarna Kirti Stambha) were erected in Ajmer,[34][35] Rewa,[36] Sravanbelgola and other locations.[37]

Works[edit | edit source]

Acharya VidyasagaraJi was a scholar of Sanskrit and Prakrit and knew several languages including Hindi, Kannada, Marathi and English.[38] He wrote in languages such as Prakrit, Sanskrit, and Hindi. His works include Niranjana Shataka, Bhavana Shataka, Parishah Jaya Shataka, Suniti Shataka and Shramana Shataka.[39]

He composed nearly 700 haiku poems which are unpublished.[40][41]

He wrote the Hindi epic poem titled Mukamati.[12][42] This has been included in the syllabus of Hindi MA programmes at various institutions.[43] This has been translated into English by Lal Chandra Jain and was presented to Pratibha Patil, the President of India.[42][44][45]

Death[edit | edit source]

Acharya Vidyasagar died in Dongargarh on 18 February 2024 at the age of 77, after three days of fast (sallekhana).[46][47] Before his death, he nominated Muni Samaysagar as his successor on 6 February 2024.

Reactions[edit | edit source]

PM Modi with Acharya Vidyasagar, Nov 2023

His death met with formal condolences from the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi who wrote: "He [Acharya Vidyasagar] will be remembered by the coming generations for his invaluable contributions to society, especially his efforts towards spiritual awakening among people, his work towards poverty alleviation, healthcare, education and more."[48] Modi also wrote an article about Vidyasagar's impact on the society.[49] Condolences were sent also by the Governor and Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.[50] A one-minute silence was observed at the BJP's National Convention 2024 in Delhi.[51] The Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh Governments declared a half-day state mourning.[52]

Tradition[edit | edit source]

Acharya Vidyasagar belongs to the tradition established by Acharya ShantisagarJi.[53] Acharya Shantisagar initiated Acharya Virasagar, who was then succeeded by Acharya Shivsagar, Acharya Gyansagar[54] and finally Acharya Vidyasagar.

Some of his disciples are well-known scholars in their own right. As of 2001, about 21% of all the Digambara monks were under Acharya Vidyasagar.[55] Muni Sudhasagar and Muni Pramansagar are also his disciples.[56] One of his best known disciples was Muni Kshamasagar who died in 2015.[57]

Acharya Pushadantasagar, the guru of Muni Tarun Sagar, was initiated as a kshullak (junior monk) by Acharya Vidyasagar, although he took muni diksha from Acharya Vimal Sagar. Upadhyaya Guptisagar took muni diksha in 1982 from Acharya Vidyasagar although he later joined the sangha (community) of Acharya Vidyanand.[58]

Acharya Vidyasagar has been a source of inspiration to the people for founding institutions for their welfare at different locations.[12] Since the number of monks (munis) and nuns (āryikas) initiated and directed by him exceeds two hundred (117 Digambar Muni, 172 Aryikas), they stay in more than 60 locations in India.[59] This ensures that only a few monks or nuns are staying in one place.

Acharya Vidyasagar gave carried out most Digambara monk initiations in the country, amounting to 505.[60]

In popular culture[edit | edit source]

A documentary titled Vidyoday, directed by Vidhi Kasliwal,[61] was released on 25 November 2018 by Landmark Films.[62] The film had its first international screening at the Harrow Safari Cinema in London.[63]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

Notes[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Mishra, Neeraj (25 November 2002). "Aggressive movement to revive Jainism sweeps central India". India Today. Archived from the original on 25 September 2018. Retrieved 24 September 2018.
  2. ↑ "कर्नाटक में जहां बचपन बिताया वह घर अब म्यूजियम, पुनीत जैन, Dainik Bhaskar, Oct 20, 2021". Archived from the original on 26 November 2021. Retrieved 26 November 2021.
  3. ↑ Kshamasagar 2007, p. 23, 35.
  4. ↑ Kshamasagar 2007, p. 34-35.
  5. ↑ Kshamasagar 2007, p. 37.
  6. ↑ Kshamasagar 2007, p. 40.
  7. ↑ Kshamasagar 2007, p. 41-42.
  8. ↑ Kshamasagar 2007, p. 42.
  9. ↑ Kshamasagar 2007, p. 28.
  10. ↑ Gita Jain 1978, pp. 8-14.
  11. ↑ Kshamasagar 2007, p. 73.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 Natubhai Shah 1998, pp. 56–57.
  13. ↑ "Ascetic Life".
  14. ↑ "आचार्यश्री के आहारचर्या के लिए सजती हैं चौकियां, जानें किन चीजों को देख छोड़ देते हैं खाना, Patrika, 2016-06-05". 26 August 2014. Archived from the original on 27 March 2017. Retrieved 27 March 2017.
  15. ↑ "दयोदय गौशाला पहुंचे आचार्यश्री, होली पर दिया यह संदेश, Patrika, 3/13/2017". 24 March 2017. Archived from the original on 27 March 2017. Retrieved 27 March 2017.
  16. ↑ "आचार्य विद्यासागर जी का ससंघ प्रवेश आज, Bhaskar News Network, Jul 15, 2016". Archived from the original on 27 March 2017. Retrieved 27 March 2017.
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  18. ↑ "Video : सन् 1999 में श्री अटल बिहारी वायपेयी जी ने गोम्मटगिरि इंदौर में आचार्यश्री के दर्शन किए थे". Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj | Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj Pravachan | Jain Religion in Hindi. Archived from the original on 3 May 2019. Retrieved 3 May 2019.
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  27. ↑ PM Modi Visits Dongargarh In Poll-Bound Chhattisgarh, Meets Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj
  28. ↑ "देश के इतिहास को बनाए रखने के लिए पक्ष-विपक्ष साथ काम करें: आचार्यश्री", Rajasthan Patrika, 28 July 2016, archived from the original on 3 August 2016, retrieved 31 July 2016
  29. ↑ "When Another Jain Monk Addressed A State Legislative Assembly And There Was No Controversy", The Huffington Post, 29 August 2016, archived from the original on 30 August 2016, retrieved 31 August 2016
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  31. ↑ "खजुराहो में आचार्य विद्यासागर महाराज से आर्शीवाद लेने पहुंचे कमलनाथ, जबलपुर पहुंचे कांग्रेसजन news in hindi". palpalindia (in hindi). Archived from the original on 3 May 2019. Retrieved 3 May 2019.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  32. ↑ "French diplomat vows to turn vegetarian after meeting Jain muni - Times of India". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 9 November 2020. Retrieved 29 October 2018.
  33. ↑ Vidyasagar Maharaj showed us the right path, say Jain devotees, TNN Jun 29, 2017
  34. ↑ "अजमेर को मिला 71 फीट ऊंचा कीर्ति स्तंभ, Danik Bhaskar, Jul 01, 2018". Archived from the original on 26 September 2018. Retrieved 25 September 2018.
  35. ↑ संयम स्वर्ण कीर्ति स्तम्भ : Amazing Architecture : Jain Temple In Ajmer, Rajasthan India, Jun 28, 2018
  36. ↑ "Jain Samaj Founded 21 feet high sanyam kirti stambh in Rewa". 19 December 2017. Archived from the original on 25 September 2018. Retrieved 24 September 2018.
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  39. ↑ Ek Tapahput kavi ki kavya Sadhna, Asha Malaiya, Tirthankar, Nov-Dec 78, p. 21-24
  40. ↑ "हायकू". Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj | Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj Pravachan | Jain Religion in Hindi. Archived from the original on 7 August 2018. Retrieved 2 November 2018.
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  42. ↑ 42.0 42.1 "Acharya Vidyasagar's book "Silent Earth" presented to President", Web India 123, 15 June 2011, archived from the original on 14 July 2014, retrieved 12 December 2012
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  45. ↑ Vidyasagar 2010.
  46. ↑ "Jain seer Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj passes through 'sallekhna', PM Modi offers condolences". The Times of India. 18 February 2024. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  47. ↑ जैन मुनि आचार्य विद्यासागर महाराज ने समाधि ली:डोंगरगढ़ के चन्द्रगिरि तीर्थ में 3 दिन उपवास के बाद शरीर त्यागा, पिछले साल Prime Minister Modi मिलने पहुंचे थे, Bhaskar, Feb 18, 2024
  48. ↑ "On Twitter (X)".
  49. ↑ PM Narendra Modi writes on Sant Shiromani Acharya Vidhyasagar Maharaj: Loss of a guiding light, Indian Express, February 21, 2024
  50. ↑ "UP governor CM condole death of Jain seer Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj". The Week. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  51. ↑ "Jain seer Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj passes through 'sallekhna', PM Modi offers condolences". The Times of India. 18 February 2024. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  52. ↑ Today, Telangana (18 February 2024). "Chhattisgarh govt declares half-day state mourning on passing away of Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj". Telangana Today. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
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  54. ↑ "इस संत के जीवत रहते स्टूडेंट कर रहे हैं इन पर PHD, जानें क्या है इनकी खूबी", Dainik Bhaskar, 17 October 2016, archived from the original on 28 October 2016, retrieved 28 October 2016
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  58. ↑ "The Invincible Ascetic Aacharya Shri Vidyasagar". मेरे गुरुवर... आचार्य श्री विद्यासागर जी महाराज. Archived from the original on 5 December 2018. Retrieved 4 December 2018.
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  60. ↑ "बनेगा अनूठा रिकॉर्ड:विद्यासागर महाराज देश के पहले ऐसे आचार्यश्री जिन्होंने अब तक 505 दीक्षाएं दीं, दूसरे नंबर पर कुन्थु सागर महाराज" [Unique record will be created: Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj is the first such Acharya Shri of the country who has given 505 initiations so far, Kunthu Sagar Ji Maharaj is at number two] (in हिन्दी). Archived from the original on 11 May 2022. Retrieved 11 May 2022.
  61. ↑ Vidyoday, retrieved 1 November 2018
  62. ↑ LandmarcFilms (22 September 2018), Vidyoday | Acharya Vidyasagar | Teaser 04 | Documentary | Landmarc Films, archived from the original on 9 November 2019, retrieved 1 November 2018
  63. ↑ "Vidhi Kasliwal on Instagram: "LONDON calling! So excited about our first international screening!! Looking forward to the feedback!! #Vidyoday #AcharyaVidyasagar…"". Instagram. Archived from the original on 24 December 2021. Retrieved 17 December 2018.

Sources[edit | edit source]

Live streaming of cremation ceremony

Further reading[edit | edit source]

  • Mācave, Prabhākara; Rāmamūrti, Tripāṭhī. Mūkamāṭī-Mīmāṃsā (in Hindi). Vol. 1, 2 & 3. Bhartiya Jnanpith.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)

External links[edit | edit source]

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