Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj. file pic
– Photo: Amar Ujala
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Jain monk Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj, who left his body after writing the book, had initiated the maximum number of 505 monks. Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj of Digambar Muni tradition was the only Acharya in the country to do so. After him, Acharya Shri Kunthu Sagar Maharaj had given initiation to 325 monks.
Born on October 10, 1946 in Sadalga village of Belagavi district of Karnataka, Acharya Vidyasagar took initiation at the age of 22. He did not consume salt-sugar, green vegetables, milk-curd, dry fruits throughout his life. He had also given up oil and mat throughout his life. He slept on the same side and drank water only once a day. He was initiated into the post of Acharya by Acharya Shri Gyan Sagar Maharaj on 22 November 1972.
Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj gave the first initiation in 1980 to Muni Shri Samay Sagar Maharaj in Chhatarpur. The second initiation was given to Yoga Sagar and Niyama Sagar Maharaj in Sagar district. Among those who took initiation are Acharya’s brothers from household life, Muni Shri Samay Sagar and Muni Shri Yoga Sagar.
Irreversible loss for the country: Modi
Prime Minister Modi has expressed deep grief over the demise of Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj. He wrote on social media, the demise of Acharya Shri 108 Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj Ji is an irreparable loss for the country. His valuable efforts for spiritual awakening among the people will always be remembered.
The PM said that Acharya remained engaged in poverty alleviation as well as promoting health and education in the society throughout his life. It is my good fortune that I continue to receive his blessings. My meeting with him last year at Chandragiri Jain Temple in Chhattisgarh will be unforgettable for me. Then I had received a lot of love and blessings from Acharya. His unmatched contribution to the society will continue to inspire every generation of the country.
Priority given to welfare of humanity: Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah wrote on social media, the death of a great man like the great saint Param Pujya Acharya Shri 108 Vidyasagar Maharaj is an irreparable loss for the country and society. He gave priority only to the welfare of humanity till his last breath. I consider myself fortunate that I got the company, affection and blessings of such a wise man. The demise of Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj, a true devotee of humanity, is a personal loss for me.
Half-day state mourning in Chhattisgarh-Madhya Pradesh…There was half-day state mourning in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh on the demise of Acharya. During this period the national flag remained at half mast and no government functions or programs were organised.
