Jain Muni Acharya Vidhyasagar Maharaj Passes Away In Chandragiri; PM Modi Expresses Heartfelt Condolences

Jain Muni Acharya Vidhyasagar Maharaj Passes Away In Chandragiri; PM Modi Expresses Heartfelt Condolences

Jain Muni Acharya Vidhyasagar Ji Maharaj Death: One of the most prominent seers of Digambara Muni Jainism, Acharya Shri Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj passed away on Sunday around 2:35 am at Chandragiri Teerth in Chhattisgarh’s Dongargarh. Vidyasagar Ji had gone on permanent fasting 3 days ago while fully conscious. Following the Jain religious practice of Santhara or Sallekhana, he had also stopped talking since then.

His last rites will be performed at 1 pm on Sunday.

PM Modi called on him last year

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had reached Dongargarh to seek his blessings last year. Sharing his affection towards the renowned seer, PM wrote on social media ‘I feel blessed to have the blessings of Acharya Shri 108 Vidyasagar ji. PM Modi expressed his condolences to the Jain community on the passing of seer.

Jain Muni Acharya Vidhyasagar Ji Maharaj’s life journey

Acharya Shri Vidyasagarji Maharaj (10 October 1946 – 18 February 2024), a revered Digambara Jain Acharya, left an indelible mark as a scholar and ascetic. Born in Sadalga, Karnataka, he undertook spiritual discipline in Rajasthan and played a pivotal role in revitalising educational and religious activities in the Bundelkhand region. Renowned for his rigorous tapasya and meditation, he authored haiku poems and the epic Hindi poem “Mukamati.”

Initiated as a Digambara monk in 1968 by Acharya GyansagarJi Maharaj, he ascended to Acharya status in 1972. His austere lifestyle included abstaining from salt, sugar, fruits, and more. Visitors from political figures like Kamal Nath and Uma Bharati to international dignitaries like Kenneth Juster and Alexandre Ziegler sought his blessings.

Acknowledged by leaders like Yogi Adityanath, Rajnath Singh, and PM Narendra Modi, Acharya Vidyasagarji Maharaj’s influence extended beyond religious circles, encompassing Hindi promotion, handloom, and Ayurveda. His spiritual journey profoundly impacted devotees and leaders alike until his passing on February 18, 2024.