Gyansagar

Acharya Jnansagar or Gyansagar (1891–1973) was a Digambara Jain Acharya of 20th century who composed many Sanskrit epics. He initiated Acharya Vidyasagar in 1968 as a monk and 1972 as an Acharya.[1]

Acharya Shri 108 Gyansagar Ji Maharaj
Gyansagar on a 2013 stamp of India
Personal
Born	Bhooramal Chhabda 1891 Ranoli, Sikar Rajasthan
Died	2020 Nasirabad, Ajmer Rajasthan
Religion	Jainism
Parents	Chaturbhuj (father) Ghritbhari Devi (mother)
Sect	Digambara
Religious career
Predecessor	Acharya Shivsagar
Successor	Acharya Vidyasagar
Ascetics initiated	Acharya Vidyasagar
Initiation as Muni	1959 Khaniya ji, Jaipur by Acharya Shivsagar
Initiation as Kshullak	Gyanbhushan by Acharya Veersagar

Biography

He was born in 1891 as Bhooramal Chhabra (Hindi: भूरामल छाबड़ा). His father was named Chaturbhuj Chhabra and mother Ghritbhari Devi. He was second of five brothers (Chhaganlal being the eldest and Gangaprasad, Gaurilal and Devdatt being the younger brothers).

After completing primary studies in his village, he further studied Sanskrit and Jain philosophy in Banaras at the famous Syadvad Mahavidyalaya founded by Ganeshprasad Varni. He was initiated a kshullak (Junior monk) by Acharya Veersagar who belonged to the lineage of Acharya Shantisagar. He was then named kshullak Gyanbhusan. He remained a kshullak for 2 years and 2 more years as Ailak before becoming a Muni (Full monk).

He was initiated a monk by Acharya Shivsagar who also belonged to the lineage of Acharya Shantisagar, in Khaniya ji, Jaipur in 1959. He was further elevated to the Acharya status in 1968 at Naseerabad, Rajasthan.

Works

As an expert in Sanskrit, he had been a great composer in Sanskrit. At least 30 researchers have studied his works and were honored doctoral degrees. At least 300 scholars have presented research papers on his work.
His works includes 4 Sanskrit epics and 3 more Jain texts and that too in the time when the Sanskrit composition was almost obsolete. These creations have always surprised the modern Sanskrit scholars.[2]

Stamp

An official Government of India stamp in his memory was issues by minister Sachin Pilot on September 10, 2013 at Kishangarh Rajasthan.[3][4] He thus became the first Digambar Jain Acharya to have a stamp released in his memory.

Tradition

He belongs to the tradition established by Acharya Shantisagar:

1. Acharya Shantisagar
2. Acharya Virsagar
3. Acharya Shivsagar
4. Acharya Gyansagar
5. Acharya Vidyasagar (present leader)

References

1. इस संत के जीवत रहते स्टूडेंट कर रहे हैं इन पर PHD, जानें क्या है इनकी खूबी Dainik Bhaskar, Oct 17, 2016. Bhaskar.com. Retrieved on 2018-11-08.
2. Yahoo. In.jagran.yahoo.com. Retrieved on 2018-11-08.
3. Postage stamp on Acharya Gyansagar released, Press Trust of India, Ajmer, September 10, 2013. Business-standard.com. Retrieved on 2018-11-08.
4. प्रथम दिगम्बर जैन संत जिन पर हुआ डाकटिकिट जारी Edited By Rajneesh K Jha on बुधवार, 11 सितंबर 2013