Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj Passes Away; PM Modi Condoles His Death

Jain monk Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj passed away in Dongargarh, Chhattisgarh on Saturday.

He had started the process of 'samadhi', three days ago after giving up food and water, the report said. The seer was on a Maun Vrat (vow to not speak).

On February 14 at 2:35 am, at Chandragiri Tirth near Dongargarh, the Acharya renounced his acharya-hood and embarked on 'sallekhana'. He peacefully attained 'samadhi' on February 17th. He conferred the esteemed Acharya title upon Niryapaka Muni Samayasagar before attaining 'samadhi'.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolence over the demise of the Jain monk. He said, "My thoughts and prayers are with the countless devotees of Acharya Shri 108 Vidhyasagar Ji Maharaj Ji. He 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."

PM Modi also shared a few photos of his visit to the Chandragiri Jain Mandir and said, "I had the honour of receiving his blessings for years. I can never forget my visit to the Chandragiri Jain Mandir in Dongargarh, Chhattisgarh late last year. That time, I had spent time with Acharya Shri 108 Vidhyasagar Ji Maharaj Ji and also received his blessings.

Acharya Shri Vidyasagarji Maharaj was renowned for his erudition and asceticism. His prolonged periods of meditation were well-known.

Born in Karnataka and initiated into monkhood in Rajasthan, he resided in the Bundelkhand region, where he played a pivotal role in revitalizing educational and religious pursuits. He was not only a poet, having composed haikus and the epic Hindi poem 'Mukamati', but also a spiritual leader of great significance.

Expressing his condolence, former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh said, "Saint Shiromani Acharya Shri Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj passed away at Chandragiri Teerth Dongargarh at 2:35 pm. He was a saint in the form of God. His message of education and wearing clothes made on hand loom reminds us of the message of #महात्मा_गांधी . Message -The dola will leave at Chandragiri at 1 pm.* Chandragiri Area Committee Dongargarh Chhattisgarh."