Jain Spiritual Leader Acharya Vidhyasagar Maharaj Passes Away at 77; PM Pays Homage

Renowned Jain spiritual leader Acharya Vidhyasagar Maharaj passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning at Chandragiri Teerth in Dongargarh, Chhattisgarh. He was 77 years old. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on the demise of Acharya Shri 108 Vidhyasagar Ji Maharaj.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the countless devotees of Acharya Shri 108 Vidhyasagar Ji Maharaj Ji. He will be remembered by future generations for his invaluable contributions to society, particularly his efforts towards spiritual awakening, poverty alleviation, healthcare, education, and more,” Modi wrote.

Last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Dongargarh, a renowned pilgrimage site in Chhattisgarh’s Rajnandagon district, where he met Acharya Vidhyasagar Maharaj and offered prayers at Maa Bamleshwari Temple, situated at the foot of a hill in Dongargarh.

“I had the honor of receiving his blessings for years. I can never forget my visit to the Chandragiri Jain Mandir in Dongargarh, Chhattisgarh late last year. At that time, I spent time with Acharya Shri 108 Vidhyasagar Ji Maharaj Ji and also received his blessings,” Modi said on Sunday, sharing images of their interaction.

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Bharatiya Janata Party president JP Nadda expressed shock over the news of Acharya Vidhyasagar Maharaj’s demise. “I am shocked to receive the news of the demise of the most revered Saint Shiromani Acharya Shri 108 Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj. He has given new dimensions to the invaluable spiritual heritage of Jainism. His teachings, full of knowledge, compassion, and goodwill, will always provide us with guidance for the progress of society and culture. I bow down profusely at the feet of Samadhistha Acharya Shri,” Nadda wrote.

Acharya Vidhyasagar Maharaj, born on October 10, 1946, in Karnataka’s Sadalga, was the most renowned saint in the Digambar Jain community. He embraced spirituality from a young age and was initiated as a Digambara monk by Acharya Gyansagar Ji Maharaj at the age of 22 in 1968. He was elevated to the status of Acharya in 1972.

Throughout his life, Acharya Vidhyasagar Maharaj remained deeply engaged in the study and application of Jain scriptures and philosophy. He was also known for his expertise in Sanskrit, Prakrit, and other languages. He authored several insightful commentaries, poems, and spiritual treatises, including Niranjana Shataka, Bhavana Shataka, Parishah Jaya Shataka, Suniti Shataka, and Shramana Shataka, which are widely recognized within the Jain community.