- Jain community mourns the passing of revered saint Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj, who entered samadhi after fasting for three days.
- PM Modi and CM Vishnudev Sai express condolences, acknowledging Acharya Vidyasagar’s profound impact on society.
- Funeral rites to be held today, with BJP honoring Acharya Vidyasagar’s sacrifice with a minute of silence at a meeting.
Today, on 18th February, is a solemn day for the Jain community all over India. Their revered saint, Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj, known as Vardhaman, has passed away after fasting for three days and entering samadhi.
He peacefully left his body around 2:35 pm on Saturday, after maintaining silence. As the news spread, people from the Jain community began to gather to pay their respects.
Acharya Vidyasagar, a disciple of Acharya Gyan Sagar, breathed his last at the age of 77 after fasting for three days at Chandragiri Tirtha in Dongargarh, Chhattisgarh. His final rites are scheduled for Sunday at 1 pm. As soon as word of his passing spread, devotees started arriving for darshan.
PM Modi also paid his respects.
Before entering samadhi, Acharya Vidyasagar had passed on the responsibilities of his position to his first disciple, Niryapaka Shramana Muni Samaysagar, whom he considered worthy. Vidyasagar appointed him as the next Acharya on 6th February itself, following the tradition set by Acharya Gyan Sagar.
Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj’s journey began in Sadalga village of Belgaum, Karnataka, where he was born on Sharad Purnima on 10th October 1946. He hailed from a devout family with three brothers, two of whom became Jain monks, and two sisters who also embraced celibacy. Acharya Vidyasagar initiated more than 500 monks during his lifetime. He passed away while staying at Chandragiri Tirtha in Dongargarh, Chhattisgarh.
Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai expressed his condolences via social media, acknowledging the profound impact Acharya Vidyasagar had on Chhattisgarh and beyond.
PM Narendra Modi, upon learning of Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj’s demise, expressed deep sorrow, describing it as an irreparable loss for the nation. He praised Acharya Vidyasagar’s tireless efforts in promoting spirituality, alleviating poverty, and advancing education and healthcare in society.
Former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan also mourned the loss, reminiscing about Acharya Vidyasagar’s influence in his life and the blessings he received from him. He emphasized Acharya Vidyasagar’s exemplary life of sacrifice and love, stating that although his physical presence may be gone, his spiritual presence as a Guru will endure.
The funeral rites for Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj will be held at 1 pm today, Sunday, amidst a wave of mourning in the Jain community. His passing was also honored with a minute of silence at a BJP meeting held at the Centre, attended by top party leaders, cabinet members, and thousands of party workers.