Swami Vidhyasagar Ji Maharaj Passes Away; Prime Minister Modi Expresses Grief

Jain community Mourns as Acharya Shri Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj Renowned Digambara monk passes away. Acharya Shri Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj passed away three days ago at Chandragiri Tirth in Dongargarh, Chhattisgarh, through the practice of Sallekhana, as revealed by his close associates. With the news becoming public on Sunday, people belonging to the Jain community are visiting his Samadhi to pay their respects. Previously, Vidyasagar Maharaj’s guru, Gyansagar Maharaj, also entered live Samadhi at Chandragiri Teertham during his 77th year, relinquishing his physical body in the same location. Three days before entering live Samadhi, Vidyasagar Maharaj was conferred with the position of Jainism guru by Gyansagar Maharaj. Before entering live Samadhi, Vidyasagar Maharaj also announced one of his disciples as the next Acharya. It is known that the title of Acharya was conferred upon Niryapak Shraman Muni Samay Sagar.

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Prime Minister Modi Expresses Grief

Prime Minister Modi expressed condolences over the death of Acharya Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj. Modi stated that receiving his blessings was considered an honour. Before the Chhattisgarh Assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Dongargarh and met Jain monk Vidyasagar Maharaj. He posted the photos of his visit on Twitter. In the photo, the Prime Minister is seen paying respects to Swamiji, who is seated in a Digambara avatar on a wooden plank, by bowing down to his feet. The Prime Minister is sitting on the ground near Swamiji’s feet, offering his respects. He was born on October 10, 1946, in Sadalga, Belgaum district of Karnataka state. He has initiated over 500 disciples into monkhood.

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… pic.twitter.com/jiMMYhxE9r

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 18, 2024