Prominent Jain monk Acharya Vidhyasagar Maharaj passed away early Sunday morning at Chandragiri Teerth in Chhattisgarh’s Dongargarh at the age of 77. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences on the demise of Acharya Shri 108 Vidhyasagar Ji Maharaj.
In his tribute, Prime Minister Modi reflected on Acharya Shri 108 Vidhyasagar Ji Maharaj’s profound impact on society, particularly his efforts in spiritual awakening, poverty alleviation, healthcare, and education. Last year, Modi had visited Dongargarh, where he met Acharya Vidhyasagar Maharaj and sought his blessings at the Maa Bamleshwari Temple.
Bharatiya Janata Party president JP Nadda also expressed shock over the demise, acknowledging Acharya Shri 108 Vidhyasagar Ji Maharaj’s significant contributions to Jainism’s spiritual heritage and his teachings’ enduring value for societal progress.
Acharya Vidhyasagar Maharaj, born on October 10, 1946, in Karnataka’s Sadalga, was revered as the most renowned saint in the Digambar Jain community. Initiated as a Digambara monk at 22 by Acharya Gyansagar Ji Maharaj, he ascended to the Acharya status in 1972. Throughout his life, he immersed himself in the study of Jain scriptures and philosophy, demonstrating expertise in Sanskrit, Prakrit, and other languages. Among his notable works are Niranjana Shataka, Bhavana Shataka, Parishah Jaya Shataka, Suniti Shataka, and Shramana Shataka, which are esteemed within the Jain community for their insights and wisdom.