Buddhisagarsuri

Buddhisagarsuri

Buddhisagar Suri
Religion Jainism
Sect Svetambara
Personal
Born Bechardas Patel
1874 (1874)
Vijapur
Died

1925 (aged 50–51)


Vijapur

Buddhisagarsuri (1874–1925) was a Jain ascetic, philosopher and author of the early 20th century.

Life

Vijapur Jain Temple and memorial shrine where Buddhisagarsuri was cremated

He was born as Bechardas Patel in Hindu family of Shivabhai and Ambaben in 1874 at Vijapur in north Gujarat. He studied up to sixth standard. He met Muni Ravisagar, a Jain monk, and became his disciple. He studied at Yashovijay Sanskrit Pathshala in Mehsana, a school for religious studies. He took job of religious teacher in Ajol near Mehsaba. Upon death of Ravisagar in 1898, his spiritual quest intensified. Ravisagar's disciple, Sukhsagar initiated him as a Jain monk in 1901. He was given a new name, Muni Buddhisagar. He was conferred with informal title of Yog-nishtha, firm in Yoga. He was elevated to title of Acharya in 1914 in Mansa.[1][2] He established Mahudi Jain temple in 1917.[3] He was invited by royals of Baroda, Idar, Pethapur to preach there. He died at Vijapur in 1925.[1][2] Vijapur Jain Temple and memorial shrine were built where Buddhisagar suri was later cremated.

Works

He wrote more than hundred books. His first book was Jain Dharma Khristi Dharma no Mukablo, a comparison between Jainism and Christianity. He criticised Christianity and its missionary activities in Gujarat.[1]

He was involved in debates regarding icon worship during those time. He defended it and authored booklet Jain Sutro ma Murtipuja, Icon Worship in Jain Scriptures. He termed icons as a form of love and devotion.[1]

Selected works

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 John Cort (16 November 2009). Framing the Jina: Narratives of Icons and Idols in Jain History. Oxford University Press. pp. 250–251. ISBN 978-0-19-973957-8.
  2. 1 2 "Acharya Shri Buddhi Sagarji►Biography". herenow4u.com. 31 January 2012. Retrieved 10 August 2014.
  3. ↑ Dave, Pranav (2 November 2013). "Kali Chaudas havan revered by all faiths". The Times of India. Ahmedabad. Retrieved 2 November 2013.
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