About Marasaeb Detail

Childhood:

Gurudev Shri Vijay Shanti Suriji was born on 25th January 1890 (samvat 1946) in Manadar, a village in Rajasthan’s Sirohi District. His father Bhimtolaji and mother Vasudevi named him Sagtoji. By the union of the powers of events in the past, at the early age of 8 the great saint Shri Tirth Vijayji gave him an audience and he was kept for serving him. For eight years, Sagtoji lived with Tirth Vijayji and practiced ascetic lifestyle, gained knowledge, meditated and learnt the ways of life of saints and ways of purification.

On the Basant Panchmi of 9th February 1906 (samvat 1961) on attaining the age of 16 years, he embraced the Jain Deeksha (consecration) in Ramseen village and then was given the name Muni Shri Shanti Vijayji.

Seth Shri Nopaji Dhayaji of Ramseen spent a great deal of money at the Deeksha Festivities. Thakur Sa Shri Jorawarsinghji was also of great assistance.

After the Deeksha Muni Shri Shanti Vijayji came to Mandoli, where the Agni Sanskara of his Dada Guru Shri Dharam Vijayji was performed. After the darshan of this pious place, He returned to Ramseen. In Ramseen there was a beautiful house of Seth Nopaji Dahyaji where no one would dwell due to unknown fears. At the request of Sethji, Gurudev lived in the house for three days and mediated there due to which there were no signs of fear left and everyone started to live happily there.

“Bhakti Bhakt Bhagwant Guru, Chatur Naam Wapu EK|

Inke pad wandan kiye, Nasai Koti Kalesh||”

Sadhana (Religious Practice)

After some time Gurudev proceeded at the caves of Abu Mountains for meditation and religious practices. He proceeded to the Ashram of Markanda Rishi and the temple of Goddess Saraswati (Goddess of knowledge). These are located near Ajari village in Sirohi District. Many great men the likes of Shri Siddhasen Diwakar, Shri Abhay Dev Suri, Shri Bappabhatt Suri, Kalikala Sarvagya Shri Hemchandracharya have mediated here. Just as the special meditations of Shri Jindutt Suriji on Onkara, Shri Hemchadra on Arhampad, Shri Jin Kushal Suriji on Maya Beej, Gurudev meditated mainly on “Om Hrim Arham Namah”.  Along with this he mastered many root words and mediated on Sohum and Pindastha to attain self-enlightenment. By the virtue of his past live Sanskara the self enlightenment came easily. While in meditation he received the extreme blessings of Dada Guru Shri Dharam Vijayji.

 

 

References: 

In total 6 beejakshara, 12 paada (4 paada for each of the 3 ruchas) and 12 names of Surya are used in the creation of Nama mantras. The six beejakshara in the order of their usage are hr??, hr??, hr??, hrai?, hr?u? and hra?. The 12 paada are explained in detail in the glossary. The 12 names of ‘The Sun’ in the order of their usage are “Mitra, Ravi, Surya, Bhanu, Khaga, Pushan, Hiranyagarbha, Marichiman, Aditya, Savitr, Arka, Bhaskara]”.

The mantra, start with short arrangements of the words at the beginning of the worship and evolve into more complex structures near the end. The mantra for the ease of discussion can be classified into four steps. “Aum + 1 Beejaksharam + 1 rucha + 1 Beejaksharam + Aum + 1 Name of Sun”

Sanskara, imprints left on the subconscious mind by experience

Sohum, The 108 online repetitions of So Hum mantra is about 17 minutes of meditation practice, at a rate of about 6 1/2 breaths per minute, which is extremely relaxing both for meditation and reducing stress in the autonomic nervous system. The Hummmm…  sound is intentionally somewhat longer than the Sooooo… sound, as this increases the effect of the relaxation and meditation by releasing the autonomic nervous system.

Inhale silently with Sooooo… Exhale silently with Hummmm…

Pindastha

Avastha Chintan (Contemplating on the different States of Arihanta)   After completing the external worship, you must carry out this contemplation. The male should stand on the right side of the idol of Arihanta (that is the left side while facing the idol) while the female should stand on the left side of it (that is the right side while facing the idol). Standing this way, you should contemplate on the three different states that Arihantas went through. They are

 

Pindastha Avastha (ordinary embodied souls)

Padastha Avastha (omniscient embodied souls)

Rupatita Avastha (liberated souls)

Pindastha Avastha In Pindastha Avastha you contemplate on Arihant’s Janmavastha

Rajyavastha

Shramanavastha

Janmavastha:

Oh Lord, during your third previous life, you acquired Tirthankar Nam karma, Compassion towards all living beings, etc. when you were born to be a Tirthankar, all of 56 female angels of directions and 64 Indras performed birth rituals to you. How great you were that even at such an occasion, you did not feel proud of what was happening around you. Your loftiness is blessed.

Rajyavastha:

Oh Lord, you had the status of a Prince. You had princely power and grandeur, and yet you were neither attached to them nor felt hatred about them. You were like a Yogi who is detached. Glory to your renunciation.

Shramanavastha:

Oh heroic Lord, you renounced worldly power and luxury without any hesitation and became a Sadhu (monk). You carried out heroic endeavors for the attainment of spiritual elevation, bearing the most bitter obstacles and calamities. At times you carried out incomparable and arduous spiritual austerities and penance. You stood for days absorbed in deep meditation. By doing so, you destroyed all the Ghati Karmas. Glory to your austerity. Glory to your bravery. Glory to your tolerance.

 

Around 1912 (Samvat 1968) Gurudev travelled towards Gujarat and Malwa. He met a Jain Muniraj on his pilgrimage to Palitana, Who had complete knowledge of Aagam and the Jain Scriptures and was good at Jain Shaily (trends). After exchanging ideas the Jai Muniji in highly praising Gurudev said – “Shanti Vijayji you know the Jain Scriptures in minute even better than me. It seems that Sanskaras of many lives are embedded in you.” After Palitana, Gurudev meditated in the Girnar mountains for some time and later visited Godahar in Gujarat and then moved to Malwa. In Malwa’s Anand High School located in Dharnagari he discussed and debated religion with Arya Samajis. This was presided over by Queen Lakshmi Bai (queen of Raja Udai ji Rao sahib). Within a short time at the debate Gurudev put up many rationales which convinced the gathering of his point of view and the Queen adjudged Gurudev as the winner of the debate.

From Malwa Gurudev moved towards Mandoli which was informed to Guru Shri Tirth Vijayji. Up on arriving in Mandoli the Guru and disciple were reunited after a long time.

After living with his Guru for some time, He moved towards Abu to attain “Purnata” through advanced religious practice. He began practicing advanced asceticism and deep meditation beyond imagination.

Near Abu Road is a place called Rishikesh, which is the abode of hundreds of snakes. He meditated sitting on the snake burrows for over six months. During this period He ate Bakuls made of Udad Dal once a day.  A Brahmin named Bhabhutaji was in Gurudev’s service. While going to serve the Bakuls to Gurudev he would see snakes all over him and would return in a haste out of fear. Bhabhutaji narrated that once Gurudev had asked for a one-eyed Coconut and had performed Siddhi on it. The Shreefal would reply to what Gurudev said and when the Shreefal spoke, Gurudev would reply. After the Siddhi of the Shreefal Gurudev had it thrown into a well.

From the year 1917 -18 (Samvat 1973-74) during Chaturmasa, Gurudev would reside in Jaswantpura Village in Sunda mountain in Jodhpur state. Many animals were slaughtered for feasts during Navratri festival at the Temple of Chamnunda Devi.  To end this violence, Gurudev meditated in silence for many months by virtue of which the thoughts of the priest of the temple and the people who visited there changed just after some advice from Gurudev and the Killing of animals was put to a stop by the Jodhpur state.

During this time He visited Bamanwara Tirth. There he went into meditation by the window in the room above the entry gate. That night there was an incidence and Gurudev fell 15 feet below on to the footpath and blood started to flow from his head.  Upon hearing this servants at the Temples Office ran to Gurudev and asked him what had happened. Gurudev was not moved at all and said Nothing, OM Shanti. At that time for many months Gurudev’s nursing and treatment was done by Shri Pujaji Maharaj of Dhannari.

From 1919 to 1923 (samvat 1975 to Samvat 1979) Gurudev practiced and deep meditation in silence in the Saraswati Temple of Markanda Ashram.  He was deep in meditation day and night. Never seen to be asleep or idling. Never touched a pencil or a pin. Just by virtue of meditation and self awareness Gurudev attained the ultimate knowledge. He could visualize what had happened in the past, or will happen in the future or is happening in the present. He also attained several powers by meditating.

Pundit Lakshmishankar ji of Kivrali village was at his service during this time by virtue of which he too learnt by heart natural Sanskrit and thousands of shlokas form epics such as Gita and other Scriptures. Gurudev had now been blessed by Goddess Saraswati and mastered many languages without having to learn them. Lakshmishankar ji said that Gurudev used to discuss and debate with the Idol of Goddess Saraswati.  Goddess Saraswati seemed to rise from the smoke of the burning incense sticks and reciting the Sutras along with Gurudev.

In 1921 (samvat 1977) Gurudev proceeded to Shivganj. In the state of meditation, He visited the home of Dhanroopji a Shravak for taking Gochari. After taking the Gochari, Gurudev saw his son Sunakraj, and asked what had happened to him. Dhanroopji said he was disabled since many years. Gurudev was filled with compassion for the child and said, “Om Shanti… He will be fine”. Thereafter the child Sunakraj slowly began to walk and later fully recovered and led a normal life.

After three to four months Gurudev proceeded to Pomava Village. One night a Goddess appeared in the dreams of Seth Ratanchand Manroopji, who then was eager to donate some money in Gurudev’s feet. His mother and wife too encouraged him to spend on the Ujmana of the Oli of the Bis Sthanaka (page6)

On the 11th day of the month of Jeth in Samvat 1978 (year 1922 ad) the Ujmana festival was organized with great pomp and show.  Seth Ratanchandji’s wishes changed and where he had planned to spend some Rs 500-6000 he ended up spending all his capital and the sums he gained by selling the family jewelry. The very next year he earned double the sum spent in rice trade.

In the year 1924 (samvat 1980) Gurudev left for the caves in Abu Mountain to meditate. At times in the Gurushikhar caves and on other in Achalgarh caves. Sometimes in Vashist Ashram (Gomukh), sometimes in White case and sometimes in Red caves he was found in deep meditation.

Through the cold day and nights and not worrying about the wild animals, He stayed meditating in the Peaks above the Adhar Shikhar which is now known as Shanti Shikhar. He spent one Chaturmasa in Aarna Village in Arbud Giri mountains.

After Aarna he spent one Chaturmasa in Vashisht Ashram (Gomukh). It used to rain heavily and was very cold during the rainy season. The fog was so thick that one could hardly see anything. In such extreme cold weather Gurudev remained in meditation for several months wearing just a loin cloth (Langot). He was so deep in meditation that he appeared to roam around as a happy elephant.

The Chaturmasa of 1925 (samvat 1982) was spent in Sirohi. In 1927 (samvat 1984) on the 7th day of Jeth the Anjanshalaka ceremony of Jin Bimb in village Chamunderi was completed by the auspicious hands of Gurudev. In those times an unimaginable and grand sum of Rs 1, 90,000 was collected in the temple and he restored peace in the villages around the temple by resolving their differences and feuds.

In 1928-29 (samvat 1985-86) the dhwaja dand festival at the Rishabh Dev Temple was accomplished in the presence of Gurudev. Gurudev saw that the dhwaja dand would not move from the earth level and he asked the people to touch his OGHA to it and thereafter the objective was achieved.

On the 8th day of Falgun month in samvat 1984 (1928 AD) His Guru Shri Tirth Vijayji left for his heavenly abode in Mundatara village.

“ Janam bhumi, janani, jagat guru, jagdish|

Durlabh panch prakar hain, inhein namao sheesh||”

Knowledge and Philanthropy

The Chaturmasa of year 1928 (Samvat 1985) was spent in Aarna village which is between Abu and Abu road. Gurudev sat on a rock meditating during this period. It is believed that it is here in the Asoj month he gained Complete Knowledge. It is referred as Pratibhagyan and Anubhava Gyan in Scriptures.

On the eve the Gods celebrated in the temple as per one of his disciples.

In 1930 (samvat 1987) around Diwali time Sir George Oglivy was appointed the AGG of Mount Abu. He was an ardent devotee of Gurudev. Many years ago when he was an ordinary officer Gurudev had told him that he will be the AGG (Agent to the Governor General) one day for Rajputana. In the same year Mahatma Gandhi had stated his Satyagraha and many political arrests were made. On being asked by his devotees, Gurudev had predicted that Gandhiji will be released on 4th March 1931 and the English government will announce reconciliation. As a result on 4th March 1031 Gandhi-Irvine pact was announced and political prisoners were released.

One day a thought came to Gurudev’s mind that the Government collected Mundka Tax form only religious visitors of their religion and not from Tourists, Christians and Muslims and that it was not just. This injustice must immediately be ended in all temples. He transmitted the vibrations of his wow to the entire world silently.

In the initial years Gurudev drew the attention of his visitors to the unjust tax but He realized that the Jain Sect was not united enough to risk taking up something like the Satyagraha to effect the lifting of the Mundka Tax. Gurudev knew that in a few years with the Indian independence the Mundka tax will be lifted. Hence he would say in the final few years to pay the Mundka Tax if the devotees wanted to go to a temple. Finally due to the vibrations sent by Gurudev the tax was finally lifted upon independence of India.

In this reference the tax on Shatrunjaya (Palitana) is also remembered which is described in brief hereunder-

The Palitana Durbar of Shatrunjaya mountain used to collect annual taxes from the Anandji Kalyanji Pedhi. The Durbar increased the demand for tax significantly and the Jain sect could not do Satyagraha to oppose it. As a result in 1926 (samvat 1985) it was decided to stop going to Shatrunjaya and go to the neighboring Kadamb Giri for darshan of the Almighty. Many kings of states were devotees of Gurudev. When this matter was raised with Gurudev, the Palitana Durbar agreed to be satisfied with whatever amount Gurudev decides. The message of this subject was sent by Shri Gulabchandji  Dhaddha, Shri Raikumarsinghji son of Babu Badridasji of Calcutta, Mohanlalji Baid of Agra and other renown persons to the Anandji Kalyanji Pedhi, asking them to leave the matter of the tax in the safe hands of Gurudev. But disregarding the request and on advice of some main Teachers in 1928 (samvat 1985) the Pedhi decided to pay Rs 60,000 as annual tax to the Durbar. If they had accepted the mediation of Gurudev there would have been a great benefit to the Society.

In 1031 the festivities of the Gurupoornima were celebrated in Mount Abu on behalf of the daughter of the Jodhpur Durbar’s Sumersinghji (Maharani of Jaipur). In this very year the state’s first Animal hospital was opened in Mount Abu so that sick animals would not have to be shot dead but would be treated and cured. In this year Shri Digvijay Singhji (Jamnagar Durbar) came to pay respects to Gurudev. American writer Ms Neelakrem Cook also came in November 1931 and stayed for a few months with Gurudev. She also stayed later in Gandhiji’s Sabarmati and Vardha Ashrams. She wrote her divine experiences with Gurudev in 36 pages mentioning “Gurudev is Guru God, Divine Guru”.

“ Bhakti Bhajan Bhagwan ka, Seva Aadar vain|

Ninda Irshya Tyag kar, Magan raho din rain||”

The divine message of Non-violence and the Porwal Conference;

Gurudev spent the summers of 1933 (samvat 1989) in Bamanwara Tirth and thereafter he proceeded to Delwara in the rainy season. By now he was famous worldwide. On the eve of Dussehra festival in the Devi temples of all cities and villages Animal sacrifice was performed. To stop this Gurudev sent a message to all the Kings of the country which was well received and hundreds of them decided to put an end to this animal slaughter in their states and this message was communicated by them to Gurudev in letters and Wires.

He was invited to join the Porwal Conferences in 1934 (samvat 1990) in Bamanwarji. The proceedings at the conference began on 11th April 1933 and lasted three days. There he met and exchanged ides with Shri Vijayvallabh Suriji. In this conference with great requests Gurudev was respected with the accolade of “ Anant Jeev Pratipal Yogendra Chidamani Raj Rajeshwar)

Bamanwara Panchtirthi

On 30th October 1933 (Samvat 1990) Mumbai resident, Seth Gulabchandji Rajaji from Dujanawalon expressed his desire to take out the Panchtirthi Sangh. Gurudev accepted his request and on 2nd November 1933 proceeded along with the Sangh form Bamanwara.

Sangh travelled to Nandiya, Laaj, Lautana, Diyana, Ajari, Markandeshwar, Pindwada, Jhadoli and Arasana to reach Virwada on 20th November 1933.

 

Renouncing food and water at Virwada by the Sangh

By this time there were thousands of devotees of Gurudev across the world who came to pay respects form time to time. Many Kings, Parsis, Muslims etc too came to pay respects. They were all fans of Gurudev due to his divine foresight, lovingness, and his bewildering ability to understand the confusions of the mind and relax it towards peaceful thoughts. All wished to decorate the accolade and status of “Acharya” to Yogiraj Gurudev.

En-route Acharya Vijaymahendra Surishwarji, Acharya Shri Vijaygulabsom Surishwarji, Upadhyaya Shri Udhyotvijayji, Pundit Labdhisagarji, Muni Manharvijayji, Muni Mangalchandji, Sadhvi Shri Manikshriji, Shri Amritashriji and Shravaks-Shravikas etc, with the chaturvid Sangha had the strong urge to bestow Gurudev the status of Shri Jagatguru Suri (Acharya) Samrat and be blessed.

Earlier a few years ago too Gurudev had declined the Acharya status even after several requests by Shri Vijaykesarsurishwarji in Rohida Village. En-route the Tirthyatra the Sangh held conferences and in every village to dedicate the status of Acharya but Gurudev kept refusing but upon arriving in Virwada the Sangh decided that until Gurudev accepts the Acharya Pad they will not accept any food or water. Even then Gurudev kept refusing. It was 3 am now since morning no one had eaten or drank anything.

Sangh (being equivalent to the 25th Tirthankar) bestows the Acharya Status

Then all of a sudden there was excitement in the Sangh and all decided unanimously to forcefully bestow the Acharya Status to Gurudev. At that time Gurudev was meditating under a tree outside the village. The Sangha after due consultation between themselves came to where Gurudev was and in a moment of impulse at exactly 3.15 AM they respectfully bestowed the charter and Chaadar (written in Saffron ink) to Gurudev.

When Gurudev still refused, then Babu Jagpatsinghji Dugar resident of Murshidabad and others submitted that even Tirthankars respond to the wishes of the Sangh’s with “Namo Thithass”. Hence how could you not accept the wishes of the Sangh? Shri Sangh is equivalent to the 25th Tirthankar and you have to accept their wishes. Saying this all present with great joy hailed the name of Jagatguru Samrat Shri Shanti Surishwarji Maharaj which echoed to the skies. Ultimately only after Gurudev accepted he accolade did the Sangh break here fast. During the same Pachtirthi many 50 year old feuds of Nandiya, Virwada, and Dujana villages were resolved and peace was restored by Gurudev himself.

Celebrations in Bamanwara of the Status dedication

On Sunday, 20th November 1933 (samvat 1990) Gurudev proceeded from Virwada to Bamanwara. Seth Shikharchanji Rampuri had arrived there. On his, Sanghpati and Sangh participants the status dedication was celebrated over three days from 21st November 1933 to 23rd November 1933 with great joy. The formalities were completed on 21st November 1933. Shri Acharya Samrat recited the Panchparmeshti Manglik to the Sangh. It seemed as if Goddess Saraswati was virtually visible on Shri Acharya’s face.

Gurudev’s Bhishma Pledge for Kesariaji Tirth

Sometime after the bestowing of the Acharya status, the dispute related to Kesariaji Tirth heated up. The Jain Society was grieved by the disrespect of the Kesariaji Tirth but none of the institutions or Acharyas had said anything. After becoming Acharya the responsibility of leading and managing the Jains and Jainism rests with the Acharya naturally. With this in mind Gurudev through newspapers reminded the Udaipur Durbar to behave justly but the Udaipur state or Pandas did not pay any heed to it.

On 8th December 1933, Shri Jawaharlalji Lodha, Editor of Agra’s “Shwetambar Jain” came to Bamanwara to pay respect to Gurudev and also with the idea to discuss the Kesariaji Tirth issue.  When Gurudev was delivering his sermon on 9th December 1933 at Bamanwara, Lodhaji reached there and asked a few questions to Gurudev. Lodhaji said that if the able and revered person alike Gurudev did nothing then Kesariaji Tirth will not remain with Jains. The replies given by Yogiraj to the questions were as follows-

Question #1- Maharaj! The condition of Kesariaji Tirth is not hidden from you. The world is looking to you. Would you be kind enough to tell us what you are doing for this Tirth?

Answer: I did not want to say anything on this subject but with what has been written by the newspapers and since you have asked it is an obligation on me to say something. Not due to what the world is saying but I am thinking about this in mind, words and body.

Question #2-On 8th December 1933 on the Jain page number 1127 under the heading Shri Kesariaji what critics have has been written about you that Shri Shanti Vijay etc.. “Why did he leave the peace and why now he us is after this” So in your opinion will the Kesariaji Tirth will survive by just maintaining peace.

Answer: Everything is tied to Affection. The relationship between the Udaipur Maharanas and Jains is ages old and the relationship of Maharana Shri Bhopal Singhji and the Jains and especially I are very friendly and special. We cannot forget the Services of the just Maharanas to the Jain Tirth and our Gurus. I am confident that the Shri Kesariaji Tirth matter will be resolved shortly and peacefully.

Question #3-What you are saying is a fact. The Jain Society does not want to break the relationship that our sect and Maharanas are having. We not only hold the Maharanas as our Leaders but also of the entire Hind and Hindu society. But as far as I come to know from what we hear, Sir Sukhdev Prasadji who is the caretaker of the states affairs is siding with the Pandas, so what do you think of Panditji.

Answer: Sir Sukhdev Prasadji has met me earlier and has affection for me. When I travelled to Jaswantpura in Jodhpur State he was the prime minister there. The Devotion he had shown there cannot be described. Due to this I have the right to request him to resolve this matter amicably and to the satisfaction of both the parties and in his last days he can benefit from having accomplished this noble deed. This is my wish. Whatever is in his heart will happen.

Question #4-What you are saying is a fact but till when the society will believe in peace and depend on it.

Answer: I am constantly paying attention to this matter. It’s my resolve that this work will be completed by 13th Day of Falgun.

Question #5- If the work is not completed during this duration then would you take necessary steps and set an example in this matter as done by various Acharyas in the past

Answer: When we constantly think of any matter then why will it now be resolved? I am confident that only by peace would a complete solution be achieved.

In the end, in the spirit of love one and all and not keeping any ill feeling towards any one, Gurudev announced if the dispute between the Jains and the Pandas of Kesariaji Tirth was not resolved by the 13th Day of Phalgun Shukla samvat 1990 (27th Feb 1934) by the Udaipur state, He will fast to death after entering the Udaipur state.

Once this news was published in the newspapers, telegrams and messages of various Rajas and Maharajas started reaching Maharana Bhopal Singhji to restore peace before Gurudev starts his fast.

The kind of Limbadi informed Gurudev that some kings have met in Palanpur and that their representative will meet the Maharana of Udaipur and seek a resolution. But Gurudev advised them not to do so. A long wire from Bikaner Durbar proposed to mediate the matter and requested Gurudev not to go on fast Gurudev sent the same message to all that there was no need for mediation.

Ogilvy and Jaipur Durbar met Maharana of Udaipur in Delhi and requested him to enter a Pact on the matter. Gurudev himself sent a message to the Maharana reminding him of his duty to ensure that the age old special rights of the Jains to freely pray at the Kesariaji Tirth are maintained. But all this had no impact. Sir Sukhdev Prasad was the highest authority in Udaipur. As the last date came close Gurudev sent Seth Chainkaran and Champaklal bhai to Udaipur in Advance.  When the state government learnt about this they took stern steps to prevent Gurudev from entering the state. They posted police laced with weapon on the borders. According to Daddhaji their secret plan was to tie the limbs of Gurudev and make him a prey for the lions in the jungle.  Several other plans were made but all failed.

Jodhpur and Sirohi states were advised not to send special trains as they will cause unrest. The special trains ran as per schedules. The list of the main leaders of the movement was made and they were depicted as Gundas. All preparations were made. But the judiciary opposed the decision to capture Gurudev until such unrest happens. Thus all preparations were cancelled.

At that time the Bikaner Durbar Sir Ganga Singhji, also made several efforts and sent a message to the Maharana of Udaipur. He even mentioned that he would appeal to the viceroy if he does not agree. Else I will go overseas to appeal to the Privy Council.

But Gurudev said he did not need any assistance. I have taken up the responsibility of protecting the Tirth with self confidence on my own abilities.

Champak Bhai writes that during that time I had to go to Ajmer on some work, there I went to meet Ogilvy Sahib. I spoke to him for an hour. He told me that he too was very worried by the oath of Gurudev to fast to death and hence he had planned an office trip to Sirohi and wanted to pay his respects to Gurudev. He sent some message to Shri Yogiraj through me. The day he was supposed to reach Sajjan road (Now Sirohi Road) he asked me to meet him at his saloon. I reached Bamanwara the very next day and apprised Shri Yogiraj of the facts. I went to meet When Ogilvy Sahib when he reached Sajjan Road. After having a cup of tea with him I came to Bamanwara with him in his car. Sirohi Durbar and Deewan Sahib also stayed in Bamanwara for an hour. Ogilvy Sahib spent an hour taking to Shri Yogiraj alone. He met Shri Yogiraj even before he returned from Sirohi.

Gurudev proceeds towards Udaipur

IN those days the Chief Minister of Udaipur was Pundit Dharmanarayanji, but the work was handled as per the wishes of his father Sir Sukhdev Prasadji who was the Mayor. Sir Sukhdev Prasadji released an order that if Yogiraj Shantivijayji enters Udaipur he should be promptly taken into custody. He had the police stationed a t the borders of the Udaipur state.

On 20th February 1934 samat190) Gurudev proceeded from Bamanwara. Thousands of devotees had gathered to go along with Gurudev to Udaipur. Gurudev asked all o them to go back to their places this will be the most memorable day in the history of Jainism. The Nawab of Palanpur wanted to pay his respects to Gurudev. He sent Mehta Chimanlal and Minister Khodidas in advance to request Yogiraj to stay in Sajjan Road so that he could pay his respects before Yogiraj proceeds to Delhi to meet the Viceroy. Gurudev denied the request saying that it was not possible to change his programme. The discussions took more than an hour and this delayed the meal time of Yogiraj. At 5.15 pm Gurudev left his room and came downstairs to appear (give darshan) before the devotees.   The 60 odd boys of the Gurukul wearing saffron Safas ( head gear) and many ladies wearing Odanhies welcomed Gurudev by chanting “Gurudev ki Jai” (Victory to Jai Gurudev). He went to the temple and paid respects to the Gods and proceeded to lead the Flags, Musical Organs and men and women on the path of his sacred sermon. Gurudev had to begin his meditation at 8 pm but the devotees in Pindwada did not allow Him to leave without taking a break there. The Raoji of Varkana accompanied Yogiraj. Sun was setting by the time they reached Jhadoli and they spent the night at the Siva Temple outside the village.

He proceeded from Jhadoli on the morning of 21st February 1934. On the way He was kept back at Pindwada to participate in the Devotion.

On 22nd February 1934 He arrived in Ajaari and rested in Saraswati Ashram Markandeshwas till 25th February 1934.

Early morning at 5 am on 26th February 1034 he proceeded for Udaipur along with about 150 disciples. After walking a mile he stopped and recited a Manglik for his devotees and asked them to return. At the continued request of the devotees he agreed to travel in a Doli (Palanquin) but sat in the Doli only until he was of sight of the devotees. There he asked the volunteers carrying the Doli to reach Udaipur and rest at a place while he alone proceeded to Udaipur. These volunteers had it written that they would be serving Gurudev.

Near the Mewar border the Police men saw the Volunteers but did not see their Doli, hence without being incepted they reached the nominated place Udaipur with ease. On 26th February 1934 many devotees left by three trains from Aaranpura to Udaipur.

Gurudev appears in Madar Village mysteriously

There was tight security at the border and the police stopped and questioned every Jain Sadhu. Many a times it so happened that the Saint whom the police was following would disappear or turn into an animal.

Gurudev proceeded form Markandeshwar on 26th February 1934 and appeared in Madar on 27th February 1934. Udaipur was 230 kms form Aaranpura by rail. On the way He appeared before the family of Pundit Sukhdev Prasadji at his Jaagir in Udaipur State. To travel 100 miles in a day was impossible without use of Yoga Knowledge.

In Madar Village Gurudev stayed at the Medhi of the small house of a Jain family man Virdhichand Talesara. The house was small and so was the Medhi. The news of Gurudev appearing mysteriously in Madar spread like lightning all over Mewar and thousands of devotees began to gather. One would get at max one minute to pay his respects. People would go up and return down after paying their respects.

Gurudev on way to fasting

Gurudev commenced his fasting on 28th February 1934. Gurudev announced that if there was a statement made on the subject of Shri Kesariaji it will be done by Chanda resident Shri Chainkaranji Golecha. His statement was as follows-

(1)  Acharya Bhagwan Shri Vijayshanti Surishwarji Maharaj will arrive on the border of Udaipur on 28th February 1934.

(2)  There is a private decision to be taken between His Highness Maharana Sahib and His Holiness Jagat Guru Vijayshanti Surishwarji Maharaj Sahab. It’s a matter of religion and hence no brother or sister should interfere in the decision, and all should live peacefully. Gurudev and Maharana Sahib have old relations.

(3)  On the matter of Kesariaji no one should do any propaganda in Udaipur or release any handbills, or make lectures etc, if one does so he will not be a devotee and will be self responsible for his doings.

(4)  No will use uncivilized language in any print media and if one does so will be responsible for his deeds

(5)  No one should fast or rescind any thing along with Gurudev’s fast.

(6)  Gurudev wants peace for both sides as he favours “love one and all”.

(7)  All statements signed by Chainkaranji Golecha of Banda, (C.P.) be Read as published by Acharya Bhagwan.

(8)  On page 5 in the issue of Bombay Samachaar dated 14th February 1934 someone has written that there are 5 other bodies that are working with Jagat Guru on the matter. But it is already stated by Gurudev and he reiterates that for this work he does now want the assistance of any Sadhu, Sadhwi, Shravak or Shravika. This work he has taken on himself.

(9)     Many people use the word Satyagrah for this work but there is no need for Satyagrah here and this is purely a matter of religion.

(10)  At this time this is not a Question of race but only that between the Maharana and Gurudev.

(11)  The special train that was supposed to leave Aaranpura on 26th February 1934 for Udaipur to enable devotees to pay their respects to Gurudev has for time being been cancelled. All devotees are advised not to come to Udaipur for the time being.

(12)  Gurudev Bhagwan will travel to Udaipur alone and hence he asks all of you not to come along with him.

Thousands of Shantivijay in place of one Shantivijay

Udaipur state alleged that Gurudev was trying to incite the devotees and disturb the peace of the state and hence they issued a warrant in Gurudev’s name, although the same was withdrawn on 25th February 21934.

Sukhdev Prasadji and other officers reached Madar along with the File containing the allegations against Gurudev after the second day of the fast and very politely paid respects and said in a faint voice.. I am your old disciple. I had paid respect to you in Jaswantpura re