Daulatsagarsuri

Daulatsagarsuri (1920 – 17 February 2024) was a Jain ascetic, philosopher, and a revered saint belonging to the Śvetāmbara sect. He was the head of the monastic order (Gacchadhipati) of the "Sagar Samudaay" of the Tapa Gaccha. While he was alive, he was the preceptor of 900 monks and nuns. He was awarded the rarest of the rare and ancient title of "Shri Sangh Sthavir" based on his austerity, knowledge of the canonical scriptures of Jainism, and spiritual leadership, becoming the only second of the modern Jain ascetics to have achieved this feat.

Early life He was born in a Hindu, more specifically, a Patel family in Jetpur, Gujarat. At a young age of 14, he migrated to Ahmedabad seeking employment due to poor financial condition of his family. He began working for a Jain couple. It was during this job that he began taking interest in Jainism when he heard the Namokar Mantra for the first time from Śrāvikā Champa Ben. Witnessing Jain rituals regularly sowed the seeds of Jainism in him. This event increased his interest in Jainism manifold and he started observing Jain principles in his daily life. Witnessing Jain ascetics visiting for alms, left an indelible mark on him. This was when he decided to follow their path.

Initiation and ascetic life At 19, he renounced his family and sought refuge with Acharya Anandsagarsuri. He was initiated in the "Sagar Samudaay" of the Tapa Gaccha by Acharya Anandsagarsuri.

Despite his humble beginnings, Daulatsagarsuri displayed exceptional intellectual prowess and memory. Within 12 days, he mastered the Panch Pratikraman, and in 6 days, the Karmagranth scripture. He also memorized the Navsmaran (the 9 holy recitations of the Śvetāmbaras that include the Bhaktāmara Stotra and the Kalyan Mandir Stotra) within 36 hours, as well as 225 verses of the Veetrag Stotra within 24 hours, demonstrating his enormous memory and an immense dedication to Jain scriptures.

He is said to have spent 3 Chaturmas at his birthplace Jetpur, where no Jain family resides. He installed an idol of Munisuvrata there and inspired over 150 people to visit the temple and perform puja daily. He inspired many people belonging to other communities to emulate Jain principles in their daily life.

He also visited the 119 Kalyanak Bhoomis (places where one or more of the Panch Kalyanaka of a Tirthankara have occurred) independently to spread the message of Jainism to diverse communities.

He consecrated 37 temples and numerous idols including the 108 ft tall idol of Rishabhanatha at Jambudweep Temple, Palitana and Rohishala tirth, Palitana.

He earned the title of "Jinagam-Sevi" (the savior of Jain Aagams) for his tireless devotion to studying and disseminating Jain scriptures, spending hours daily immersed in readings.

When he completed 100 years of age, his followers celebrated the day in a grand fashion coupled with several acts of charity. thumb Acharya Daulatsagarsuri with his followers at the ceremony where he was awarded with the title of "Shri Sangh Sthavir" on 8 March 2022Daulatsagarsuri's contributions to Jainism earned him widespread recognition and numerous accolades. He revived the ancient title of "Sangh Sthavir," bestowed upon him after an 88-year hiatus, signifying his wisdom and spiritual leadership. Additionally, he received numerous accolades for his record 84 years of ascetic life, becoming a revered figure in the Jain community. A devotional song was also released by his followers on his 100th birth anniversary.