Who was Jain muni Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj who embraced death through 'sallekhna'

Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj

Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj was an Indian Digambara Jain Acharya. He was recognized both for his scholarship and tapasya. He was known for his long hours in meditation. He took his last breath on Sunday at Chandragiri Teerth in Chattisgarh.

Early life

Vidyasagar Ji was born on October 10, 1946 during the full moon festivasl in the Belgaum district of Karnataka. The modest house where he was born, is now a temple and museum.

Initiation

Vidyasagar was initiated as a Digambara monk in 1968 at the age of 22 by Acharya Gyansagar Ji Maharaj, who belonged to the lineage of Acharya Shantisagar Ji Maharaj, at Ajmer.

Ascetic life

Acharya Vidyasagar made very strict rules for his ascetic life. He never ate milk, curd, green vegetables and dry fruits.

Got Acharya status

Vidyasagar was elevated to the Acharya status in 1972. The Acharya did not eat salt, sugar, fruits, milk, oil, ghee. He took food once a day in the palm of his hand, one morsel at a time.

Known for

He was also known for his command over Sanskrit, Prakrit and other languages. He authored several insightful commentaries, poems, and spirtual treatsies.

Recognised work

Some of his widely recognised work within the Jain community includes as Niranjana Shataka, Bhavana Shataka, Parishah Jaya Shataka, Suniti Shataka, and Shramana Shataka.