18 Facts About Vijayanandsuri

Vijayanandsuri travelled extensively in Gujarat, Rajputana and Punjab; he organised and reformed Jain community, ascetic orders and literature.

Vijayanandsuri wrote several books in Hindi and was invited to the first World Parliament of Religions in 1893 which was attended by Virchand Gandhi later.

Vijayanandsuri was born on 6 April 1837 CE in Lehara, Punjab to Ganeshchandra and Rupdevi.

Vijayanandsuri's father died in his early childhood and he was raised by his mother.

Vijayanandsuri was given to Sheth Jodhmal of Jira, Punjab for education in VS 1903.

Vijayanandsuri came into contact with Sthanakvasi monks during his school life.

Vijayanandsuri was later joined by a Yati of Tapa Gaccha lineage.

Vijayanandsuri was the first Acharya of contemporary Jain history as till then only Yatis were conferred with the title.

Vijayanandsuri convinced to open Jain Bhandaras with Jain literature kept closed to people for years and had texts copied and examined by scholars.

Vijayanandsuri brought this literature to light and instilled a sense of identity among Jains.

Vijayanandsuri won silver medal in 1893 at Chicago and was covered by many USA periodicals.

Vijayanandsuri was instrumental in reviving the tradition of fully initiated monks.

Vijayanandsuri convinced many Sthankvasis in the Punjab to join the Murtipujaka tradition.

Vijayanandsuri had helped orientalist Rudolf Hoernle in his studies on Jainism.

Vijayanandsuri died in Gujranwala on 20 May 1896.

Vijayanandsuri wrote a number of books in Hindi, including The Chicago-Prashnottar or Questions and Answers on Jainism for the Parliament of Religions Held at Chicago USA in 1893 which was translated into English and published in 1918.

Vijayanandsuri used to give more importance to education and established several libraries and Pathshala in Punjab.

Vijayanandsuri was given the title of Navyug Nirmata by Vallabhsuri.