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Tapa Gaccha is the largest Gaccha of Svetambara Jainism.
Contents
History
Jagatchandrasuri established Tapa Gaccha in Vikram Samvat 1285 (1229 CE) as a counter to the lax conducts in Brihad Gaccha, founded by Udyotan Suri, but fell itself victim to lax conducts. He was given the title of "Tapa" (i.e., the meditative one) by the ruler of Mewar, and this title was applied to the group.[1] In the next generation, the Tapa Gaccha split between the lax Vadi Posal Tapa Gachha and Samvegi Lodhi Posal Tapa Gaccha. The former was led by Vijaychandrasuri while the latter was led by Devendrasuri. Lodhi Posal Tapa Gachha also became lax but was later reformed by Anandvimalsuri in 1526 and Panyas Satyavijaygani in 1655. Vijaydevsuri (1600–1657 AD) is considered[by whom?] one of the major leader of lineage. Until the mid-nineteenth century, the state of the monks was much different. They strictly followed the celibacy of five Mahavratas but followed the other four in lesser forms. These monks were known as Yati or Gorji. They possessed properties, resided in one place and traveled by vehicles. Their conduct was considered lax by other monks, called Samvegi Sadhus, who strictly followed all five Mahavratas. Yatis were dependent on the Jain lay community as they received many things from them. The Jain lay community purchased children from poor Jain or Hindu communities and donated to Yatis who were trained in Jain traditions and later succeeded themselves. As patronage of the Jain lay community to Yati vanished due to the rise of Samvegi monks, they became nearly extinct by the end of the 20th century. The majority of contemporary Tapa Gaccha monks trace their lineage to Panyas Munivijaygani (1796-1879), also known as Dada and Acharya Rajendrasuri (1827-1906). One of three disciples of Panyas Munivijaygani was Buddhivijay (1807-1882). He was initially a Sthanakvasi monk named Buterayji, who is still popular, but he later converted to become a Murtipujaka Samvegi monk. His disciple, Atmaramji, who was initially a Sthanakvasi monk, initiated into Murtipujaka monkhood as Anandvijayji in 1876 at Ahmedabad. In 1887, he was promoted to Acharya rank by Jain community at Palitana in the presence of more than 35000 persons.
At the same time in Marwad area, a movement in 1880 initiated by Achary Rajendrasuri to reform yati tradition (order of wandering monks), resulting in near extinction of it. He opposed the luxurious life of the Jain yatis, contradictory to Jain principles of non-possession and non-violence. He issued a nine-point manifesto known as Nav-kalama. He explained nine principles to reform Jain yati tradition. His manifesto was accepted after some initial opposition. Many leading yati and monks gave up their luxurious life and started following Jain principles. He established "Soudharm Vrahatta Tapa Gaccha", later known as Soudharm Vrahatta Tapa - Tristutik Gaccha. This was important as until then the Jain religious discourse was dominated by Yatis. This conferment of Both Acharya Padwi (Aatmaramji and Rajendrasuri) took place after a gap of 262 years.
Under Acharya Vijayanand Suri's (Known as Aatmaramji) leadership and other monks, Shwetambara Murtipujak Conference was established in 1893 which reformed mendicant as well as lay religious practices. As a result of this reform, most Shwetambara Jain monks today belong to Tapa Gaccha.[1]
Denominations
Tapa Gachha is divided in different 21 samuday or orders. There are some differences between them in relation to rituals but they do not have differences about scriptures.[1]
Some of these differences include Tithi (calendar date), veneration of gurus, pilgrimage of Palitana during monsoon and Santikaram chanting on chaturdasi.[1][2][3]
Ramchandrasuri of Premsuri order opposed two senior ascetic leaders, Sagaranand and Nemisuri, who held the view that religious ritual date should not be omitted or held twice in the calendar. In 1935, on Samvatsari, the last day of Paryushan, Ramchandrasuri order observed it on different day.[3] So two schools of thought in relation to date issue of Jain calendar erupted, Ek tithi paksh or 'one day fraction' and be tithi paksh or 'two days fraction'. Ek tithi is followed by seventeen orders while be tithi is followed by three orders. Shantichandra order is divided into both these schools of thought.[1] Anandji Kalyanji Trust which manages 1200 Jain temples, attempted several times to resolve the issue but did not succeed. In 1986, Ramchandrasuri order was formally separated from Premsuri order.[3]
Atam Vallabh Samudai has persisted with the progressive stance enunciated by Guru Atam and followed and expanded by Guru Vallabh. Major changes brought about have been in respect of progressive and broad outlook, embracing Lok - Kalyan work of setting up education and health care and other institutions for social needs, removal of orthodoxy and simplicity in the rituals and customs. Acharya Vijay Nityanand Suri Ji is carrying forward the Atam Vallabh Mission since 2005 with Sewa (service), Sangathan (Organisation), Shiksha (Education), Swawlamban (Self Reliance) and Saitya Prakashan (publishing and dissemination of Jain literature) as the focal issues.
There is also an issue regarding veneration of gurus using Vasshkep, a powder of sandalwood used for worship, between these two fractions. Be tithi fraction believe that Guru or Acharya should be venerated by Navangi Guru Poojan, spreading powder on nine points of body while Ek tithi fraction believe that it should be spread on one point of body, Akangi Guru Poojan.[3]
Both fractions differ on pilgrimage of Palitana temples on mount Shatrunjay by lay persons during rainy season.[3]
Orders of Tapa Gaccha
Atam-Vallabh order
In Vikram Samvat 1942 (1886 CE), Acharya Shri Vijayanandsuri, also known as Muni Atmaramji, was initiated as Acharya at Palitana after a gap of 262 years in the presence of more than 35,000 devotees representing Jain community assembled from all parts of India. Revered Shri Atmaram Ji was responsible for revival of the wandering order among the Shvetambara monks as well as restoration of the original tenets of Jainism to their pristine glory, especially the Idol Worship in Jain Temples and giving utmost priority to studies of Jain literature and its widespread dissemination. He possessed the sagacity to write and converse with learned scholars including those from other Asian nations as well as Europe. He was instrumental in training and deputing Mr. Veerchand Raghav Gandhi to the World Parliament of religions held at Chicago in 1893. This lead to the most effective depiction of Jain religion, Jain principals and Jain thoughts at the global stage. Acharya Vijayanand Suri wrote scholarly literature in easy to understand language and style.
His foremost disciple, Acharya Shri Vijay Vallabhsuri stressed on spread of education amongst Jains and focused on the establishment of educational, social and religious institutions, eradication of orthodoxy, encouraging Jains to take part in Government and Administration, and preservation as also publication of Jain literature. His five-point mission Sewa (Service), Sangathan (Organisation), Shiksha (Education), Sadharmik Utkarsh (amelioration of the community in general and distressed co-brethren in particular), Sahitya Prachar & Prakashan (propagation and publication of Jain Literature) is popularly known as Atam- Vallabh Mission and is being followed and implemented by a large number of his ardent followers unto this day. He revolutionized the role of a Jain saint by inspiring the Jain community as well as individuals to pursue education and set up educational intuitions. With his noble inspiration and benign guidance, many centres of education came into being and are continuously achieving dizzier heights.
After Acharya Shri Vijay Vallabhsuri, Acharya Shri Vijay Samudrasuri was anointed as the leader of the said Order i.e. Pattadhar (sequential successor). Acharya Shri Vijay Samudrasuri is known for his most sacred dedicated life and uninterrupted service and support to Guru Vallabh over more than 4 decades. Under his able stewardship, Lord Mahavira’s Nirvan Kalyanak (death anniversary) was celebrated at the national level attended by the top political leaders and during the programme, the title Rashtra Sant (National Saint) was conferred upon him. Acharya Samudrasuri was followed by Acharya Shri Vijay Indradinsuri to whom goes the solemn credit of inspiring large number of Parmar Kshatriyas and tribal people to shun non vegetarianism and drinking and embrace Jainism in Gujarat. He had the foresight to ordain Acharya hood to Shri Janak Chandra Suri, Shri Ratnakar Suri, Shri Nityanand Suri, Shri Jagchandra Suri, Shri Dharam Dhuramder Suri and Shri Virendra Suri for effective management of the activities of Atma Vallabh clan. In 2000, he appointed Acharya Shri Ratnakarsuri in 2000, as his Patdhar.
However, when a decision was taken by the devotees for holding an International programme to commemorate the Swargarohan (heavenly abode) Ardh Shatabdi (Half Century) of the most revered Guru Vallabh in October 2004 at the campus of Vijay Vallabh Smarak, Delhi Acharya Ratnakar Suri opposed the same both by speech as well as in writing. Despite his dissent, Chaturvid Shrisangh {Jain community comprising of (1) Sadhus (male Monks), (2) Sadhwis (lady Monks), (3) Shrawak (laymen) and (4) Shrawika (laywomen) } resolved to carry on the Swargarohan Ardhshatabdi celebrations as planned under the guidance of the then Senior most Acharya of Atam Vallabh samudaya (clan) at that time viz- Shri Vijay Janak Chandra Suri with all the fervour and enthusiasm. Later in January 2005, in deference to the wishes of Acharya Janak Chandra Suri, the Chaturvid Shrisangh in one of the largest pan Indian gatherings, bestowed upon Acharya Shri Vijay Nityanand Suri with the title of Kramik Patdhar (sequential successor) of Atam Vallabh Samudra Inderdinn pat-parampara (succession order). Acharya Nityanand Suri, therefore, became 77th Kramik Patdhar in January 2005, in consonance with the practice of heritage starting from Lord Mahavira's first Gandhar Shri Sudharma Swami. The grandiose function was held at Vijay Vallabh Smarak, the nerve centre of Atam Vallabh Samudaya. This title of Kramik Pardhar was pronounced by Acharya Dharam Dhurandar Suri as per the hearty wishes of Chaturvid Shrisangh and the advice of the Senior most Acharya of the samudaya - Acharya Shri Vijay Janak Chandra Suri Ji. This pronouncement was reiterated on the same day by Acharya Shri Vijay Vasant Suri Ji in the august presence of Acharya Shri Vijay Dharam Dhurander Suri, Acharya Shri Vijay Virendra Suri and a large number of Sadhus and Sadhwis.
Later on in September 2005, Acharya Nitynanand Suri Ji was also bestowed with the title of Gachhadhipati (Head of the clan of Monks) by an All India congregation at Samana, Punjab. At this juncture, Acharya Dharam Dhurander Suri chose to quit the Atam Vallabh Samudaya led by Acharya Shri Nityanand Suri and instead joined the other branch of Atam Vallabh Samudaya led by Acharya Ratnakar Suri.
Acharya Vijay Dharm Dhurandhar Suri has been working for years in research of Jain Agams (Religious Scriptures) which are in Prakrit and Sanskrit, and translating them in simple language by which the current Sadhu-Sadhvi (monks) can enhance their individual knowledge of Jain Agams for which he was bestowed with the title of Shrutbhaskar. He is carrying forward the Atam-Vallabh mission and fulfilling the desires of his predecessor Acharya Shri Ratnakar Suri. Recently after the death of Shri Ratnakar Suri Ji in a road accident on 23 December 2014, Shrut Bhaskar Acharya Vijay Dharm Dhurandhar Suri has been declared as his Patdhar and Gachhadhipati of Atam-Vallabh-Samudra-Indradin-Ratnakarsuri Samudaya.
It is a divine coincidence that Acharya Vijay Nityanad Suri and Acharya Dharam Dhurander Suri are real brothers. The younger brother, Acharya Nityanand Suri was conferred Acharya Padwi in 1993 at Palitana by Acharya Inderdin Suri, and the elder brother, Acharya Vijay Dharam Dhurander Suri in 1996 by Acharya Shri Vijay Janak Chandra Suri on the instructions of the preceding senior Acharya Vijay Inderdin Suri.
Since after taking over the reins of Atam –Vallabh Order in 2005, Acharya Nityanand Suri has travelled throughout the length and breadth of India – from Jammu to Chennai and from Kachh to Kolkata and with his inspiration, a large number of Jain Temples, Tirths (places of Pilgrimage), Educational Institutions, Hospitals and Public Welfare Projects have been completed/consecrated and many new projects including refurbishing of Ancient Jain pilgrimage centres is underway.
At present Acharya Vijay Nityanand Suri is the senior most Acharya in the Atam Vallabh Order and to him goes the credit of carrying forward the Atam – Vallabh mission with full vigour. Detailed activities of the Atam - Vallabh Samudaya can be seen in a monthly periodical - "Vijayanand" being published since 1956 by Shri Atmanand Jain Mahasabha Regd. (Founded by Upadhyaya Shri Sohan Vijay Ji on instructions from Revered Acharya Vijay Vallabh Suri in 1921 & Registered in 1955-56. The in-depth knowledge, of Acharya Vijay Nityanand Suri about Jainism, his incomparable vociferous oratory, and extraordinary enthusiasm to complete multifaceted religious and social projects, coupled with his most humble and polite behaviour impresses one and all.
Gachhadhipati Acharya Nityanand Suri has been embellished with myriad luminous titles including Shantidoot, Kalyanak Tirthodharak, Shashan Diwaker, Punjab Martand, Vikas Visharad, Vartman Vallabh to name a few. To him also goes the rare credit of completing the five peethikas (fastidious Jain rituals carried out by Acharyas in a state of silence and rigorous fasting regimen) of Suri (Acharya) Mantra (completed in August 2014). Recently, in February 2016, Acharya Nityanand Suri also did the most difficult task of undertaking seven yatras (holy travels) of Tirthadhiraj Shri Mount Shatrunjay on foot (Palitana, District Bhavnagar, Gujarat) in a state of bela (2 days of complete fast). Despite his pan Indian presence and area of operation, he has taken keen interest in the religious activities and various projects in Punjab as his predecessor Acharya Shri Vijay Inderdin Suri had specifically entrusted him with the reins of Punjab at the time of Acharya Padwi in 1993.
During the Sankranti Mahotsava held at Palitana on 14th March 2016, Gachhadhipati Acharya Nityanand Suri made the sterling announcement in respect of fulfilment of Most Revered Guru Vallabh's unfulfilled dream i.e. Establishment of a Jain University. Shree Nityanand Suri has been constantly endevouring to accomplish this unfinished agenda for past more than 10 years. Construction work of Vijay Vallabh Jain University near Jodhpur in Rajasthan is almost complete and very soon, under the able guidance of Acharya Vijay Nityanand Suri the University shall start functioning. The affairs of the University shall be managed by Vijay Indra Jain Global Trust. For this project, a great amount of credit also goes to Gani Shri Rajendra Vijay Ji, who had embraced monkhood at a very young age under Acharya Vijay Inderdin Suri. He is presently following Acharya Nityanand Suri in pursuing the Atam Vallabh Mission. By achieving inter alia this rare milestone & gigantic task of establishment of a Jain University, Acharya Shri Nityanand Suri has fully justified the title - Vartman Vallabh (present day Vallabh), bestowed upon him by large number of Gurubhakts (devotees).
Rajendra Suri - Tristutik order
In Samvat 1924 (1867 CE), Rajendrasuri, also known as Ratnavijay, was initiated as Acharya at Ahor after a gap of more than 280 years in the presence of more than 20000 people. He opposed the luxurious life of the Jain yatis of that time, contradictory to Jain principles of non-possession and non-violence. He issued a nine-point manifesto known as Nav-kalama. He explained nine principles to reform Jain yati tradition. His manifesto was accepted after some initial opposition. Many leading yati and monks gave up their luxurious life and started following Jain principles. He established Agama or Samakit Gaccha, later known as Tristutik GacchaHe was responsible for reviving the wandering orders among the Shvetambara monks as well as re-establishing the original tenets of Jainism especially the Idol Worship in Jain Temples and prioritizing study and dissemination of Jain literature. Presently Acharya Rajendrasuri's order is having nearly 357 monks and nuns with 4 Acharyas - Achary Jayantsen Surishvarji, Achary JayanandSurishvarji, Achary RavindraSurishvarji and Achary Lekhendrshekharsuri.
Premsuri order
Another disciple of Atmaramji, Premsuri was also a prominent leader. Premsuri order is the largest order of all having nearly 2200 monks and nuns. His disciples Ramchandrasuri and Bhuvanbhanusuri were major leaders of this lineage.
Ramchandrasuri differed on date issue in Jain calendar, Be Tithi. His order has around 1400 monks and nuns. Hembhushansuri headed this order until recently.
Bhuvanbhanu order has around 900 monks and nuns. Jayghoshsuri is the current leader of Bhuvanbhanu order.
Others
Other major orders are Sagar Samuday and Nemisuri Samuday.
List
- Atam - Vallabh - Samudra - Inderdin Samuday (presently led by Gachadhipati Acharya Vijay Nityanand Suri Ji as 77th Kramik Patdhar)
- Atam - Vallabh - Samudra - Inderdin - Ratnakar Samuday (presently led by Gachadhipati Acharya Vijay Dharam Dhurandar Suri Ji)
- Prem-Ramchandrasuri (total monks and nuns 1401)
- Prem-Bhuvanbhanu suri (total monks and nuns 972)
- Anandsagarsuri (Sagar Samuday) (total monks and nuns 847)
- Nemisuri (Shasan Samrat) (total monks and nuns 581)
- Kanaksuri (Vagad Samuday) (total monks and nuns 634)
- Nitisuri (total monks and nuns 465)
- Siddhisuri (Bapji Maharaj Samuday) (total monks and nuns 446)
- RajendraSuri - Soudharm Vrahatta Tapa Tristutik (total monks and nuns 357)
- Dharmasuri-Ramsuri Dahelavala (total monks and nuns 331)
- Bhaktisuri (total monks and nuns 325)
- Labdhisuri (total monks and nuns 292)
- Kesharsuri (total monks and nuns 228)
- Dharmasuri-Kanakratna Suri (total monks and nuns 247)
- Himachal Suri (total monks and nuns 136)
- Buddhisagarsuri (total monks and nuns 120)
- Shantichandra Suri (total monks and nuns 225) Be tithi order
- Shantichandta Suri (total monks and nuns 207) Ek tithi order
- Mohanlalaji (total monks and nuns 41)
- Amratsuri (total monks and nuns 29)
See also
Notes
- ^ a b c d e John E. Cort (22 March 2001). Jains in the World : Religious Values and Ideology in India: Religious Values and Ideology in India. Oxford University Press. pp. 42–46. ISBN 978-0-19-803037-9. Retrieved 6 August 2014.
- ^ "HC order on Jains' worship". The Hindu (Mumbai). PTI. July 30, 2000.
- ^ a b c d e Peter Berger (2010). The Anthropology of Values: Essays in Honour of Georg Pfeffer. Pearson Education India. pp. 336–337. ISBN 978-81-317-2820-8. Retrieved 9 August 2014.
References
- Jain, Kailash Chand (1963). Jainism in Rajasthan. Gulabchand Hirachand Doshi.
- "The religious leaders of Jain s and their ladder or leadership" (PDF).
- Jain, Babulal (2006). Samagra Jain Chaturmas Suchi. Mumbai: Ujjawal Prakashan Kandivali.
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