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Who is Acharya Samay Sagar successor of Jain Muni Vidyasagar?

One of the most prominent Jain saints of the present time was Acharya Vidyasagar, who died on Sunday at the age of 77, after three days,

By Ground report 19 Feb 2024

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One of the most prominent Jain saints of the present time was Acharya Vidyasagar, who died on Sunday at the age of 77, after three days of samadhi, a state of deep meditation. His successor, who will now become the next Jain saint Shiromani Acharya of Jainism, is his younger brother, Acharya Samay Sagar, who is 65 years old and comes from Karnataka.

Who is Acharya Samay Sagar

Acharya Samay Sagar is 65 years old and hails from Karnataka. He was born as Shantinath Jain on October 27, 1958, to Mallappaji Jain and Shrimanti Jain. He was the sixth among six siblings.

Acharya Samay Sagar became a Jain monk in 1975, after taking a vow of celibacy. He took various levels of diksha (initiation) in different Jain sacred places in Madhya Pradesh, under the guidance of Acharya Gyansagar, the guru of Acharya Vidyasagar. He took the final muni diksha (monk initiation) on March 8, 1980, in Drongiri, Chhatarpur.

Acharya Samay Sagar was a close disciple and associate of Acharya Vidyasagar, who was one of the most respected and influential saints of the Digambara sect of Jainism. He was a scholar, writer, poet, and social reformer, who wrote several books and poems on Jain philosophy and culture.

Acharya Vidyasagar was honoured with several awards and recognitions, such as the Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration, the Mahaveer Award, the Bharat Jyoti Award, and the Padma Shri. He was also conferred with honorary doctorates by several universities.

After performing his morning prayers, Acharya Vidyasagar breathed his last on Sunday morning. His mortal remains were taken to the Chandragiri Teerth, where thousands of devotees and followers paid their last respects. His funeral was held at the same place, with full state honours, in the presence of his disciples and dignitaries.

Acharya Samay Sagar, declared his successor by Acharya Vidyasagar, will now take over the position of Jain saint Shiromani Acharya of Jainism. He will continue the legacy of his guru and brother, and lead the Jain community on the path of spirituality and service.