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Acharya Jnansagar or Gyansagar (1891–1973) was a Digambara Jain Acharya of 20th century who composed many Sanskrit epics. He initiated Acharya Vidyasagar in 1968 as a monk and 1972 as an Acharya.[1]
Acharya Shri 108 Gyansagar Ji Maharaj | |
|---|---|
 Gyansagar on a 2013 stamp of India | |
| Personal life | |
| Born | Bhooramal Chhabda 1891 Ranoli, Sikar Rajasthan |
| Died | 1973 Nasirabad, Ajmer Rajasthan |
| Parents |
|
| Religious life | |
| Religion | Jainism |
| Sect | Digambara |
| Initiation as Muni | 1959 Khaniya ji, Jaipur by Acharya Shivsagar |
| Initiation as Kshullak | Gyanbhushan by Acharya Veersagar |
| Religious career | |
| Predecessor | Acharya Shivsagar |
| Successor | Acharya Vidyasagar |
| Ascetics initiated | Acharya Vidyasagar |
He was born in 1891 as Bhooramal Chhabra (Hindi: भूरामल छाबड़ा). His father was named Chaturbhuj Chhabra and mother Ghritbhari Devi. He was second of five brothers (Chhaganlal being the eldest and Gangaprasad, Gaurilal and Devilal being the younger brothers).
After completing primary studies in his village, he further studied Sanskrit and Jain philosophy in Banaras at the famous Syadvad Mahavidyalaya founded by Ganeshprasad Varni. He was initiated a kshullak (Junior monk) by Acharya Veersagar who belonged to the lineage of Acharya Shantisagar. He was then named kshullak Gyanbhusan. He remained a kshullak for 2 years and 2 more years as Ailak before becoming a Muni (full monk)
He was initiated a monk by Acharya Shivsagar who also belonged to the lineage of Acharya Shantisagar, in Khaniya ji, Jaipur in 1959. He was further elevated to the Acharya status on 7 February 1969 at Naseerabad, Rajasthan by Naseerabad Jain samaj.
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As an expert in Sanskrit, he had been a great composer in Sanskrit. At least 30 researchers have studied his works and were honored doctoral degrees. At least 300 scholars have presented research papers on his work.
His works includes 4 Sanskrit epics and 3 more Jain texts and that too in the time when the Sanskrit composition was almost obsolete. These creations have always surprised the modern Sanskrit scholars.[2]
An official Government of India stamp in his memory was issues by minister Sachin Pilot on September 10, 2013, at Kishangarh Rajasthan.[3][4] He thus became the first Digambar Jain Acharya to have a stamp released in his memory.
He belongs to the tradition established by Acharya Shantisagar:
- Acharya Shantisagar
- Acharya Virsagar
- Acharya Shivsagar
- Acharya Gyansagar
- Acharya Vidyasagar
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