The final rites of Jain seer Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj were solemnized in Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh, on Sunday, marking the culmination of his spiritual journey through the practice of ‘sallekhna’, a voluntary fasting unto death for spiritual purification.
Acharya Shri 108 Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj peacefully embraced Samadhi through ‘Sallekhna’ at Chandragiri teerth at 2:35 am, as announced in a statement from the teerth. Sallekhna is a revered Jain religious practice that entails voluntarily fasting unto death for spiritual purification.
The Chhattisgarh government has declared a half-day state mourning on 18th February in honor of the revered Jain seer’s passing. During this period, the national flag will be flown at half-mast, and no state functions or programs will be held, as stated by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed heartfelt condolences, recognizing Acharya Shri 108 Vidhyasagar Ji Maharaj’s profound contributions to society. PM Modi reminisced about receiving the seer’s blessings and the spiritual wisdom imparted during his visit to the Chandragiri Jain Mandir in Dongargarh, Chhattisgarh, last year.
Bharatiya Janata Party president JP Nadda, in a poignant message, expressed deep sorrow over the demise, acknowledging the seer’s enriching influence on Jainism’s spiritual heritage and emphasizing the enduring significance of his teachings for societal progress and cultural advancement.
Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj had resided at the teerth in Dongargarh for the past six months and had been unwell in recent days. His observance of sallekhna, a sacred vow of voluntarily fasting to death for spiritual purification, demonstrated his unwavering commitment to Jain principles, leaving an indelible mark on the spiritual fabric of the community.
