Guru kripa se Prabhu mile, Prabhu kripa se Guru mile !

“I was born in the darkest ignorance, 

My spiritual master opened my eyes with the torch of knowledge. 

I offer my respectful obeisance’s to him.”

The year was 2011. The Chaturmas at Canning Street Jain sangh, Kolkata was blessed by Param Pujya Muniraj Shri Shilchandravijayji Maharaja (now Ganivarya), the disciple of Param Pujya Acharyadev Shrimadvijay Jaggatchandra Surishwarji Maharaja.  Having heard instances of the strict charitra and austerity that gurudev practiced, I was keen to meet pujyashri in person. I didn’t know that I would get an opportunity real soon which would transform my life forever.   

Param Pujya Acharyadev Shrimadvijay Jaggatchandra Surishwarji Maharaja with Param Pujya gurudev Ganivarya Shri Shilchandra Vijayji Maharaja

On 31st July 1987 (Ashadh Vad 2), Pujyashri was born at Surat in the Rathore (Shah) household. Originally hailing from Sarigam (in Valsad District), his parents, Smt. Alkaben (now, Pujya Sadhviji Arhammalashriji) and Shri Hiteshbhai (Pujya Muniraj Hemchandravijayji) named him "Shashank" as he bore the calmness of the moon. His childhood was spent in a deeply religious environment, learning scriptures like 6 Karmagranths, Vitrag Stotra and Vairagya Shatak before his 3rd standard of school had completed. At the tender age of 7, he started Gurukulwas under the guidance of not one but three revered Gurubhagvants. 

Pujyashri as Shashank - before Diksha

Selecting the path of monasticism at the age of 10, he was initiated as a monk by Tapagacchadhipati Param Pujya Acharya Shri Ramsurishwarji Maharaja (Dahelawala) and Param Pujya Acharya Shri Jaggatchandrasurishwarji Maharaja as his guru on the holy day of Magshar Vad 10 (Posh Dashmi - Janma Kalyanak of Prabhu Shri Parshwanath) at Shatrunjay Mahatirth, Palitana. After diksha, he was named as Pujya Muniraj Shri Shilchandravijay.  Engrossed in deep study of religious scriptures, Pujyashri spent 12 Chaturmas' at various places in Ahmedabad, Surat, Gandhinagar, Mumbai, Kuvala, Dhanera, Patan etc. before his Chaturmas at Kolkata in 2011.

Param Pujya Shri Shilchandravijayji after Diksha 

Being called in to meet Pujyashri with respect to a programme which was to be conducted under his holy presence , I eagerly listened to gurudev’s guidance on the same. The way through which pujyashri explained each and every minute thing in detail, I observed the huge stress that gurudev laid on austerity and observance of shastras in the entire process.  Although pujyashri’s dense white beard and disheveled hairs looked out of place, his gleaming eyes gave away the fact that the graying beard had easily camouflaged the youthfulness on the face.  

My meetings with pujyashri continued on a regular basis, initially to discuss the various events, but gradually the conversations turned more towards me and spiritualism. Pujyashri never told me what to do, he just gave me knowledge, imparted guidance and let me decide what to do. Every morning, I would eagerly wait for the clock to strike 11 so that I could meet gurudev. Our conversations grew longer and more spiritual, my debates would never end and pujyashri would patiently explain each and every aspect till I would get satisfied.

Param Pujya Ganivarya Shri Shilchandravijayji Maharaj

Eventually it made me realize how much I was learning and understanding unknowingly from each and every passing event. I started understanding the deep meanings of every puja’s I conducted, which I never knew earlier. The biggest blessing that pujyashri gave us all was by teaching us the sacred Siddhachakra Pujan which no one was willing to teach us earlier.  Imposing stiff conditions on us, pujyashri taught us the minute intricacies of the pujan vidhi only if we agreed to follow those conditions. Today after all these years, I realize that although those conditions were tough, they made us what we are today. 

Acharyashri with all gurubhagwants

Everyday pujyashri took our classes in the evening compromising on his rest just to ensure that we could understand well.  The best part of gurudev’s teachings was that he always discouraged me giving more importance to him. Such was his dedication towards Acharya bhagwant and the almighty that even smallest of the decisions could be made only after obtaining permission from Pujya Acharya bhagwant. He strongly discouraged the practice of worshiping gurus more than the lord and these thoughts influenced me a lot. Surely I was blessed !

“गुरु कृपा से प्रभु मिले , प्रभु कृपा से गुरु मिले !”

I  can go on and on describing how pujyashri changed my life, but everything would feel short. Today I really feel that I don't have words to describe my feelings for pujyashri they would not be able to describe his importance in my life. I did not realize when pujyashri became gurudev for me and how gurudev became my friend, philosopher and guide. I could never even dream of doing any tapasya, but just a little blessing from gurudev made me do Ayimbils and Upwas easily !

Param Pujya Ganivarya Shri Shilchandravijayji Maharaj

Even today when gurudev is far away from me, I realize that he has been there at every step ..to guide me..to show me the right path..to correct my mistakes... the way he turned a novice like me is amazing..His guidance has a source of constant inspiration for me. Today also I eagerly wait for his letters, which show me the path day in and day out.

I sincerely wish I could do justice to his teachings!! I have not been the ideal disciple, but still the way he has been there with me is just divine! I can never ever repay the debt of gurudev’s guidance, blessings and teachings I can just say-

तुम ही से ज्ञान का दीपक जला है,

तुम से घनघोर अँधेरा मिटा है.

हमें रास्तो को , ज़रूरत नहीं है ,

हमें तेरे पैरो के निशाँ मिल गए है !

P.S. : On the holy day of Vaishakh Sud 11 - Shasan Sthapna Divas in the year 2022, Param Pujya Acharya Shri Jaggatchandrasurishwarji Maharaja bestowed Pujyashri with the title of "Ganivarya".

Param Pujya Ganivarya Shri Shilchandravijayji Maharaj