Renowned Jain sage Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj peacefully passed away on Sunday at the sacred Chandragiri Teerth in the Rajnandgaon district of Chhattisgarh. He departed from this world at the age of 77, having embraced the profound spiritual practice known as 'sallekhna', wherein individuals voluntarily abstain from food and drink until the culmination of their earthly journey.
'Sallekhna' epitomizes a deeply ingrained Jain tradition, representing a conscious choice for spiritual purification through self-imposed fasting unto death, as elucidated by a statement from the teerth.
Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj attained Samadhi, the ultimate meditative state, through 'sallekhna' precisely at 2:35 am, as per the official statement.
His serene presence graced the Chandragiri Teerth in Dongargarh for the past six months, though his health had been declining in recent days. The last three days of his life were devoted to 'sallekhna', marking a profound commitment to the principles of Jainism and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. During this period, he abstained completely from sustenance, adhering to the vow of 'sallekhna' as a means of spiritual purification, as articulated in the statement.
A ceremonial procession is scheduled for 1 pm on Sunday to allow devotees to pay their respects to the departed spiritual leader. The final rites will be solemnized at the Chandragiri Teerth, marking the culmination of his earthly journey.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had the privilege of seeking Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj's blessings during a visit to Dongargarh on November 5 last year, expressed profound sorrow over the sage's demise. He described it as an "irreparable loss" and highlighted Maharaj's significant contributions to spiritual enlightenment and societal welfare.
PM Modi's heartfelt tribute underscored Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj's unwavering dedication to uplifting the marginalized, advocating for healthcare and education, and fostering spiritual awakening among the masses. He cherished the memories of their meeting at the Chandragiri Jain Temple, acknowledging the sage's benevolent guidance.
The legacy of Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj, as articulated by PM Modi, serves as a beacon of inspiration for future generations. His selfless service and commitment to societal welfare, including poverty alleviation and spiritual enlightenment, leave an indelible mark on the collective consciousness.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai echoed sentiments of reverence, hailing Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj as a paragon of spiritual consciousness. He extolled the sage's profound wisdom and unwavering dedication to the betterment of humanity, pledging to honor his memory for generations to come.
In recognition of the sage's monumental contributions, the state government declared a half-day state mourning on Sunday, symbolizing a collective tribute to his enduring legacy. During this period, the national flag will fly at half-mast, signifying a solemn acknowledgment of his life's profound impact.
