Birth and Childhood
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A child was born to Mrs. Ramarakhidevi, wife of Shri Ramkrishna Das,
at Jagraon village in Ludhiana District of the Punjab, on the sixth day of the
second half of Margshirsha in v.s. 1970. He was named Kashiram. The couple was
Sthanakvasi Jain.The astrologer who cast the horoscope predicted that the
combination of the exalted and auspicious planets at the time of the birth of
the child was similar to that of making an emperor. The child who was born in
this prosperous and happy family was a genius and always achieved first class
during his school and college education. He passed B.A. (Hon.) from the Lahore
University and got a teaching job in the Sanatan Dharma College, which he humbly
declined.
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Love for spiritualism |
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Kashiramji was gentle and humble by nature and had inherited good
habits from his parents. As his parents were Sthanakvasi Jain, Kashiramji had a
good association with a Jain Monk called Muni Chhotulalji who strengthened his
religious feelings and spirit of introspection. He soon expressed his desire to
take Sanyas (renunciation). Being against his spiritual inclinations, his
parents got him married to a girl named Shantadevi.
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Do Agamas approve idol-worship? |
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Kashiramji was not at all interested in marital pleasures. He was
always engaged in the study of religious books and contemplation and
introspection. He was a voracious reader. He used to bring books from Jain
monks. One day he got a book, which stressed that Jain scriptures approved idol
worship. He was though opposed to idol worship but after reading this book, he
found out many examples from the Agamas of Sthanakvasi Jain, which advocated
that idol worship was not against the Jain tenets. He studied this book many
times and when he was not satisfied, he went to discuss the matter with Muni
Chhotulalji to understand the truth. The Muni first avoided discussion but on
continuous insistance he discussed the entire subject. Muni’s arguments could
not withstand against the sound and logical reasoning of Kashiramji and he
accepted that idol-worship approved by the Agamas and stopped criticizing it.
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Search for the truth |
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However,the problem still haunted Kashiramji and he wanted to dig
deep into this matter. He went to Gujarat to meet the writer of the book who
seemed to be a great supporter of idol worship. When he reached there, he learnt
that Yoganistha Acharya Shri Buddhisagarsurishwarji Maharaj. had already left
this word. He grieved deeply. However he came to know that now Acharya Shri
Kirtisagarsurishwarji (Chief disciple of Yugdrashta Acharya Shri
Buddhisagarsurishwarji Maharaj) was the torch bearer and leading the Sangh. He
made up his mind to see and consulted him. Deeply convinced by his arguments,
Kashiramji expressed his sincere regret for his violent criticism of idol
worship and wanted to atone for it. Acharyashri advised him to go on a
pilgrimage to the holy Shatrunjay, which he did, with pure devotion. He formerly
was criticizing the Shatrunjay tirth but after his visit to Dada Bhagwan
Adishwar there, he came clear of all the doubts / wrong notions whatsoever and
vowed not to speak against idol-worship any more. |
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Renunciation |
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Shri Kashiramji was an introvert from the beginning and always
strived in search of truth. After his pilgrimage to Shatrunjay, he went to
Taranga where Acharya Kirtisagarsuriji Maharaj Saheb was camping. He bowed to
him, touched his feet and expressed his desire to obtain Deeksha (renunciation)
from him. When Acharyashri told him that he could not give him deeksha unless he
obtained permission from his parents, Kashiramji expressed that he would get
himself attired in white clothes and keep sitting at his feet. Realizing that he
was determined, Acharyashri asked Muniratna Jitendrasagarji Maharaj Saheb to
initiate him. He was named Muni Shri Anandasagarji Maharaj Saheb from that day.
On learning about Kashiramji’s journey to Gujarat and Deeksha his parents went
there and took him back with them despites Kashiramji’s resistance. Now he
discussed the whole matter with his wife frankly. He now spent most of his time
studying books and in meditation. He regularly performed Poushadh. Though he was
in the world, yet out of it. Seeing his indifference towards the worldly life,
his excellent daily routine and his love for asceticism, his parents gave their
permission for Deeksha. Consequently, he again became disciple of Muni Shri
Jitendrasagarji Maharaj and left the materialistic life forever on the
auspicious 10th day of the dark half of Paush in the year v.s. 1994. Now he was
named Muni Shri Kailasasagarji Maharaj. |
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