Vallabhsuri

Vallabhsuri Biography

Vallabhsuri was a Jain monk and the most favourite disciple of Vijayanandsuri, the first Swetambar Murtipujak Jain monk in modern times to receive the title of Acharya. He was the monk who gave the title, Navyug Nirmata (Builder of a new era) to his guru. Apart from being religious, he has been involved in many social activities also. His full name is Acharya Vijay Vallabh Suri. Atma Vallabh Sankriti Mandir, a temple in Delhi was erected to honour him.

Vallabhsuri was born as Chhagan on 26 October 1870 at Vadodara, Gujarat. He was born on the second day of bright half of Kartik month, Vikram Samvat 1927. He met his guru Vijayanandsuri for the first time at Janiseri Jain Upashray, Vadodara. At age of 17 years, he was initiated as a Jain monk Muni Vallabhvijay. This ritual was conducted by his guru Vijayanandsuri on 5th May 1887. In Vikram Samvat 1981, he was conferred the title of Acharya by Sumti Vijay at Lahore. He was also conferred with title of Pattdhar by Jain sangha.

His guru, Vijayanandsuri was a firm believer of education and as a good disciple, Vallabhsuri carried forward his principles and started many educational institutions nationwide. He founded Mahavir Jain Vidyalaya at Mumbai, Vadodara and Pune. Other noted institutions are Aatmanand Jain College at Ambala and Malerkotla, Aatmanand Jain High School at Ludhiana, Ambala, Malerkotla, Bagwada, Hoshiarpur and Jandiala Guru and many more.

He was a firm believer of Mahatma Gandhi's non-violence movement and supported it. His disciples are now a part of Atam - Vallabh Samudai, an ascetic grouping with its head known by the name, Pattadhar. His successors are Samudra Suri, Indradinn Suri and Nityanand suri (from 15 January 2005). He died on 22 September 1954 in Mumbai.

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Updated: December 24, 2013