95-Year-Old Jain Monk Achieves Historic Translation of Sacred Jain Scripture
In the city of Surat, a remarkable spiritual achievement has been recorded as 95-year-old Jain monk Kulchandrasuriji Maharaj has completed the monumental translation and detailed rewriting of the revered Nishith Granth. This sacred text stands as one of the most significant religious scriptures in Jainism, and its completion marks a historic moment in religious scholarship.
A Four-Year Labor of Devotion Against All Odds
The extensive project spanned over four years and was accomplished despite Kulchandrasuriji Maharaj's advanced age and the significant health challenge of suffering three brain strokes during this period. The monk began this ambitious undertaking at the age of 90 in Palitana, demonstrating extraordinary dedication and resilience in the face of physical limitations.
First Sanskrit Translation in 2,400 Years
The Nishith Granth, which extensively deals with penance, punishment for transgressions, and atonement of sins within Jain philosophy, has been rendered into Sanskrit for the first time in nearly 2,400 years since it was originally composed in Prakrit. This represents a monumental linguistic and spiritual achievement that bridges ancient wisdom with contemporary accessibility.
Kulchandrasuriji Maharaj authored more than one lakh definitions and explanations of 6,703 verses, enriching the original text with detailed interpretations and scholarly insights that will benefit generations of Jain practitioners and scholars. The scripture has been translated into Sanskrit along with elaborate commentaries that provide deeper understanding of its profound teachings.
From Billionaire's Son to Renowned Spiritual Scholar
Born as Kantilal in Pidwada village of Rajasthan to a family of a billionaire textile businessman, Kulchandrasuriji Maharaj made the extraordinary decision to renounce worldly life at the age of 35, even as his wife was six months pregnant. Since that pivotal moment, he has devoted his life entirely to spiritual research and scholarship, becoming one of the most respected figures in Jain academia.
Recognition of a Historic Achievement
Acharya Vijay Padmadarshansuri emphasized the significance of this accomplishment, stating, "Nishith Granth is among the most important Jain scriptures, and only an authorized senior monk is permitted to touch it. Written 2,400 years ago, it is now being translated and rewritten in Sanskrit for the first time." This recognition underscores the gravity and rarity of this scholarly achievement.
A Lifetime of Scholarly Contributions
Over the decades, Kulchandrasuriji Maharaj has authored nearly 90 religious and research-based works, earning him recognition as one of the most prolific Jain scholars of modern times. His linguistic proficiency spans Hindi, Gujarati, English, Marwadi, Sanskrit, and Prakrit, making him uniquely qualified for this monumental translation work.
Grand Celebration of Spiritual Achievement
The completed work comprises 4,000 pages compiled into 12 volumes. In a unique religious celebration befitting this historic achievement, each volume will be carried on a separate elephant in a grand procession through the city, allowing devotees to witness and offer prayers to the sacred texts. Twelve elephants will participate in this magnificent procession that honors both the scripture and the scholar who brought it to new life.
To commemorate this historic achievement, a five-day religious celebration has been organized in Surat for the formal launch of the scripture. This celebration not only honors the completed work but also recognizes the extraordinary dedication of a 95-year-old monk whose spiritual journey continues to inspire countless devotees and scholars alike.
