Gyansagar

This article is about Digambara Jain Acharya of 20th century. For Digambara Jain Acharya of 21st century with same name, see Gyansagar (Chani).

Gyansagar
Image of digambar acharya (head of the monastic order)
Official name	Acharya Shri 108 Gyansagar Maharaj
Personal
Born	Bhooramal Chhabda
Died	(1973-06-01)1 June 1973 Nasirabad, Ajmer, Rajasthan
Parent(s)	Chaturbhuj and Ghritbhari Devi
Military service
Rank	Acharya
Senior posting
Predecessor	Acharya Shivsagar
Successor	Acharya Vidyasagar
Initiated	Acharya Vidyasagar
Initiation	1959 Khaniya ji, Jaipur by Acharya Shivsagar

Acharya Jnansagar or Gyansagar (Hindi: आचार्य ज्ञानसागर) was a Digambara Jain Acharyas of 20th century who composed many Sanskrit epics. He initiated Acharya Vidyasagar.

Biography

He was born as Bhooramal Chhabda (Hindi: भूरामल छाबड़ा). His father was Chaturbhuj and mother Ghritbhari devi. He was second of five brothers (Chhaganlal being the eldest and Gangaprasad, Gaurilal and Devdatt being the younger brothers).

After completing primary studies in his village, he further studied Sanskrit and swadwad in Banaras at the famous Syadvad Mahavidyalaya founded by Ganeshprasad Varni. He was initiated a kshullak (Junior monk) by Acharya Veersagar who belonged to the lineage of Acharya Shantisagar. He was then named kshullak Gyanbhusan. He remained a kshullak for 2 years and 2 more years as Ailak before becoming a Muni (Full monk).

He was initiated a monk by Acharya Shivsagar who also belonged to the lineage of Acharya Shantisagar, in Khaniya ji, Jaipur in 1959. He was further elevated to the Acharya status in 1968 at Naseerabad, Rajasthan.

He died on June 1, 1973 in Naseerabad.

Works

As an expert in Sanskrit, he had been a great composer in Sanskrit. At least 30 researchers have studied his works and were honored doctoral degrees. At least 300 scholars have presented research papers on his work.
His works includes 4 Sanskrit epics and 3 more Jain Granthas and that too in the time when the Sanskrit composition was almost obsolete. These creations have always surprised the modern Sanskrit scholars.

Tradition

He belongs to the tradition established by Acharya Shantisagar:

1. Acharya Shantisagar
2. Acharya Virsagar
3. Acharya Shivsagar
4. Acharya Gyansagar
5. Acharya Vidyasagar (present leader)