Shrimad Rajchandra

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Shrimad Rajchandra (full name Sri Raychandbhai Ravajibhai Mehta; born November 9, 1867 to Smt. Devba and Shri Ravjibhai on the auspicious day of 9th November, 1867 (Kartik Purnima V.S. 1924), at Vavania (Gujarat, India).in Vavania Bandar, India; died April 9, 1901 in Rajkot, India), was a prominent Jain philosopher. He is especially notable for being one of the greatest influences on Mahatma Gandhi ^[1]. Rajchandra was also one of Gandhi's best friends, and the exchanged a series of letters about religion and philosophy with each other. At the age of seven, on witnessing the burning pyre of an acquaintance, he underwent unprecedented mental churning and attained Jatismaran jnan (a recollection of several past lives) at the cremation ground itself. This vivid recollection of the past, established continuity with his previously attained state of knowledge, meditation and penance. As a result of this purification of his consciousness, many unusual mnemonic and psychic powers manifested in him, but he chose to ignore them, focusing solely on self-realization.

Though young in age, he was spiritually mature, and remained in a state of heightened awareness. Despite a powerful intrinsic attitude of detachment and a burning desire for total renunciation, at the age of 20, he had to tie the knot of marriage and engage in business. Having spent nearly a decade of his life as a householder, ably discharging the responsibilities that had come his way, inwardly he remained completely detached. Worldly pleasures failed to attract him in the least and he spent long hours in profound contemplation and deep meditation.

Ceaselessly immersed in spiritual pursuits, at the age of 23, he attained Shuddha Samyakdarshan (right self-perception). After the age of 28, his responsibilities decreased and he began to spend 4 to 6 months of the year in seclusion at various places in Gujarat, where He lived the life of an ascetic, taking very little food only once a day.

At the age of 32, he was at the threshold of complete renunciation when he contracted an illness from which he never recovered. In spite of extreme physical discomfort, he always remained in a blissful state. Despite comprehensive treatment by doctors and meticulous care by devotees and relatives, all efforts to save his body failed. On 9th April, 1901 (Chaitra Vad Pancham V.S. 1957), at Rajkot, he died in a state of complete awareness.

His successor is Shrimad Rajchandra's ardent devotee, Pujyashri Rakeshbhai Jhaveri. To spread this legacy in 2001, on the auspicious day of Mahavir Jayanti, 'Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram' was established on the blessed land of Dharampur.Shrimad Rajchandra Dharampur Ashram