Acharya Shri Sanmati Sagar Ji & the Spiritual Journey of Kshullak Shri Purnasagar Ji
In the year 1980, after a short stay in Katni, Acharya Shri Sanmati Sagar Ji Rishiraj resumed his spiritual journey (Vihar). Students of Shri Digambar Jain Shantiniketan accompanied the Jain Sangh up to the city limits.
When most returned midway, Acharya Ji smiled and asked, “बस यही तक?” Some ignored the question, but a few students from Patharia stayed back.
Among them was a gentle and disciplined student named Arvind. Unable to resist the Acharya’s mysterious compassion, he replied firmly: “शाम तक चलेंगे।”
That night, the students slept on simple mats. At midnight, Acharya Ji noticed them shivering in the cold. Moved by वात्सल्य (deep compassion), he silently covered them with dry grass.
Arvind awoke and witnessed this silent act of love. In that moment, he resolved: “यही गुरुवर मेरे वैराग्य के बीज को वृक्ष बना सकते हैं।”
Renunciation and Diksha
Two days later, while other students returned home, Arvind continued the journey with the Jain Sangh, serving elderly monks with devotion.
Upon reaching Budhar, Arvind requested Diksha. An astrologer confirmed the most auspicious time: Phalgun Shukla Panchami at 4:52 PM.
Acharya Ji tested his resolve:
- “परिवार बाँधकर ले जाए तो?” — “अडिग रहूंगा।”
- “केशलोंच या मुंडन?” — “केशलोंच करूँगा।”
- “उपवास किया है?” — “आपके आशीर्वाद से होगा।”
Pleased with such दृढ़ संकल्प, Acharya Shri Sanmati Sagar Ji initiated him as a Kshullak. His new ascetic name was declared: Kshullak Shri Purnasagar Ji.
Discipline, Obedience & Guru Bhakti
During the Nagpur Chaturmas, Kshullak Ji actively engaged in स्वाध्याय with learned scholars. His obedience became legendary.
Once, he carried a mat bundle on his head despite a householder offering help, saying simply: “यह गुरुआज्ञा है – इसमें अच्छा-बुरा क्या?”
Deeply pleased, Acharya Ji blessed him. During fasting hardships, Acharya Ji applied घी और कपूर to ease his suffering.
In scorching summers, the Acharya would quietly cover the Kshullak’s body with a wet cloth at night — a profound example of निःस्वार्थ गुरु वात्सल्य.
— Adapted from the unique Tapasvi Granth authored by Chaturth Pattacharya Shri Sunilsagar Ji