Upadhayay Muni Shri Kanahiya Lalji Maharaj ‘Kamal’

Born at Kekind (Jas nagar) in Rajasthan in Vikram Samvat 1970, he had his Jain diksha under Shri Fateh Chanda Ji Maharaj at the age of 7 years. Without going through any formal education at schools, he studied various languages and studied Jainism, under the able guidance of his guru, Jain scholars and teachers. At the suggestion of some German scholars, he took up in-depth study of all the Jaina Agamas. This basic study was followed up by intensive research on these epics which finally resulted in the production of various masterly authoritative works for the first time in Hindi language, which contained the whole substance of 32 Agamas into 4 parts, Ganitanuyoga, Dharma Kathanuyoga, Charananuyoga and Dravyanuyoga. Each part is divided into numer of volumes and sections. Apart from these works, he wrote several other books on jainism, essays, stories and translations from Sanskrit and Ardhamagadhi into Hindi language. In nte year 1983, the golden jubilee of his diksha was celebrated where he was warmly facilitated for his great contribution to Jaina literature. He has been an authority on Jain history, philosophy and ancient literature and he is consulted by eminent people on these subjects. Foreign scholars and indologists, particularly Germans have been highly impressed by his works which are considered as basis for further research.

Shri Vardhaman Mahavira Kendra was established at Mt. Abu in Rajasthan due to his inspiration. Similar cntre has also been set up at Deolali (Nasik road) and an Eye Donation centre has been opened at Hyderabad. Of late, he has not been keeping good health but still, he has been taking keen interest in the Jaina studies and new publications and in the religious activities.

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