article-Pujya JagatGuruji!
Meet our Pujya JagatGuru Shri Avichaldevācharya Mahārājshri!
JagatGuru Shri Avichaldevācharya Mahārājshri, or as we lovingly call him, Pujya JagatGuruji was born on September 24th, 1951, in the village of Hathipurā.
A Childhood Full of Promise
From the get-go, young Pujya JagatGuruji was no ordinary child. He was very clever and bright. He had an obedience level that would make any parent proud. He had strong devotion to Shivaji and did seva at the local mandir.
The Early Spiritual Awakening
At the tender age of 17, in March 1969, he decided to give up all worldly attachments and relations. He went to Sārsāpuri, on a mission to serve and learn about Kartā.
The Mentor and the Formal Rite of Passage
Pujya Shri Shitaldāsji Mahārāj (the 6th Kuverāchārya) saw the sparkle in Pujya Jagatguruji’s eyes and accepted him as a shishya (student). Next he went to Kāshi (Banāras) to study the Sāshtras (religious teachings). On May 31st, 1969, he got the formal rite of passage – sādhu dikshā.
The Anointment as a Spiritual Leader
Fast forward to January 14th, 1972 (Uttarāyanna), and Pujya Jagatguruji is anointed as the Seventh Kuverāchārya of the Sampradāya. He became the leader of our Sampradāya.
Unleashing An Abundance of
Holiness
Since then, Pujya JagatGuru Shri Avichaldevācharya Mahārājshri has been on a mission to spread the wisdom of Paramguru. He has had many incredible accomplishments such as:
The Divine 9-Day 210th Paramguru Pragatya Mahotsav: In 1982, he inspired a celebration that lasted nine days to celebrate the 210th Paramguru Prāgataya. Thousands of devotees attended this event!
Mobilizing the Youth: Pujya Jagatguruji established a Yuvā Mandal to get young anuyāyis involved in sevā, bhakti, and gnyān.
Epic Celebrations: In 1990, he organized a 451-day akhand kaival dhun and granth parayan as a part of the Gurugadi Prān Pratishthā Shatābdi Mahotsav.
Educational Crusader: He has established schools in villages like Sārsā and Bālkuver, giving kids a chance at a brighter future.
Visionary Health Care: In 2001, he set up Sat Kaival Eye Hospital to provide free eye care to those in need.
Dowry-Free Marriages: Pujya Jagatguruji started a program that allows girls from poor families to get married without the worry of dowries.
Global Mandir Building: In 2006, he expanded the horizons by establishing the first mandir abroad in Carol Stream, IL (Chicago area).
Fitness Advocate: He’s all about staying healthy and is motivating others to follow suit.
A Hero of the Pandemic
When the pandemic hit in 2020, Pujya Jagatguruji distributed thousands of grocery kits to those in need, raised COVID-19 awareness, and even set up a ‘COVID Care Center’ for those without shelter during the second wave in India.
A Saint Among Saints
The Akhil Bhāratiya Sant Samiti, an organization of saints, repeatedly chooses Pujya Jagatguruji as their President because of his unparalleled knowledge and inspirational leadership skills.
A Gift to Us All
He has established 70 new Kaival Gnyān Mandirs all over Gujarāt and composed numerous prarthanas. His teachings and tireless efforts continue to touch countless lives worldwide.
In Conclusion
JagatGuru Shri Avichaldevācharya Mahārājshri, or our beloved Pujya JagatGuruji continues to give so much to the world by spreading love, knowledge, and kindness wherever he goes. Having a guru like him is nothing short of a blessing. Happy Birthday Jagatguruji, Sat Kaival Saheb!
