Sant Shiromani

Acharya Shri 108 Vidya Sagar Ji Maharaj

संत शिरोमणि आचार्य श्री १०८ विद्यासागर जी महाराज

A legendary saint-poet, a rigorous ascetic, and a beacon of compassion. He revived the ancient glory of Indian handlooms, education, and cow protection while leading a life of supreme austerity.

Acharya Vidya Sagar Ji
Chote Baba

The Walking God of the 21st Century.

Mookmati Creator Humanitarian Philosopher

Divine Journey

Early Life (Purvashram)
  • Name: Vidyadhar (विद्याधर)
  • Birth: 10 Oct 1946 (Sharad Purnima)
  • Place: Sadalga, Dist. Belgaum (Karnataka)
  • Father: Shresthi Mallappa Ji
  • Mother: Srimati Shrimatiji
Ascetic Life
  • Muni Diksha: 30 June 1968 (Ajmer)
  • Guru: Acharya Shri Gyansagar Ji
  • Acharya Pad: 22 Nov 1972 (Nasirabad)
  • Samadhi: 18 Feb 2024 (Chandragiri)
A Unique Spiritual Family

History witnessed a rare event where his entire immediate family renounced the world following his path.

  • Parents: Took Diksha as Muni Mallisagar Ji & Aryika Samaymati Ji.
  • Brothers: Muni Anantanath Ji & Muni Shantinath Ji.
  • Sisters: Aryika Shanta Mati Ji & Aryika Suvarna Mati Ji.
Revolutionary Contributions

Known as a "Sant Kavi", his epic poem "Mookmati" (The Silent Earth) is considered a masterpiece of modern Hindi literature. He championed the cause of:

Hathkargha (Handloom) Pratibhasthali (Education) Dayoday Gaushala (Cow Protection) India not Bharat

Frequently Asked Questions

Insights into the life of the Mahayogi.

He was the most prominent Digambara Jain Acharya of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Known for his rigorous scholarship, simple living, and silence, he was regarded as a "Walking God" by millions. He was a disciple of Acharya Gyansagar Ji.

"Mookmati" is an epic poem (Mahakavya) written by Acharya Shri. It uses the metaphor of soil (mati) to explain deep philosophical and spiritual truths. It has been the subject of numerous PhD theses and is praised by literary critics for its depth and social commentary.

In a historic event on November 22, 1972, his Guru, Acharya Gyansagar Ji, voluntarily gave up his own Acharya position and conferred it upon the young Muni Vidyasagar (then only 26). The Guru then took the vow of Sallekhana (Samadhi) under the discipleship of the new Acharya, a rare example of humility in spiritual history.

He inspired the "India not Bharat" movement (advocating for the name Bharat), promoted the use of Handloom fabrics (Hathkargha) to support non-violent employment, established Pratibhasthali schools for value-based education, and founded hundreds of Dayoday Gaushalas for animal welfare.