Syed Zainul Abedin, the Diwan of Ajmer’s Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Dargah, has made a significant demand, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to declare Ajmer as a national Jain pilgrimage site. He has also addressed this request in a formal letter to PM Modi, emphasizing the city’s deep-rooted connection with Jain spiritual leader Acharya Vidya Sagar Ji Maharaj.
Ajmer’s Significance as a Spiritual Hub
In a conversation with news agency IANS, Syed Zainul Abedin stated,
“Ajmer is already recognized as a pilgrimage city. It is home to the revered Dargah of Garib Nawaz and the holy Pushkar Temple. The city has also been significant in the lives of Swami Dayanand Saraswati, Swami Vivekananda, and many other great spiritual leaders. Furthermore, Acharya Vidya Sagar Ji Maharaj, a highly respected figure in Jainism, received his initiation here. Given this historical and religious significance, Ajmer should be declared a pilgrimage city in his name.”
Support from Religious Groups
According to Syed Zainul Abedin, the proposal to declare Ajmer a Jain pilgrimage site was initially presented by Sarvadharma Maitri Sangh, representing Jain Maitri Sangh. Expressing his support, Abedin said,
“I decided to take the initiative and write to the Prime Minister. Ajmer is already a place of spiritual unity, and if it is officially recognized as a national Jain pilgrimage city, it will be a symbol of harmony among different religions. The Jain community should also have a prominent place in this recognition.”
Legacy of Acharya Vidya Sagar Ji Maharaj
Acharya Vidya Sagar Ji Maharaj was one of the most revered saints of the Digambar sect of Jainism. He attained the esteemed position of Acharya and dedicated his life to spreading Jain teachings. He passed away on February 17 last year at Chandragiri Tirtha in Dongargarh, Chhattisgarh.
His Contributions to Jainism
- Acharya Vidya Sagar took Digambar Muni Diksha in Ajmer on June 30, 1968, at the young age of 22, under the guidance of Acharya Gyan Sagar Ji Maharaj.
- He was honored with the title of Acharya by Gyan Sagar Ji Maharaj in November 1972.
- His vast knowledge encompassed Sanskrit, Prakrit, Hindi, Marathi, and Kannada.
- He authored several profound works in Hindi and Sanskrit, contributing significantly to Jain literature.
- His teachings and philosophy have inspired hundreds of researchers, leading to numerous master’s and doctoral theses based on his works.
Call for National Recognition
On the first death anniversary of Acharya Vidya Sagar Ji Maharaj, there is a strong demand to officially recognize Ajmer as a pilgrimage city. Supporters believe that this recognition would not only honor his contributions but also enhance religious and cultural unity in India.
Declaring Ajmer a national Jain pilgrimage site would further strengthen its position as a spiritual center, reflecting India’s commitment to preserving its diverse religious heritage.
