Acharya Shri 108 Sudhindra Sagarji Maharaj

Update 15 November 2024

On the auspicious occasion of his birthday, Acharya Shri 108 Sudhindra Sagarji Maharaj was bitten by a black cobra, Kaliya Nag, which came to claim his life. However, as the saying goes, "Whom the Lord protects, no one can harm," this truth was proven today.
After completing the *abhishek* (ritual bathing) and *shanti dhara* (peaceful shower) ceremony, Acharya Shri went to a nearby enclosure for a small nature call. There, a black cobra was lying, and it suddenly struck, biting him on the toe. Initially, Acharya Shri did not inform anyone, but soon he began to feel dizzy. He called Brahmachari Mayank Bhaiya for help and handed him the *pichhi* (ritual broom), saying, "Use the pichhi to remove the venom."
Mayank Bhaiya, chanting the *Vishahar Stotra* (poetry for neutralizing poison), began the ritual of removing the poison. The venom was removed in front of Lord Jinendra at the Jain temple. The disciples were confused and wondered whether a doctor should be called or someone skilled in treating snake venom. However, Acharya Shri calmly replied that if his life was meant to end, so be it, and if not, he would survive. He expressed that it made no difference either way because what matters is the will of Lord Jinendra and Parshvanath.
Acharya Shri further shared a profound thought: "If it were someone else's case, I would have treated them, but how can I treat myself? When a doctor becomes ill, even a compounder can treat him, but a doctor cannot treat himself." With this understanding, Acharya Shri blessed Mayank Bhaiya, handing him the *pichhi* and saying, "You will succeed in removing the venom. The power of Lord Jinendra and the Jain scriptures is so great that even poison can turn into nectar, but one must have faith and trust."
Gradually, Acharya Shri's dizziness stopped, and he was fully recovered. Afterward, as part of his fast, Acharya Shri took a sip of water as nourishment.