Acharya Shri 108 Tanmay Sagarji Maharaj-1970

Acharya Shri 108 Tanmay Sagarji Maharaj

Acharya Shri 108 Tanmay Sagarji Maharaj was formerly known as Brahmachari Shri Rajendra Varni Ji (Raju Jain). He was born on 2 March 1970 in Ashok Nagar, Madhya Pradesh, to Shri Kabul Chand Jain (Bojhal) and Smt. Pista Devi Jain. He completed his Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.) and pursued extensive studies in Jain philosophy, literature, astrology, and religious consecration sciences, earning qualifications such as Shastri, Sahityacharya, Jyotishacharya, and Pratishthacharya. During his student years, the mere sight of Acharya Shri 108 Vidyasagarji Maharaj awakened a profound sense of renunciation within him. On 21 March 1986, at Shri Kshetrapal Ji in Lalitpur, Uttar Pradesh, he accepted the Brahmacharya vow from Acharya Shri 108 Vidyasagarji Maharaj, and on 31 March 1987, he received the Seventh Pratima from the same revered guru at Siddha Kshetra Sonagiri. Thereafter, he spent nearly ten years at Shri Varni Digambar Jain Gurukul, Jabalpur, undertaking intensive study of Jain scriptures, philosophy, and religious literature. In 1998, he was conferred the title of Varni and was appointed head of Shantiniketan Udasin Ashram near the foothills of Sammed Shikharji, where he actively promoted Jain teachings and spiritual values.
After years of spiritual discipline, scholarship, and ascetic preparation, he received Digambara Muni Diksha on Thursday, 17 April 2014 (Vaishakh Krishna Dwitiya), at Pandwa village in Dungarpur district, Rajasthan, from the present Pattacharya, Acharya Shri 108 Abhinandan Sagarji Maharaj. His extraordinary scholarship, powerful oratory, charismatic personality, profound understanding of Jain scriptures, and exemplary monastic conduct soon earned him widespread respect within the Jain community. As a monk, he traveled extensively, spreading Jain philosophy and presenting its scientific and spiritual principles in a simple and accessible manner. On Friday, 13 November 2015 (Kartika Shukla Dwitiya), he was elevated to the revered position of Acharya. This honor reflected public recognition of his knowledge, character, austerity, spiritual accomplishments, and leadership. His Chaturmas observances were held at places such as Agra, Pratapur (Dungarpur), Badagaon Atishaya Kshetra (Baghpat), and Kairana (Shamli), where thousands of devotees benefited from his sermons and guidance.
Acharya Shri Tanmay Sagarji Maharaj is recognized as an eminent scholar of Jain philosophy, an inspiring speaker, a prolific author, and a dedicated promoter of the Shramana tradition. He possesses command over Hindi, English, Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Bengali languages. His notable published works include Tanmay Prashnottari, Tanmay Aradhana, Gunasthana Rahasya, Siddhi Vachika, Vinishchaya, Karananuyoga Deepak, and Ishtopadesha. In addition, several important works such as Antas Vargana, Atma Vaibhava Stuti, and Vaibhava Karmakalekha remain unpublished. His spiritual discipline, simplicity, compassion, selfless way of life, and unwavering adherence to the scriptural Digambara monastic tradition have earned him a place of great respect in contemporary Jain society. He is revered as a distinguished representative of the unbroken Digambara lineage of Acharya Shri Shantisagarji Maharaj, a leading force in the propagation of Jainism, and a source of inspiration for seekers on the path of self-realization and liberation.

Ahimsa Padayatra 2026

Acharya Shri Tanmay Sagar Ji Maharaj is undertaking a pilgrimage on foot from Shikharji to Gommateshwara Bahubali, proceeding towards the southern region for the Chaturmas of 2026. During this sacred padayatra, he has traveled through numerous villages and cities on foot, visiting and offering reverence at various Jain temples along the way.