Aryika Shri 105 Sheetalmati Mataji-1943

Aryika Shri 105 Shitalmati Mataji

Aryika Shri 105 Shitalmati Mataji was born as Smt. Gendibai Pachori in the year 1943 at Gaamdi, Dungarpur, Rajasthan. She was the daughter of Late Shri Nyalchandji Ghatalia and Late Smt. Jhakubai, and the wife of Late Shri Govardhanlalji Pachori. Her secular education was up to the fourth grade. She received spiritual inspiration from Aryika Shri 105 Gyanmati Mataji. Under the guidance of Acharya Shri 108 Shivsagarji Maharaj, she observed the Brahmacharya Vrat and Second Pratima. Later, she attained the Seventh Pratima from Acharya Kalp Shri 108 Shrutsagarji Maharaj. She received Kshullika Diksha in 1971 under Acharya Kalp Shri 108 Shrutsagarji Maharaj. Subsequently, on Maghsudi Panchami, Samvat 2030, she received Aryika Diksha at Kishangarh from Acharya Shri 108 Shrutsagarji Maharaj in year 1972. Her religious and spiritual education was carried out under the guidance of Acharya Shri 108 Ajitsagarji Maharaj. Her life stands as an inspiring example of discipline, austerity, and spiritual pursuit.

Update January 2026
Aryika Shri 105 Shitalmati Mataji, initiated on Magh Sudi Panchami, 1972 by Acharyakalp Shri 108 Shrutsagarji Maharaj, the last muni disciple of Acharya Shri 108 Veersagarji Maharaj, the first Pattadhish of the unbroken Balbrahmachari lineage of Charitra Chakravarti Acharya Shri Shantisagarji Maharaj, renounced all substances except water on 19 January 2026 at Niwai, in the sacred presence of the fifth Pattadhish of the tradition, Vatsalya Varidhi Acharya Shri 108 Vardhamansagarji Maharaj.
On this occasion, Aryika Shri 105 Shitalmati Mataji sought forgiveness from Acharya Shri and all the monks of the Sangh. In her brief address, remembering all former Acharyas and her Diksha Guru Acharyakalp Shri 108 Shrutsagarji Maharaj, she reverently stated:
“I have been part of the Sangh since the time of Acharya Shri 108 Shivsagarji Maharaj. Acharya Shri 108 Vardhamansagarji Maharaj, please help me cross the boat of Sallekhana bhavana. In the presence of the Guru Sangh, I renounce all forms of possessions and shall keep only a religious prayer booklet. From my next intake, I shall consume only water. I have spent 60 years in the Sangh; if I have caused attachment, aversion, passions or delusion towards anyone, or committed any mistake, I seek forgiveness from Acharya Shri and all monks. Acharya Shri has been on the Acharya Pad for 36 years; may my samadhi occur in his presence, may my soul progress, and may Acharya Shri forgive me.”
Addressing Aryika Shri 105 Shitalmati Mataji, Acharya Shri 108 Vardhamansagarji Maharaj said that Jainism beautifully describes how death is embraced victoriously after birth. In the refuge of the Guru, the path to victory over death is attained. A noble soul purifies the soul through initiation. By removing attachment to the body due to afflictions and disease, many spiritual aspirants have strived to perfect the soul. Aryika Shri 105 Shitalmati Mataji is also performing spiritual discipline through Sallekhana Samadhi. Her Diksha Guru Acharyakalp Shri 108 Shrutsagarji Maharaj also practiced spiritual discipline with great patience. Many seekers before Mataji have striven to make life meaningful.
After 19 January 2026, Mataji will consume only water and has renounced all other substances. The feelings of spiritual aspirants are exalted. Through internal and external austerities, the seeker removes attachment, delusion, and passions. In the Sangh tradition, many ascetics including Acharya Shri 108 Dharmasagarji Maharaj have successively renounced worldly ties. Mataji has closely observed all these seekers. It is prayed that Mataji’s spiritual practice be peacefully successful.
She joined the Sangh during the period of the second Pattacharya Acharya Shri 108 Ajitsagarji Maharaj, inspired by Aryika Shri Gyanmati Mataji. Her education guru was also Acharya Shri 108 Ajitsagarji Maharaj. For many years, she has been practicing austerities as part of the Sangh of Acharya Shri 108 Vardhamansagarji Maharaj.