Upadhyay Shri 108 Vihasant Sagarji Maharaj-1983

Upadhyay Shri 108 Vihasant Sagarji Maharaj

Upadhyay Shri 108 Vihasant Sagarji Maharaj, whose former name was Pankaj Jain, was born on 12 August 1983 in Jagdalpur (Bastar), Chhattisgarh, into a religious and cultured family. His father is Shri Brijesh Jain and his mother is Smt. Meena Jain. After completing his education up to the 10th standard, he developed a deep inclination toward spirituality from an early age. With the awakening of detachment (vairagya), he undertook the vow of brahmacharya on 22 April 2001. Thereafter, on 24 May 2004 (Shrut Panchami), he received Kshullak Diksha in Nagpur, Maharashtra from Acharya Shri 108 Virag Sagarji Maharaj. Continuing his spiritual journey, he received Muni Diksha on 27 February 2012 at Sonagiri Jain Hill Temples (Sewni), Madhya Pradesh, under the same Acharya, fully embracing the ascetic path.
Recognizing his life of discipline, austerity, and renunciation, he was conferred the पद of Upadhyaya on 13 February 2023 at Pathariya, Rajasthan, again by Acharya Shri 108 Virag Sagarji Maharaj, after which he became widely known as Upadhyay Shri 108 Vihasant Sagarji Maharaj. His life stands as a remarkable example of righteousness, self-discipline, austerity, renunciation, and service. As a distinguished saint of the Shikhar Guru tradition, he has carried forward his guru’s lineage, embodying simplicity, discipline, and profound spiritual practice.
His travels with the sangh took him to places such as Nagpur, Indore, Ujjain, Gwalior, Bhopal, Sagar, Chhatarpur, and Jhansi, where through Chaturmas stays and discourses, he inspired society toward the path of dharma. Inspired by his guidance, several Jain temples and religious constructions were undertaken in places like Morena, Delhi, Agra, and Bhopal. His simple living, high thinking, and dedication to service make him a truly inspirational personality. The life of Upadhyay Shri serves as an ideal for society, conveying the message of discipline, devotion, and spiritual upliftment. On the occasion of his birth anniversary, countless salutations are offered, and following the spiritual path shown by him is the true tribute.