ACHARYA JUGAL KISHORE MUKHTAR

ACHARYA JUGAL KISHORE MUKHTAR
YUGVIR' (1877-22-12-1968)

A great personage ideally devoted to research in Jainology, Acharya Jugal Kishore was born to his parents Shri Nathu Mai and Smt. Bhui Devi in an Agarwal family at Sarsawa, Distt. Saharanpur (U.P.) on Mangsir Shukla 11, VS 1934 (1877). He got his early education in Urdu and Persian. After marriage, at the age of 13-14 years, he started study of Jain philosophy, Hindi, Sanskrit, Prakrit and English languages. On becoming Editor of Jain Gazette in 1907 he took keen interest in research activities.

After 10 years of successful practice as Mukhtar he gave it up in February, 1914 and devoted himself fully to the research and creation of Jain literature.

To initiate research work he established 'Samantabhadrashram' in Karolbagh, Delhi on 21st April, 1929. Its name was changed to Vir Seva Mandir in 1936. It is situated in its own building in 21 Ansari Road, Daryaganj which was built by his untiring and devoted efforts. It is a pioneer institution publishing books and research material on various aspects of Jainology. 'Anekant' started and edited by Acharyaji as monthly magazine, is published by Vir Sewa Mandir as a bi-monthly. It is one of the best magazines on Jain research.

After deep study he wrote authentically on serious and difficult topics. Out of his 35 works, Jain Sahitya Aur Itihas Par Vishad Prakash, Jain Acharyon-Ka-Shasan Bhed, Jain Grantha Pariksha (4 Vol.), Yugvir Nibandhavali (2 Vol.), Yugvir Bharati, Swayambhu-Stotra, Samichin Dharma Shastra, Adhyatma- Rahasaya, Yuktyanushasan, Tatvanushasan, Ratnakarand Shravakachar, Kalyan-Kalpadrum, Yogasar Prabhrat are important literary creations. His small poetic composition 'Meri Bhavna' composed in 1916 has attained national importance. It depicts the high ideals of a true citizen.

He was creator of vast Jain literature, history of Jain Acharyas and a large number of research writers. He was a bold journalist and impartial and courageous critic and commentator. A thinker throughout his life, Acharya Jugal Kishore worked for the universal establishment of Jain concepts.

He expired at Etah after completing the age of 91 years.