His Holiness Shri Pragyawar Pannalal Ji Maharaj

Rooted in spirituality, Indian society holds a deep reverence for its rich saintly traditions. Our saints and ascetics, alongside spiritual practices and penance, have significantly contributed to communal harmony, eradication of illiteracy and social evils, environmental and biodiversity conservation, national consciousness, and the advancement of education.

His Holiness Shri Pragyawar Pannalal Ji Maharaj was one such enlightened saint, who not only guided the Jain community on the spiritual path but also played a crucial role in social reform. His contributions include imparting education, eradicating social evils, raising national awareness during the freedom movement, fostering communal harmony, promoting environmental conservation, and advocating for de-addiction.

Today, his followers are spread across the globe. Numerous institutions established by him are actively working in the fields of education, social service, healthcare, literature, and de-addiction across India.

Born in the village of Keetalsar, District Nagaur, Rajasthan, on Vikram Samvat 1945, Bhadrapada Sudi 3 (Saturday), corresponding to 9 September 1888, in a humble Hindu Mali family, His Holiness was the son of Shri Baluram Ji and Smt. Tulsa Bai Ji, both simple farmers. 

Demonstrating detachment from worldly life at an early age, he was initiated into Jain ascetic life at just eleven years old by Saint Shri Moti Lal Ji Maharaj.

He mastered Hindi, Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Rajasthani languages and studied various philosophies including Yoga, Nyaya, Sankhya, Mimansa, Vaisheshik, Vedanta, Jain, and Buddhist Darshans. His literary works include Jain Parva Samalochana, Pragya Jinagam Dwipanchshika, Pragya Punj, Rakshika Sambandh, Bhagchand Charitra, and Sheel Saptami Akhyaan.

Believing that religion and culture flourish in a sovereign and secure nation, Pannalal Ji Maharaj played a pivotal role in fostering national integration during the freedom movement through his spiritual discourses. Despite the imposition of Section 144 during the British era in Nasirabad Cantonment, he courageously addressed a large interfaith gathering near Sadar Bazar police station in May 1921, speaking on issues such as cow slaughter, non-violence, and the boycott of foreign goods. The British officials, including the Cantonment Captain, attempted to arrest him but were unsuccessful.

Jain saints traditionally travel on foot, allowing them to closely observe people’s lives. During his foot marches, Maharaj Ji identified and addressed social evils. He inspired village heads and rulers to issue formal decrees (Pattas, Farmans, Rajayadesh) denouncing harmful customs like mrityubhoj (funeral feasts), violence, addiction, and animal cruelty. Notable among these are:

• Patta of Devliya Raj by Thakur Vijay Singh (5 April 1929)
• Patta No. 2160 by Baneda Raja Shri Amar Singh (September 1931)
• Patta by Pihi Raja Shri Madhav Singh (September 1935)
• Patta by Riyan Thakur Shri Ganpat Singh (14 April 1940)
• Patta by Medas Ranjit Singh

These documents, along with inscriptions at Ganaheda and Tilora Temples, stand as living proof of his commitment to non-violence, social reform, and environmental conservation.

During a time when Rajasthan suffered from the menace of dacoits, Maharaj Ji reformed several notorious bandits including Modi Singh and Lakshman Singh of Kharwa, bringing them back into the societal mainstream through compassion and wisdom.

His compassion extended to disaster relief as well. He encouraged followers to aid the famine-stricken people of Bengal, and later during the earthquake of Kutch (Vikram Samvat 2004), he mobilized efforts to send grain, clothes, and funds for the affected.

Understanding the vital need for education in backward regions, Gurudev established several educational institutions. After his nirvana, his disciples carried this mission forward by establishing:

• Shri Pragya Mahavidyalaya
• Shri Pragya Public Sr. Sec. School, Bijainagar
• Shri Pragya Public Schools in Bhinai-Bandanwara, Gulabpura and Masuda
• Pragya International School, Bijainagar

These institutions are managed by Shri Pragya Jain Smarak Samiti, Bijainagar. Additionally:

• Shri Gandhi Sr. Sec. School, Gulabpura
• Shri Vardhman Sr. Sec. School, Bhilwara
  continue to spread the light of education

Medical services are rendered through:

• Shri Pragya Mirgi Nivaran Hospital, Gulabpura
• Shri Pragya Kundan Vallabh Hospital & Research Center, Bijainagar
• Guru Panna Govt : Hospital
• Sohan Hospital & Seva Sansthan, Ajmer

Various organizations working under his name include:

• Shri Nanak Jain Shrawak Samiti, Bijainagar
• Shri Pragya Jain Sangh (in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Surat, Hyderabad)
• Shri Pragya Jain Mitra Mandal (Jaipur, Pali, Beawar, Bhilwara)
• Shri Pragya Jain Yuva Mandal (50 branches)
• Shri Pragya Jain Kishor, Balika, and Mahila Mandals

These are actively engaged in social service, character development, and educational advancement. Other contributions include:

• Shri Pragya Goshala, Sarwar (cow protection)
• Shri Pragya Library, Bhinai (manuscript preservation)
• Shri Shwetambar Sthanakwasi Jain Swadhyayi Sangh, Gulabpura (literature and culture)
• Shri Pragya Prani Rakshak Sangh, Gulabpura (biodiversity and environmental conservation)

Thousands of people from different religions and states are continuously benefitting from these noble endeavors. After 68 years of ascetic life and service, His Holiness Shri Pragyawar Pannalal Ji Maharaj attained nirvana on 3 February 1968 at Bijainagar, Ajmer district.