Acharya Shri 108 Shashank Sagar Ji Maharaj

Acharya Shri 108 Shashank Sagar Ji Maharaj is a revered ascetic belonging to the Digambara monastic tradition of Jainism. Fully embodying the 28 Mula Gunas (primary ascetic virtues), Mahavratas, and Bhagwan Mahavira's timeless doctrine of Ahimsa (non-violence) and Aparigraha (non-possession), they are venerated widely across the global Jain community.

Prior to renunciation, Acharya Shri 108 Shashank Sagar Ji Maharaj was born in the secular world on May 8, 1983 at Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh, India . Their pre-monastic childhood name was 'Not recorded'. They were born into a pious Digambara household to father Shri Raghuveer Chandra Jain and mother Shrimati Shakuntala Jain, whose deep spiritual values laid the foundation for their future renunciation. Prior to renunciation, they completed their education in B.Sc..

Realizing the transient nature of worldly pursuits, they renounced worldly possessions to embrace the rigorous Digambara ascetic vows. On Jan 26, 2001 at Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India, they were initiated into the preliminary Kshullak/Ailak vows. Subsequently, on Apr 6, 2001 at Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, India, under the sacred auspices of Guru Acharya Shri 108 Tapasvi Samrat Sanmati Sagar Ji Maharaj (Anklikar), they received the sublime Digambara Muni Diksha. They were elevated to the esteemed title of 'Upadhyaya' dedicated to scriptural discourse and canonical study.

Adhering strictly to the Digambara monastic code of pedestrian travel (pad-vihar without shoes or motorized transport), Pujya Shri has successfully observed 6 sacred rainy-season Chaturmas retreats across multiple Indian states spanning from 2007 to 2025. Their untiring vihar on foot has inspired thousands of devotees to adopt non-violence, truth, and spiritual self-discipline.

Their discourses and daily guidance serve as a profound beacon of wisdom for seekers on the spiritual path.

Currently, Pujya Shashank Sagar is residing at Padampura, Rajasthan, India for spiritual discourse and vihar, where devotees gather for daily darshan, pure aahar-charya observances, and scriptural discourses.