Upadhyaya Shri 108 Vigyanand Ji Maharaj

Upadhyaya Shri 108 Vigyanand 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, Upadhyaya Shri 108 Vigyanand Ji Maharaj was born in the secular world on Jan 1, 750 at Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh, India . Their pre-monastic childhood name was 'Vidyananda'. They were born into a pious Digambara household to father Shri Taarachand Jain and mother Shrimati Kamla Devi Jain, whose deep spiritual values laid the foundation for their future renunciation. Prior to renunciation, they completed their education in Higher Secondary.

Realizing the transient nature of worldly pursuits, they renounced worldly possessions to embrace the rigorous Digambara ascetic vows. On Feb 23, 1996 at Devendra Nagar, Madhya Pradesh, India, they were initiated into the preliminary Kshullak/Ailak vows. Subsequently, on Nov 10, 2011 at Hastinapur, Uttar Pradesh, India, under the sacred auspices of Guru Acharya Shri 108 Vasunandi Ji Maharaj, 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 1 sacred rainy-season Chaturmas retreats across multiple Indian states. 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 Vigyanand is residing at Digamber Jain Temple, Pandit Krishnan Dutt Marg, Sector 16, Faridabad, Haryana, India for spiritual discourse and vihar, where devotees gather for daily darshan, pure aahar-charya observances, and scriptural discourses.