Gyanmati Mataji
| Ganini Pramukha Aryika Shri Gyanmati | |
|---|---|
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| Religion | Jainism |
| Sect |
Digambara Bispanthi |
| Personal | |
| Born | Kumari Maina Devi Ji 19 October 1934 Barabanki district, Uttar Pradesh |
| Parents |
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| Religious career | |
| Initiation | 02 October 1952 (Sharad Purnima) Shri Mahavirji by Acharya Deshbhushan |
| Website | www |
Ganini Pramukha Aryika Shri Gyanmati Mataji (Sanskrit Āryikā Jñānamati Hindi: आर्यिका श्री ज्ञानमति) is considered as an iconic Jain nun, known for undertaking several projects related to Jainism. The Ganini Pramukh Āryikā is considered as the legendary figure reflecting the true spirit of Jainism among the disciples. She is also eminent for construction of the Jain temples representing Jain cosmology models at Jambudweep, Hastinapur, Uttar Pradesh, which were supported by former Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi. The inauguration of the Jain temples was attended by the former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, N. D. Tiwari.
Born as the first child of Mohini Devi and Chotelal Jain on 22 October 1934 at Tikait Nagar in Barabanki district of Uttar Pradesh,Maina was deeply influenced by "Padmanandi Panchvinshatika" an ancient jain scripture which was gifted to her mother during her marriage by her grandparents. Reading and reviewing the same developed a strong desire to further share study and spread the noble concept of Ahimsa (Non Violence) as described in Jainism. At the tender age of 18 exactly on auspicious day of Sharad Purnima 1952, she decided to dedicate herself in preaching and practicing this religiously and vowed of lifelong Celibacy following the Seven Pratimas as Brahmacharini under the guidance of Acharya Deshbhushan ji Maharaj.
Being the eldest in her family might have developed her ability to learn, share, and take initiatives. Similarly, Padmanandi Panchvinshatika might have played an important role in developing her quest for knowledge. Since her early childhood she started learning Sanskrit with Katantra Roopmala generally referred as Aindra School of Grammar. She continued to research and explore with some of the eminent Jain literature like Gommatsar, Ashtasahasri, Tattvartha Vartika (Rajvartika), Moolachar, Triloksar, Samayasāra etc. and soon expertise in Hindi, Sanskrit, Prakrit, Kannada, Marathi, Gujarati etc. Deeply into research and learning she frequently consulted to some of the senior most Acharyas, Scholars and Jain monks. Sharing and presenting her findings with fellow disciples have groomed her as an important lecturer and public speaker.
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Wikipedia