Sthanakvasi Jain Upashray, Veraval

Sthanakvasi Jain Upashray, Veraval is a sacred place of devotion and spiritual awakening, located in the birthplace of Saurashtra Kesari Pujya Gurudev Shri Pranlalji Maharaj Saheb. An extraordinary saint whose mere existence was a savior of thousands of souls, his radiant personality and intense hardships echoed like the roar of a lion.

The newly inaugurated Jain Upashray in Veraval, Gujarat, stands as a tribute to his supreme legacy. In the sanidhya of Rashtrasant Param Gurudev Shree Namramuni Maharaj Saheb, this upashray serves as a center for spiritual learning, meditation, and religious discourse, preserving the rich traditions of Jainism.

Pujya Shri Pranlalji Maharaj Saheb

Shri Pranlalji M.S., known as ‘Saurashtra Kesri,’ was a revered figure in the Gondal Gutchh Jain sect. A living legend in Jainism, he dedicated his life to spreading religious knowledge and uplifting the Jain community. With his wisdom and devotion, he introduced three fundamental principles aimed at promoting humanity and religious awareness.

Born on Shravan Vad 5, Vikram Samvat 1954, in Veraval, Gujarat, to Shri Keshavlalbhai and Shri Kunvarbai, Pranlalji M.S. exhibited a deep inclination toward religion from an early age. It is believed that as a child, he would stop crying whenever religious discussions took place in his family, indicating his innate spiritual curiosity.

At the age of five, he was enrolled in a Jain Pathshala for religious studies while also attending school for formal education. By the age of 13, he had gained profound knowledge of Jain scriptures while completing his basic education. However, at 15, he faced personal tragedies with the passing of his mother, followed by his father’s death six months later. These events deepened his spiritual resolve, leading him to embrace monkhood. His Diksha ceremony took place in Bagsra, marking a significant milestone in his spiritual journey.

Throughout his life as a monk, Pranlalji M.S. actively engaged in religious and social reforms. He strongly advocated for respecting diverse perspectives and emphasized unity and peace. His teachings were so influential that Rajputs and Kathi communities, traditionally engaged in hunting, renounced violence and embraced non-violence. Recognizing the struggles of the poor, he encouraged the wealthy to contribute to societal welfare instead of merely pursuing personal gains.

During the global turmoil of Vikram Samvat 1998, when war brought distress worldwide, Pranlalji M.S. focused on social upliftment rather than merely preaching about salvation. Understanding the importance of education, he established a major school in Vadia and founded libraries in Rajkot, Jamnagar, Gondal, and Ranpur under the name "Pujya Dungarsinhji Swami Jain Library." He also promoted the spread of knowledge by setting up additional libraries and educational institutions in various cities.

His three guiding principles reflected his vision: "Samanvayvad ane Akhandanvad" (coordination and respect for all beliefs), "Lokupkar ane Dagdharm ni Pradhanta" (helping the needy and promoting donations), and "Agnan na Nash Mate Vidhyalaya ane Gnanbhandaro ni Sthapna" (eradicating ignorance through education and knowledge centers).

In 1978, during his final Chaturmas at Jetpur, he prepared for liberation by undertaking ‘Santhara,’ a Jain ritual of fasting unto death. For 19 days, he remained in deep spiritual practice before attaining Moksha on Magsar Sud 15, leaving behind an enduring legacy of wisdom, compassion, and reform.