________________
Shri Ainakamjiand in his many sided activities
( By Dr. Amarnath Audich Zira-Dist. Ferozepore )
Atmaramji was a born leader. His life is replete with multifarious activities. Some of them are mentioned here.
I In the field of religion
( A ) Restoration of ancient ideals of worship.
Before the advent of Atmaramji there was a strong tide against " Murti Puja" i, e. idol worship. The iconoclastic Mohamadan Rulers, despite their best efforts, could not root out “Murti Puja”, from the country. At best they succeeded in demolishing some of the richest shrines and the finest temples of the land. The spirit of “ Murti Puja” grew stronger with every onslaught levelled against it. The attacks of christian missionaries proved more baneful. “Murti Puja" as a means of selfrealisatian had been almost lost sight of by majority of Jains in the Punjab. Besides the Christian missionaries the Brahma Samaj and the Arya Samaj were working against the time-honoured idol worship.
Atmaramji realised the danger and fully appreciating the worth of " Murti Puja ” rebelled against the then current tide.
To achieve his end he had to carry on vigorous preaching to educate public opinion on the point of idol worship in the teeth of fierce opposition. All this was a tremendous task but he never faltered in his resolve. With this purpose he toured through the Punjab, Marwar, Mewar, Gujrat and Kathiawar and carried on a vigorous propaganda in its favour.
Shatabdi Granth )
: 97 :
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
