The Saint practiced the Jaina teachings of non-violence, brotherhood, tolerance and compassion for welfare of the society as a whole. He was a great spiritualist, scholar, writer, educationist, crusader of peace, social reformer and a worthy exponent of Hindi and true Nationalism. His Panchamrat, also known as ‘Atma - Vallabh’ mission of Sewa, Sangathan, Shiksha, Swawlamban & Sahitya Prakashan stands as an omni-inspirational shining beacon for all times.
Chhagan-(Childhood name of Shree Vijay Vallabh Suri), was born at Vadodra in 1870 to worthy parents Shri Deepchand (father) and Smt. Icchyabai (mother). They inculcated in him the spirit to strive for divine bliss. He found peace and happiness in listening to the sermons of His Holiness Acharya Shri Vijayanand Suriji Maharaj (popularly known as Guru Atmaramji)-the then highly venerated saint and the most profound scholar of Jainism. Chhagan entered monkhood (sadhu) renouncing worldly life in 1887 at Radhanpur (Gujarat) at a young age of 17 years.
Guru Atmaramji taught Muni Vallabh the Jaina philosophy and contemporary religions with emphasis on Ahimsa (non-injury), Anekant (non-absolutism), Aparigraha (non-possessiveness). Though the illustrious Guruji did not live long, yet he surely stirred the soul of young Muni Vallabh Vijay to give real meaning to religious practices, shun orthodoxy, initiate reforms and set up, not only places of worship, but also educational institutions which would help both young men and women to understand religion in its true sense.
Ordained by the Great Guru, Muni Vallabh worked for the welfare of society irrespective of caste, class and creed. His humane nature, rational outlook, practical Ordained by the Great Guru, Muni Vallabh worked for the welfare of society irrespective of caste, class and creed. His humane nature, rational outlook, practical approach, disciplined life, humble behaviour imbibing true virtues of a Jain Saint, endeared him to the masses. Muni Vallabh through his unique service to Jains as well as others helped in ameliorating the socio-economic condition of a large number of deprived and distressed families. Soon He became one of the most respected and popular Jain Saint of his times.
Foreseeing that without a well knit organization, no mission can sustain, He fostered the formation of Shri Atmanand Jain Sabhas at local level and then Shri Atmanand Jain Mahasabha as an apex body. These well knit organisations are till date fully dedicated to the Atma Vallbh Mission.
Guru Vallabh was bestowed with Acharyaship in 1924 at Lahore (now in Pakistan) which imparted further vigour to his avowed mission. He was endowed with certain divine powers . The Shwetamber Murtipujak Jain Sangha is greatly indebted to Him for His benevolence and spiritual guidance. His profound knowledge and capability won him many laurels. He was adorned with the titles of Kalikal Kalpataru, Ajnan Timir Tarni, Punjab Kesari, Yugveer and the like, which he never coveted.
The visionary Acharya Vallabh was instrumental in the establishment of many schools, colleges, gurukuls, and libraries in addition to temples for worship. He always endeavored for unity and solidarity amongst Jain community and taught them to lead a moral life and serve humanity. His sermons carried clarity, courage and conviction. He practised what He preached and was instrumental in promoting vegetarianism, non-alcoholism and shunning of other vices. He could influence many Kings, Nawabs and national Political leaders and guided them for better service of the nation. Identifying Himself with the freedom struggle, He patronised the use of Khadi and Swadeshi. He was instrumental in penning down the historic “Chicago Prashanottari” as sermonised by Guru Atma and this book acted as a guide for the successful participation of Shri Virchand Raghav Gandhi in the World Parliament of Religions 1893 at Chicago. His contribution for the success of 1912 Muni Sammelan was phenomenal. He worked with missionary zeal for the all round development of the Jain Community-nay the people at large. He adopted Hindi even though his mother tongue was Gujarati. He has composed a number of devotional hymns and pujas, besides writing essays and granths.
At the time of Indo Pak partition in 1947, He was camping in Gujranwala for Chaturmas. In the worst of communal heat, He provided solace and spiritual protection to the community. It was no less than a miracle that Jain Community could have a safe passage to India due to His divine blessings. He motivated the rich and wealthy to help needy migrants in their rehabilitation. His pious thoughts on world peace find national resonance & inspired and aided the doctrine of Panchsheel.
Acharyashree Ji attained Samadhi in 1954 in Mumbai and was succeeded by Shant Murti, Jin Shasan Ratna Acharya Shri Vijay Samudra Suri Ji Maharaj. Honoring the wishes of the devotees it was decided to build a Smadhi Mandir at Byculla, Mumbai. Learned Sadhvi Shree Mrigavati Ji, an ardent disciple of Acharya Vallabh, then camping at Ambala, gave a clarion call to the Jain community to build a befitting memorial unto His Holiness in the national capital. With the blessings. of Acharya Shree Samudra Suriji, she inspired the devotees to form a Trust for this purpose.