Shri Ganesh Varni Digambar Jain Sansthan

Nurturing Jain Philosophy

About

It feels wonderful to introduce to you, Shri Ganesh Varni Digambar Jain Sansthan (GVS), one of the oldest and most authoritative institutions nurturing the Jain philosophy and traditions. We hope that you will join this journey. GVS completed its 50 years in 2022.

Shri 108 Ganesh Prasad Varni was a Jain saint, who took to study Jainism out of curiosity when he was young. It made a great impression upon him, and he decided to dive into the depths of Jain Darshan, a beautiful philosophy, which stands on the principles of non-violence, truth, and detachment.

Pandit Phool Chandra Shastri established the Ganesh Prasad Varni Granthmala in the name of Varni ji, in 1947. The Granthmala is, therefore, 75 years old now. It coincides with the Amrit Mahotsav year of India’s independence. Pandit ji expanded the Granthmala into a full fledged institute in the year 1972. It is now known as Ganesh Varni Digambar Jain Sansthan. It has now completed 50 years of its existence. The Ganesh Varni Sansthan has been a premier institute, which publishes authentic Jain books and literature, which are free from any schisms.

We hope to enrich you in many ways as we take you on a journey of the Sansthan.

Jivan Vrat (Life’s Resolution): In the words of Pandit ji

In 1941, Mathura Sangh (Jain Sangh, Chourasi, Mathura) decided to publish ‘Jaidhvala’. I was invited to Banaras (Varanasi) for translation and other works. I reached Banaras again after recuperating with the bodily harm inflicted to my body in the jail (jailed for participating in Quit India Movement) and immersed myself in this holy work. In the meantime Akhil Bhrtiya Digambar Jain Vidwat Parishad was founded and I became the Joint Secretary. I was given the charge of the Ofiice of the Parishad. It was decided that during the special celebrations in Katni, first convention (of the Vidwat Parishad) be held there, under the chair of Varniji. That time ‘Pujyashri’ (revered Varniji) was in Panagar. I went to Panagar. He concurred. The convention was held, but the extremely hectic pace and excess of work brought me down with disease of liver, and I couldn’t  eat even a grain of Ann (staple food).

What is the earning of a Jain Pandit? Do work and get compensation. Earning stopped (due to illness). Whatever Gold, Silver was there, I sold a part of it to make two ends meet. My pitiful condition reached the ears of very compassionate Pujya (revered) Shri (Varni ji). His soul melted. He immediately arranged Rs. 600 by inspiration to Respected Babu Ramswarup ji, Baruasagar. The auspicious foundation of Shri Ganesh Prasad Digambar Jain Varni Granthmala (Publication Series) was laid with the propitious resolve of these Rs 600/-. This is my life’s aim that as far as possible, till my last breath, I will continue to do some work in his (Varniji) auspicious memory.

Foundation

For the fulfilment of above propitious aim Pt Phoolchandra ji Shahstri founded ‘Shri Ganesh Prasad Varni Jain Grnthmala (Publication Series) in the name of Varniji with the blessings of Late Pandit Devkinandan ji Vyakhyan Vachaspati (Lord of Discourses) and cooperation of several highly learned scholars. In due course of time, keeping the aim of carrying out research and publication of Digambar Jain Agam (original, ancient guiding scriptures of Digambar Jains), as the next step in the evolution of above Granthmala, ‘Shri Ganesh Varni Digambar Jain Sansthan’ was founded in 1971 in the world’s most ancient, prestigious, cultural capital Kashi (Banaras, Varanasi). By the motivation of Late Pandit Phoolchandra ji Shastri, wife of Late Shri Danvir (a title of liberal philanthropist) Seth (Rich-man) Bhagchand ji, Dongargarh, Late Shrimati Narmada bai got the building ‘Varni Bhawan’ constructed and donated to Sansthan (Institution), from where the Sansthan has been conducting its activities. This building is situated in the premises of ‘Sanmati Jain Niketan’. This is well known that the entire ‘Sanmati Jain Niketan’ precinct was constructed under leadership of Pandit Phool Chandra ji, in several stages with the help provided by several great philanthropists like, Rai Bahadur Seth Hukum Chand, Indore, Sahu Shanti Prasad Ji, Kolkata, and Seth Baijnath Saravagi, Ranchi.

Presently, Sansthan gets very important and active support in the day to day running from Siddhancharya Phoolchandra Siddhant Shastri Foundation, Roorkee, established by Prof. Ashok Kumar Jain, (Ex-Professor, IIT Roorkee). Prof. A.K. Jain, Roorkee is also the present Secretary of GVS.

Aims of the Sansthan

Research in various aspects of Digambar Jain Vangmay (speechlessly conveyed teachings and sermons of Mahavira and other Tirthankars)

Editing and Publishing of ancient literature of Digambar Jain Vangmay.

To provide substantial support to the serious scholars and students of higher/senior education of Digambar Jain Vangmay.

Establishment of Library and Museum (of Jainism) and its upkeep and running.

Publishing of literature relevant to the time, for the promotion of Digambar Jain religion and resolution and clarification of any misunderstanding which may arise from such literature or activities.

Research and investigation into the Archives of Volumes of Jain literature and cataloguing of these.

To organize Symposia, Dialogue, and Lecture series on Sanskritic (Cultural) and Tatvic (Elemental) topics.

Sansthan has a building spread in an area of 2800 sq ft which has a large auditorium/library, office, and guest house etc. Sansthan has published 60 books so far. The library has approximately 7000 books. In addition, several handwritten manuscripts are preserved in the library of sansthan.