Muni Tarun Sagar, a revered Digambara Jain monk, left an indelible mark on India’s religious and socio-political landscape. His outspoken views and unwavering commitment to his beliefs garnered both immense popularity and significant controversy.
Biography/Wiki
Born Pawan Kumar Jain on June 26, 1967, in Guhanchi village, Madhya Pradesh, India, Tarun Sagar embraced monastic life at a young age. Also known as Shri Pawan Kumar Jain and Jain Muni Tarun Sagar Ji Maharaj, he quickly gained recognition for his “Kadve Pravachan” (Bitter Discourses), which fearlessly addressed societal issues.
His sharp critiques of contemporary socio-political matters frequently landed him in the media spotlight. His views were widely published in national newspapers, and his discourses were compiled into a book, also titled Kadve Pravachan. He commanded a vast following extending far beyond the Jain community, often invited to address state assemblies.
Family
Tarun Sagar was born to Pratap Chandra Jain and Shanti Bai Jain. He remained unmarried throughout his life, dedicating himself entirely to his spiritual path.
Religious Journey
Leaving home at 13 (March 8, 1981), he pursued his education in Chhattisgarh, initiating as a Kshullak. He became a Digambara monk at 20 (July 20, 1988) in Bagidora, Rajasthan, under the guidance of Acharya Pushpdant Sagar. His popularity soared with the Mahavira Vani program on GTV.
A strong advocate for peace and non-violence, he was deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi. This influence culminated in the “1000 Gandhi” program (October 2, 2012), organized with Dr. Ujjwal Patni, and recognized by Guinness World Records for dressing 891 people as Mahatma Gandhi.
Views
While a prominent Digambara saint, Tarun Sagar openly voiced concerns about global and socio-economic-political issues. Although not actively involved in politics, his opinions were sought after, leading to invitations to address the Delhi and Haryana Vidhan Sabhas.
He frequently engaged in public discourse about controversial topics including Love Jihad, Triple Talaq, terrorism, female foeticide, and more. His participation extended beyond his sect, as evidenced by his involvement with Svetambara monks during Chaturmas in Jaipur, inspiring participation from various Jain sects.
Newspaper Articles & Discourses
Tarun Sagar’s written works and discourses covered a wide range of topics. Some notable examples include:
- Newspaper Articles: “Jealousy fetches you nothing,” “Don’t be egoistic because of your money,” “Dharma seems necessary?,” “I am not Anti-Pandit but Anti-Hypocrisy.”
- Discourses: “Take good care of God and death,” “Stay away from the trap of 100,” “Stop consumption of alcoholic beverages and non-veg food items.”
Controversies
Tarun Sagar’s outspoken nature led to several controversies. His strong views on various social and political issues often sparked heated debates.
| Controversial Topic | Tarun Sagar’s Stance |
|---|---|
| Terrorism | Critiqued both domestic and international terrorism. |
| Love Jihad | Condemned it as a conspiracy. |
| Reservation System | Advocated for merit-based reservation. |
| Self-Styled Godmen | Criticized their hypocrisy and exploitation. |
| Triple Talaq | Questioned the motives behind advocating for Muslim women’s rights. |
Death
Muni Tarun Sagar passed away on September 1, 2018, at age 51 in Delhi, after a prolonged illness. He practiced Santhara (Sallekhana), a Jain ritual of fasting to death.
Facts
- Hobbies: Reading and writing.
- Favorite color: White.
- Enjoyed visiting religious places.
