What is the connection between Sirohi and Jagadguru Acharya Hiravijay Suri?

Sirohi's link with Jagadguru Acharya Shri Hiravijay Suri (Tapagachchha, successor to Vijaydansuri) is not incidental — it is the town where he was raised to the rank of Acharya. Sirohi Jile me Jain Dharm (p. 25) records that the acharya-padvi was conferred on him at Sirohi, and that he performed the pratishtha of Sirohi's lofty-spired chaumukha (four-faced) temple.

Ahimsa at Sirohi's court: the same account (p. 28) notes that Maharav Surtan of Sirohi issued the order of amari pravartan — a prohibition on the killing of living beings — on Hiravijay Suri's counsel. From the 17th century Sirohi was a stronghold of Jain dharma, with many Jains serving as its Diwans.

Beyond Sirohi: Emperor Akbar, deeply impressed by him, honoured him with the title ‘Jagadguru’ — which is why he is remembered as Akbar-pratibodhak, the one who enlightened Akbar. At his word Akbar issued firmans halting slaughter on Paryushan and other sacred days. He attained swargavas in VS 1652 on Bhadarva Sud 11 at Una (Unnatpur) in Saurashtra, near Diu; his cremation site by the Machhundri river is known today as Shahbag.

Read more: Hirvijaysuri Jivan Charitra — Chimubhai Trikamlal Shroff (1961); Akbar Pratibodhak Heervijaysuri — Arunvijay (1989); Jagadguru Hirvijaysuriji Sankshipta Jivan Charitra — Ratnakirtivijay (2013).