Among the disciples of Acharya Bhikanji, Bharmalji was his most dedicated and chief disciple. He considered Acharya shri's order more important than his life. There were many things before Acharya Bhikhanji which screamed to be attended. He needed disciples who were polite and had courage to endure rigours of discipline. Bharmalji Swami fully cooperated. Swamiji made codes of conduct to organize the monks of his order which he applied to Muni Bharmal first. It created a good impact on others. The incident relating to irya samiti was not only unique but it also showed an exemplary way of enforcing discipline on monks. Acharya Bhikhanji said to Muni Bharmal- "if someone poitned to your deviation in irya samiti, you will have to expiate by observing (tela) a three days' fast." Bharmalji said, "Gurudeva! if someone alleges that I am guilty out of jealousy even though there was no transgression on my part, shall I undergo penance even then?" Acharya Bhikhanji replied, "if you really commit an error then take it as an act of repentance. If the allegation is false then think that it is the rise of inauspicious karma but you will have to undetake the penance of three days' fast." He accepted this order gladly. But Muni Bharmal's vigilance was unprecedented. He had never a chance to do tela (three days's fast) even once in the entire span of his life. Fascinated by his incomparable qualities, Acharya Bhikhanji nominated him Yuvacharya in vid samvat 1832 in Vithoda. From 1832 to 1860, he continued to serve his master and was nominated as the second Acharya of Terapanth Dharam Sangh after the demise of Acharya Bhikhanji. He was most courageous. He remained unruffled in moments of sufferings.
Order to Leave the City
Once, some opponents of Terapanth told Maharana Bhima
Singh of Udaipur-the then ruler of Mewara that Acharya Bharmal, the revered Acharya of Terapath forbids dana (charity) and daya (compassion). Moreover the city where he stays at for chaturmas remains deprived of rains. If he stays in Udaipur for this chaturmas, the people here will come to great suffering. Without giving any second thought considering it true, Maharana ordered Bharmalji Swami to leave the city at once. As per the ascetic norms that a monk can not stay at any place without permission, he left the city and arrived in Rajnagar- another city. Later on Kesaiji Bhandari, a resident of Rajnagar and an offcial in the then Mewar Govt, finding an opportunity to speak to the Maharana in solite said, "you have expelled a saint from the city who does not trouble even an ant. Now I hear, that it is being considered to expel him from Mewar itself. But bear in mind that nature would never forgive a state where saints are oppressed. After the expulsion of Bharmalji muni, the natural calamity that struck Udaipur also reveals a sort of nature's indignation." Kesarji apprised the Maharana of the real situation. Maharana expressed great repentance over his miatake.
Maharana wrote a letter in his own handwriting immediately- "Please! do not look towards those who indulge in wickedness but just keep mercy at me and the citizens and do visit on us." He gave this letter to Bharmalji with a messenger and requested to come to Udaipur again. On account of his old age Acharya Bharmalji couldn't revisit to Udaipur. Maharana sent another note with a sincere request to visit Udaipur. Acharya shri sent a big group of his monks for charturmas there. It is said that Ranaji in that chaturmas came to listen to the pravacana for 11 times. There are many incidents from his life which give us a glimpse of his inborn goodness and of simplicity.
His love for the study of sacred texts was peerless. During the night, he used to revised more than two thousand shlokas in a standing posture. During his period of spiritual Acharyaship, 38 monks and 44 nuns were initiated into ascetic life.
In vid samvat 1878 on Maagh badi astami, he left his mortal body for heavenly abode. He observed fast for six hours at the end of his life. Acharya Raychandji succeeded him, whom he had nominated as Yuvacharya just one year before his death.
Questions:
- Why was a penance of a tela (three day's fasting) decided for Muni Bharmalji?
- For how many years did he act as Yuvacharya?
- How many monks and nuns were initiated during the period of his acharyaship?
- Who was his successor?
- Write the year of his death.
