Sadhvi Vishrut Vibha
1970, in Raipur (Madhya Pradesh) Chaturmas, Acharya Shree Tulsi got a warm welcome but opposition also crossed all boundaries because of his ever increasing fame. Acharya Shree Tulsi penned Jain Ramayan in the form of a poetry. The name of the book was 'Agni-pariksha' which was published in 1961. The virtue of purity of Sita was highlighted in that book, because Sita is accepted as the great and pious woman.
Few people commented that Acharya Shree Tulsi had demeaned the dignity of Sita in that book. They provoked the public and there was mayhem in the city. Acharya Tulsi tried his best to convince the public that there was nothing wrong in the book. He even asked for forgiveness if he had hurt the feelings unintentionally. But the opposite party was not willing to listen and accept. They burnt shops, threw stones on Terapanthi's houses. The person involved in the movement against the book /Agni-Pariksha, asked for assessment of the book. Because of the violence M. P government accepted the proposal. The book was banned. Yet the violence was not ceased. The main purpose of this opposition was not the book, but to demean the respect of Acharya Tulsi. In this political game Agni-pariksha became the victim.
One day they set fire in discourse auditorium which was full of devotees. Violence was increasing day-by-day. So Acharya Tulsi decided to leave Raipur before completing the Chaturmas. Though the local leaders, chief minister of M.P. and Rajasthan, The Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Defense minister Mr. Jagjivanram, religious leaders and the prominent followers requested Acharya Tulsi to not to leave Raipur before Chaturmas. But to bring peace to the city Acharya Shree left Raipur.
People took this issue to the court. Later, Jabalpur High Court lifted the ban on this book. Shree P.K. Tare declared that he disagreed that there was anything written against Sita in the book. After this declaration, the matter was closed.
After a few years, again there was mayhem in Ratangarh and Churu. In Churu, Jayaprakash Narayana came with Prabhudayal Dabdiwala. Acharya Shree Tulsi conversed with them and concluded, "If havoc occurs due to my book, I take my book back though nothing is wrong in it, still violence is not acceptable to me. So I am ready to declare it publicly". Whatever Acharya Shree Tulsi said, he did it. J.P. Narayana said in his speech, "After Mahatma Gandhi, this is the first example where emphasize is given to non-violence".
Many religious leaders like Upadhyay Amar muni ji, Bhadant Anand Kausalyayan, 1008 Shri Goswami Dixit ji, Pt. Braj Mohan Vyas and many other great readers after reading the book appreciated it and could not find any flaw in the book. But perhaps it was destined. But the bold and non-violent step taken by Acharya Shree is an inspiration for millions in coming years.
Acharya Shree Tulsi not only faced opposition but was appreciated and had received accolades for his achievements.
