Acharya Vidyanand

June 28, 2025

A commemorative postage stamp on the 100^th Birth Anniversary of Acharya Shri Vidyanand Ji Maharaj :

Issued by India

Issued on Jun 28, 2025

Issued for : The Department of Posts is proud to release a commemorative postage stamp in honour of Acharya Vidyanand, a tribute to a spiritual luminary whose life was devoted to the service of humanity and the pursuit of higher truth.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Brochure/Cancellation Cachet : Sh Brahm Prakash

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 202800

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

Name : Surendra Upadhyay

Born on 22 Apr, 1925

Died on 18 Feb, 2024

About :

Acharya Vidyanand’s original name was Surendra Upadhyay. He was born on 22 April 1925 in the house of Kalappa Upadhyay, a senior Muni Acharya of the Jain sect: a prominent thinker, philosopher, writer, musician, editor, and patron.
Acharya Vidyanand’s personality was extraordinary from the very beginning. Helping those younger than him, caring for the sick, and comforting the downtrodden always appealed to him. The internal conflict in his mind kept reminding him to move towards a greater goal. His early experiences in life made him understand the true meaning of human service.
His desire to move towards his real goal was unwavering. His inclination towards religion and asceticism was visible from childhood. He reached Pune in search of a livelihood. There, he got a job in a factory manufacturing military equipment. After a few days, he got a job in a biscuit factory. But he did not like worldly activities, and his mind was constantly immersed in spiritual thoughts.
In 1942, when the Quit India Movement was launched across the country, He too could not remain untouched by its call. The feeling of patriotism and social service was present in him from the very beginning. His experiences of the world, which were mostly bitter, turned him towards detachment form worldly life. In 1946, a wonderful coincidence occurred. Acharya Mahavirkirti performed Varshayoga in Shedwal. He used to listen to Munishri’s discourses every day and get immersed in the soul’s bliss. This revolutionary youth, dressed in modern attire, made simplicity his way of life. It was natural for Acharya Mahavirkirti to pay attention to this youth who came regularly for Gyan Sadhna. He used to talk to him very lovingly and was pleased to hear his thoughts. One day, in the course of a conversation, Surendra expressed his desire to take Muni Diksha in front of Munishri.
Acharya Vidyanand received Kshullak Diksha on 15 April 1946 at Tamdaddi in Karnataka, under the guidance of Acharya Mahavirkirti. After this, he practised rigorous penance, self-study, and service. There was a strong spiritual attraction in his personality, which influenced countless devotees.
Under the guidance of Acharya Deshbhushan, he received initiation on 25 July 1963 at Subhash Maidan in Delhi. With this initiation, he fully entered the life of a monk. Finally, Acharya Ratna Sagar gave him Upadhyay initiation on 17 November 1974 in Delhi, which established him as a prominent figure in the religious community. After this initiation, he began to be called ‘Maharaj’.
The impact of his spiritual journey was not limited to the religious field. He was also active in various fields such as writing, editing, philosophy, and music. He produced many texts in which Jainism and philosophy have been explained in detail. He played an important role in inspiring youth and seekers. Acharya Vidyanand ascended to heaven on 18 February 2024.
Text : Based on information provided by the proponent.