Preservation and Restoration of Historic Jain Samadhi of Acharya Atma Ram Ji Progressing at Rapid Pace

Gujranwala Ali Imran Chattha
Preservation and Restoration of Historic Jain Samadhi of Acharya Atma Ram Ji Progressing at Rapid Pace
Millions of Rupees Being Spent Under Punjab Government and ETPB Auspices; Work Being Carried Out to International Standards
The preservation and restoration work on the historic Samadhi of the revered Jain spiritual luminary Acharya Shri Vijnanand Suri popularly known as Atma Ram Ji located in Gujranwala, is advancing at a swift pace under the joint auspices of the Government of Punjab and the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB). Millions of rupees are being invested in the project, with all restoration phases being executed in accordance with international preservation standards.
According to ETPB Deputy Secretary Faraz Syed, the preservation of rooms was successfully completed in the first phase, while the second phase currently in progress encompasses the preservation and restoration of the historic Samadhi itself, the main building, and its ancient architectural elements. He further affirmed that the Jain Samadhi restoration project will be completed within the stipulated time frame, and upon completion, the Samadhi will be preserved and restored precisely to its original historic form.
He stated that ETPB Chairman Qamar Zaman and Additional Secretary Shrines Nasir Mushtaq Sukh are extending special personal attention to the reservation and preservation of places of worship and religious heritage belonging to Sikh, Hindu, Jain, and other minority communities. He emphasized that the Government of Pakistan's minority-friendly policy is unambiguous, and that the protection and preservation of sacred sites of all faiths is being ensured without distinction.

Life and Legacy of Acharya Atma Ram Ji
Acharya Atma Ram Ji, who later attained renown as Vijnanand Suri, was born in 1837 in the Lehra area of Punjab. His childhood name was Dita Ram. He is regarded as one of the most distinguished scholars, reformers, orators, and authors in the history of Jainism across the Indian subcontinent. He undertook extensive travels throughout India for the propagation and reform of Jain teachings, achieving distinction in numerous religious and scholastic debates.
Acharya Atma Ram Ji occupies a singular place among those personalities who brought the profound teachings of Jainism to ordinary people in clear, accessible language. At a time when Jain religious literature was largely confined to Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Gujarati, he authored several religious books, prayers, and reformative writings in Hindi a contribution of enduring significance. His celebrated works include Jain Matt Vraksh, Prashnottar, Sanatar Puja, and Nopad Puja.
He played a vital role in the construction of Jain temples across Punjab, Gujarat, and other regions, in the promotion of religious teachings, and in the spiritual guidance of thousands of devotees. Among the many honours bestowed upon him was the distinguished title of Nyayambhu Nidhi.
Acharya Atma Ram Ji passed away in 1896 in Gujranwala, where this grand Samadhi was subsequently constructed in his blessed memory. Prior to the Partition of India in 1947, this sacred site served as a major religious and spiritual centre for Jain devotees across the subcontinent. Pilgrims from India, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Punjab regularly undertook pilgrimages here, and the Samadhi was regarded as a celebrated hub for Jain religious gatherings, worship, and spiritual congregation.

Government's Commitment to Heritage Preservation
Faraz Syed affirmed that ETPB Chairman Qamar Zaman and Additional Secretary Shrines are personally monitoring all preservation and restoration projects to ensure the safeguarding of historical heritage and its transmission to future generations.
Meanwhile, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora Pardhan of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) and Punjab Government's Minister for Minority Affairs and Human Rights, with the distinction of being the first Sikh minister in the history of the Punjab Government underscored Pakistan's unwavering commitment to the reservation and preservation of minority religious heritage. Speaking in a telephonic conversation, he stated that Pakistan is a minority-friendly state where, alongside mosques, the protection and preservation of temples, gurdwaras, samadhis, and other sacred sites is accorded equal importance and care.
He added that the government is taking serious and sustained steps for the preservation of the religious heritage of all faiths, with the broader objective of projecting Pakistan's positive and peaceful image before the international community.

Jain Pilgrims from India
It is noteworthy that there is currently no permanent Jain population residing in Pakistan. However, a few years ago, a delegation of Jain followers from India led by Ashwini Jain and including Jain Guru Shri Dhurinder Vijay Muni Suri visited Lahore and Gujranwala to perform pilgrimage and darshan at their sacred sites. The delegation was received with warm hospitality, and the Jain representatives expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Pakistan for the generous welcome, care, and facilitation extended to them during their sacred visit.
Report: Ali Imran Chattha | Nazrana Times, Lahore